Lincoln Wheat Cent Series

(1909-1958) Lincoln Wheat Cent

Complete History, Key Dates, and Collector Guide

History, key dates, and values from America’s most collected penny series

The Lincoln Wheat Cent series (1909–1958) is one of the most iconic and widely collected coin series in American history. Introduced to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, these pennies marked a major turning point in U.S. coinage and remained in circulation for nearly half a century.

Whether you’re a beginner coin roll hunter or a seasoned collector chasing key dates, Wheat Cents offer history, rarity, and nostalgia in one small copper package.

Lincoln Wheat Cents from various years minted between 1909 and 1958
A selection of Lincoln Wheat Cents spanning the classic Wheat Cent era (1909–1958).

Collectors often start with famous coins like the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Cent before expanding into a full year-by-year set.

Why Lincoln Wheat Cents Matter

Lincoln Wheat Cents were revolutionary when they debuted in 1909.

They were:

  • The first U.S. circulating coin to feature a real person
  • The longest-running U.S. coin design at the time
  • Produced during some of the most important moments in American history

From the VDB controversy to wartime steel cents, this series tells the story of the United States one penny at a time. Each year has a story to tell, from the 1909 VDB initials controversy, to the 1943 steel cent born from wartime copper shortages, to the late-night “oops” that produced the famous 1955 Doubled Die Obverse. These are just a few of the twists and turns the Lincoln Wheat Cent experienced before being replaced in 1959.

Design and Specifications

Obverse:
Abraham Lincoln facing right

Reverse:
Two wheat ears framing “ONE CENT”

Designer:
Victor David Brenner

Composition (most years):

  • 95% copper
  • 5% tin and zinc

Notable exceptions:

  • 1943 steel cents (zinc-coated steel)
  • Late-war alloy changes (1944–1946)
A look at the Lincoln Wheat Cents Obverse to Reverse Sides.
A view of the Obverse and Reverse sides of a high-grade 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent.

Historical Context: America During the Wheat Cent Era

Lincoln Wheat Cents circulated through:

  • Two World Wars
  • The Great Depression
  • The rise of automobiles and aviation
  • The beginning of the Cold War

These coins passed through the hands of Americans during everyday life, from breadlines to battlefields, soldiers and hippies alike used them to help navigate through everyday life.

Key Dates and Famous Wheat Cents

Some Wheat Cents are considered common, others are legendary and heavily sought after.

Most famous and valuable:

  • 1909-S VDB
  • 1909-S (No VDB)
  • 1914-D
  • 1922 No D
  • 1931-S

Special varieties and errors:

  • 1943 Copper Cent
  • 1944 Steel Cent
  • 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
  • Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and die breaks

These coins are the icons of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series and drive long-term collector demand.

Question: Do YOU have a favorite Wheat Cent? Is it listed above?
My Answer: My favorite used to be the 1943 Steel Penny (boring, I know) until I saw my first 1955 DDO at a coin show. It was instant love-at-first-sight. What can I say? I’m a sucker for one of the most insane doubling seen on any circulation coin.

Wheat Cent Mint Marks Explained

  • No mint mark = Philadelphia
  • D = Denver
  • S = San Francisco

Mint mark location varies slightly by year but generally appears below the date on most Wheat Cents.

Lincoln Wheat Cent Values: What Drives Price?

Three factors matter most:

  1. Mint mark – San Francisco and Denver issues are often scarcer
  2. Condition – Mint State coins can be worth many times more
  3. Originality – Cleaning and damage significantly reduce value

Some Wheat Cents are worth a few cents, others thousands of dollars, sometimes more.

High-grade Lincoln Wheat Cents with select historical auction results
Select high-grade Lincoln Wheat Cent auction results shown for historical reference.

How to Collect Lincoln Wheat Cents

Popular collecting approaches include:

  • Year-by-year sets (1909–1958)
  • Mint mark sets
  • Key date-only collections
  • Error and variety hunting
  • Coin roll hunting

This flexibility is one reason the series remains so popular.

Lincoln Wheat Cent Year-by-Year Guides

Use the links below to explore individual years in detail:

1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1912 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1914 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1915 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1917 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1918 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1920 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1921 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1922 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1923 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1924 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1925 Lincoln Wheat Cent

1926 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1927 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1928 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1929 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1932 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1933 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1934 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1935 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1936 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1941 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1942 Lincoln Wheat Cent

1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1947 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1950 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1951 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1952 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1953 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1954 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1957 Lincoln Wheat Cent
1958 Lincoln Wheat Cent


(Links will expand as the series grows)

➡️ Each year page includes history, values, fun facts, FAQs, and a mini quiz.

Fun Facts About Wheat Cents

  • Many people first discover Wheat Cents in pocket change
  • The design lasted longer than the Indian Head cent
  • Millions were saved during WWII due to copper shortages
  • Counterfeits of key dates are extremely common

Frequently Asked Questions about the Wheat Cent

Lincoln Wheat Cents are one of the most widely collected U.S. coins, and certain questions come up again and again, especially for new collectors. Below are clear, practical answers to the most common questions about Wheat Cents, covering circulation, legality, value, collecting tips, and preservation.

Are Lincoln Wheat Cents still found in circulation?

It is becoming more and more rare, but they still pop up in coin rolls. They are extremely popular on auction sites like eBay and Heritage Auctions.

Are Lincoln Wheat Cents still legal tender?

Yes. Lincoln Wheat Cents remain legal tender in the United States, though their collector value is often higher than their face value, from a few cents more to thousands of dollars.

What is the most valuable Wheat Cent?

The 1909-S VDB and 1943 copper cent are among the most valuable. One of the lesser valued but more famous would be the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny.

What is the easiest way to start collecting Wheat Cents?

Many collectors begin by assembling a year-by-year set from circulated examples, upgrading key dates later as budgets and interests allow. You can find people selling bulk Wheat Cent bags on sites like eBay but be aware, coins of significant value have most likely been removed already.

Should I clean Wheat Cents?

No. Cleaning almost always reduces value. Some think they can do a “little” cleaning and it won’t be noticed. If you or someone else gets the coin graded, they WILL notice. Definitely.

Why do some Wheat Cents look darker or lighter than others?

Color differences are usually caused by age, environmental exposure, and storage conditions. Original copper color is an important factor in grading and value.

Mini Quiz: Wheat Cent Basics

.. were you paying attention? Let’s see!

Which year introduced the Lincoln Wheat Cent?
Why was the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent made from steel?
Which variety is considered one of the most famous Wheat Cent errors?

Summary: Lincoln Wheat Cents (1909–1958)

Lincoln Wheat Cents were produced from 1909 to 1958 and were the first U.S. coins to feature a real person, Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, they include famous rarities like the 1909-S VDB and wartime issues such as the 1943 steel cent. Values vary widely depending on mint mark, condition, and rarity, making Wheat Cents one of the most popular and historically rich U.S. coin series to collect.

Wondering where to start your
Lincoln Wheat Cent Adventure?

Why not start at the beginning?

1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent