The Complete Lincoln Wheat Penny Guide (1909–1958)

Are you curious about the Lincoln Wheat Penny? Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned numismatist, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about these historic American coins. From their origins and design to rare dates and values, this guide is your complete reference to Lincoln Wheat Cents minted between 1909 and 1958.

What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin that was minted by the United States Mint from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks flanking the words “One Cent” on the reverse. This reverse design is what gives the coin its nickname — the Wheat Penny or Wheat Cent.

Brief History

Introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first U.S. coin to depict a real person. Designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner, the coin was both a political statement and a piece of art.

The earliest version included Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.”, prominently on the reverse, which sparked controversy. As a result, the initials were removed and only reappeared — subtly — on Lincoln’s shoulder in 1918.

Design Details

• Obverse: Profile of Abraham Lincoln
• Reverse: Two wheat ears and inscriptions “One Cent,” “United States of America,” and “E Pluribus Unum”
• Designer: Victor David Brenner
• Composition (1909–1942): 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
• Composition (1943): Zinc-coated steel (due to WWII copper shortage)
• Composition (1944–1958): 95% copper again

Key Dates and Rarities

Most Wheat Pennies are common, but several rare dates and mint mark combinations are highly sought after. Here are the most valuable Wheat Pennies:

• 1909-S VDB: Only 484,000 minted. Highly collectible, especially in higher grades.
• 1914-D: A semi-key date with only 1.2 million minted. Frequently counterfeited.
• 1922 No D: Denver was the only mint in operation that year, but some dies lacked a visible “D”. Scarce and in demand.
• 1931-S: Low mintage of just 866,000 — often overlooked.
• 1943 Bronze Cent: These were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets instead of steel. Only a few dozen exist and can fetch over $100,000.

Common Values by Condition

Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are not worth much in circulated condition, but those in excellent shape or rare date/mint combinations can be worth a lot more. Here’s a general breakdown:

Coin	Good (G-4)	Very Fine (VF-20)	Mint State (MS-63)
1909-S VDB	$750	$1,250	$3,000+
1914-D	$150	$300	$1,000+
1922 No D	$400	$800	$2,500+

Tips for Collecting Lincoln Wheat Pennies

• Start with a penny board or folder to track which dates/mints you have.
• Buy coins from reputable dealers or certified grading companies (PCGS, NGC).
• Check your pocket change! You’d be surprised what turns up.
• Use a loupe to inspect for errors or doubling on the date/mint mark.
• Handle coins carefully — by the edges — to avoid damaging the surfaces.

Grading and Authentication

Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Lincoln Wheat Pennies. A coin graded MS-65 by PCGS or NGC will sell for many times more than the same coin in a raw, circulated state. It’s also the best way to ensure authenticity, especially for valuable rarities like the 1909-S VDB or 1943 bronze cent.

How to Store Your Collection

Proper storage preserves both value and beauty. Use non-PVC holders, folders, or 2×2 cardboard flips with Mylar windows. Avoid humid or extreme environments — coins can tone or corrode over time if not protected.

Conclusion

Lincoln Wheat Pennies are an accessible and fascinating entry point into coin collecting. They offer a glimpse into American history and can be surprisingly valuable. Whether you’re hunting for a rare key date or just filling in a penny album, there’s a thrill in every find.

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