The Lincoln Wheat Penny, often called the Wheat Cent, stands as one of the most iconic coins in American history. Minted between 1909 and 1958, this humble one-cent piece has captured the attention of collectors for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting your coin-collecting journey, the Wheat Penny holds both historical and monetary value—and some rare specimens could be worth a fortune.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the fascinating world of Lincoln Wheat Pennies: their history, key features, rare variants, and how to identify those that could be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin first issued in 1909 by the U.S. Mint to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait—setting a precedent still followed today.
- Obverse (Front): Displays a bust of Abraham Lincoln.
- Reverse (Back): Features two stalks of wheat, symbolizing agriculture and prosperity.
- Years Minted: 1909–1958.
- Successor: The Lincoln Memorial Cent (introduced in 1959).
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, a Jewish-American artist and sculptor. Commissioned by the U.S. Mint in 1907, Brenner’s work was chosen to celebrate the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. It marked a turning point in American coinage by portraying a U.S. president for the first time.
Originally released in 1909, Brenner’s initials “VDB” were included on the reverse. However, they were quickly removed due to criticism, making the 1909-S VDB one of the rarest coins in the series.
The Wheat Penny was replaced in 1959 by the Lincoln Memorial Cent, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This marked the end of the Wheat Cent era but sparked new interest among collectors.
Key Design Features of the Wheat Cent
Obverse (Front)
- Portrait: Right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln.
- Inscriptions:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” (top)
- “LIBERTY” (left side)
- Year of minting (right side)
Reverse (Back)
- Design: Two wheat ears flanking the inscriptions.
- Inscriptions:
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (top)
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” (center)
- “ONE CENT” (bottom)
Mintmarks
- No mintmark: Philadelphia
- D: Denver
- S: San Francisco
Transition to the Lincoln Memorial Cent
In 1959, the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Memorial Cent, replacing the wheat stalks with an image of the Lincoln Memorial. While the obverse stayed the same, the new design aimed to modernize U.S. coinage and continue honoring Lincoln’s legacy.
Value of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Most Wheat Pennies are worth between 1¢ and $0.50, but rare and high-grade examples can fetch thousands—even millions—at auction. Factors like rarity, condition, and mintmark dramatically influence value.
What Affects a Lincoln Penny’s Value?
- Rarity: Certain dates and mintmarks (like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D) are far more scarce.
- Condition (Grade): Coins are graded from 1 to 70 on the Sheldon Scale. Mint St
How to Identify Valuable Wheat Pennies
To uncover hidden treasures in your coin stash, follow these steps:
- Check the date and mintmark carefully.
- Inspect for errors (double strikes, missing letters, off-center prints).
- Grade your coin using the Sheldon Scale or send it for professional grading (PCGS or NGC).
- Use a magnifying glass to examine finer details and signs of wear.
How to Buy and Sell Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Buying Tips:
- Purchase from reputable coin dealers or certified online marketplaces (like eBay or Heritage Auctions).
- Check the seller’s reviews and ensure the coin includes grade certification when possible.
Selling Tips:
- Have rare coins professionally graded to increase their market value.
- Sell through auction houses, online coin markets, or trusted dealers.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a piece of old pocket change—it’s a piece of American history. Whether you’re collecting for fun, profit, or nostalgia, these coins offer immense value and potential.
From the rare 1909-S VDB to common but beloved mid-century cents, your old coin jar could be hiding a small fortune. By learning to identify key dates, errors, and mintmarks, you can uncover hidden gems that might fetch thousands—or even millions—at auction.
So don’t toss that old penny—check your closet, coin jar, or attic. You might just strike gold.
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