The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a key piece in the early history of U.S. coinage, representing one of the first full years of the beloved Lincoln cent series. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the Lincoln penny began circulation in 1909 and has become one of the most widely collected coins in American numismatics. In this guide, we’ll explore the history, value, mint varieties, grading tips, and investment potential of the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny.
History of the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It replaced the Indian Head cent and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. The reverse featured two stalks of wheat, symbolizing prosperity, and the obverse displayed a side profile of President Lincoln.
The 1910 issue marked the second year of production and carried forward the same design. It was minted at two locations: Philadelphia (no mintmark) and San Francisco (mintmark “S”).
Mintages and Varieties
There are two major varieties of the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- 1910 (Philadelphia Mint)
- Mintage: 146,801,218
- Mintmark: None
- Availability: Common in lower grades; scarcer in uncirculated condition.
- 1910-S (San Francisco Mint)
- Mintage: 6,045,000
- Mintmark: “S” under the date
- Availability: Scarcer overall; much rarer in higher grades.
The 1910-S is significantly more desirable among collectors due to its lower mintage and relative rarity in grades of MS-63 and above.
Design Features
Obverse:
- Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right.
- Designer’s initials “V.D.B.” are located on the shoulder of Lincoln (not the reverse, as in 1909 VDB cents).
- The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches above Lincoln’s head.
- The word “LIBERTY” appears to the left, and the date (1910) is on the right.
Reverse:
- Two wheat ears along the edges.
- “ONE CENT” centered in bold font.
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” beneath.
- Motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top.
The simple and classic design made the Wheat Penny a favorite among collectors and remains a symbol of early 20th-century American coinage.
1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide
The value of a 1910 penny depends on its condition, mintmark, and whether it has been professionally graded.
1910 (No Mintmark)
| Grade | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.25 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $0.75 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $2.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $5.00 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $12.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Red) | $150+ |
1910-S (San Francisco)
| Grade | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $10.00 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $25.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $40.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $75.00 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $125.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65 Red) | $1,000+ |
💡 Pro Tip: Red coins (as in “MS-65 Red”) refer to uncirculated coins that retain their original copper color, and they command the highest premiums.
Key Factors That Affect Value
- Color (Red, Red-Brown, Brown)
Red coins are most valuable, followed by red-brown, then brown. - Strike Quality
Well-struck 1910-S coins are particularly rare and more desirable. - Surface Preservation
Coins with fewer contact marks and minimal wear fetch higher prices. - Authentication and Grading
Coins graded by PCGS or NGC are trusted and sell for higher premiums.
How to Identify Counterfeits
Although the 1910 penny is not among the most commonly counterfeited coins, the 1910-S in high grades is occasionally faked. Watch for:
- Added “S” mintmarks on Philadelphia coins.
- Poorly defined details or off-color surfaces.
- Inconsistencies in the font or spacing of lettering.
For high-value coins, always buy from reputable dealers or have the coin certified by a third-party grading service.
Tips for Collectors
- Start with circulated coins to build a full Lincoln Wheat Penny set.
- Invest in uncirculated coins only when you’re ready to commit to serious collecting.
- Use proper storage: Coin holders, albums, or slabs to protect from oxidation.
- Focus on color and eye appeal—1910 Red coins with full luster are highly desirable.
Is the 1910 Lincoln Penny a Good Investment?
While not a key date, the 1910-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is an excellent semi-key coin for investors due to its limited mintage and increasing demand for early San Francisco cents. Its value tends to appreciate over time, especially in high grades.
The Philadelphia version, while more common, is still a solid choice for beginners and offers a gateway into Lincoln cent collecting. Many collectors attempt to complete a full year set from 1909 to 1958, so demand for even the more common dates remains steady.
Fun Fact: What Makes the 1910 Penny Unique?
Unlike the controversial 1909-S VDB penny, the 1910 version does not feature the “VDB” initials on the reverse. Instead, they were moved subtly to Lincoln’s shoulder on the obverse, where they remain to this day.
This design change ended one of the earliest numismatic controversies and allowed Brenner’s initials to remain part of the design.
Conclusion
The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a piece of change—it’s a relic of early 20th-century America and a staple in any serious penny collection. Whether you’re just starting out or hunting for that elusive red-gem 1910-S, this coin offers history, value, and investment potential.
From novice collectors to seasoned numismatists, the 1910 penny is a rewarding coin to own. Keep an eye on condition, color, and authenticity, and you may just add a valuable treasure to your collection.