Lincoln Wheat Cents · Great Depression Era
1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent
History, mintage, varieties, and collector value of the 1932 Lincoln Wheat cent
Quick Facts — 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent
- Year Issued: 1910
- Series: Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909–1958)
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.0 mm
- Mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), San Francisco (S)
- Total Mintage: Approximately 151 million coins
- Key Note: First full year after the controversial removal of the “V.D.B.” initials
- Collector Status: Common date overall; condition-sensitive in Mint State, especially 1910-S
Why the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent Matters
The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent is an early “second-year” issue that bridges the famous 1909 VDB controversy and the long Wheat cent run that lasted through 1958. For many collectors, it represents an affordable way to own an early pre–World War I Lincoln cent without the steep premiums attached to the first-year issues.
Because it was struck after the removal of Victor David Brenner’s VDB initials, the 1910 cent also serves as a clear teaching example when explaining why certain 1909 cents are so heavily collected.
From a collecting standpoint, the 1910 Wheat Cent is common in circulated grades but becomes noticeably scarcer in true Gem Mint State, particularly with full original red color. This combination of early-series history and condition-based scarcity keeps the 1910 cent relevant to both beginner and advanced collectors.
Design and Specifications
The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent retains Victor David Brenner’s original portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with IN GOD WE TRUST above, LIBERTY to the left, and the date to the right.
The reverse features two stylized wheat ears framing the denomination ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM along the top.
Specifications:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.0 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner (both sides)
Proof cents were also struck in 1910 for collectors. With a mintage of just 2,405 pieces, the 1910 proof cent is dramatically rarer than business strikes and represents a major specialty within the year.
Historical Context: America in 1910
In 1910, the United States was deep into the Progressive Era, a period marked by industrial expansion, urban growth, and political reform. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft pushed for modernization across many areas of American life, including coinage.
The Lincoln cent itself was part of this shift. Roosevelt wanted U.S. coins to carry greater artistic dignity, and Lincoln became the first real historical figure to appear on a regularly circulating U.S. coin. By 1910, Americans were growing accustomed to seeing Lincoln’s portrait in everyday transactions, cementing the Wheat cent as a symbol of early 20th-century commerce.
Varieties and Mintages
1910
(Philadelphia)
(no mint mark)
1910-D
(Denver)
1910-S
(San Francisco)
The Philadelphia Mint struck the vast majority of 1910 Lincoln cents, all without a mint mark.
- Approximate mintage: ~146.8 million
- Common in circulated grades
- Much scarcer in MS65 and higher, especially with full red color
This issue is widely available but becomes condition-sensitive at higher grades
There is no genuine 1910-D Lincoln Wheat Cent. The Denver Mint did not strike Lincoln cents in 1910. Any claimed “1910-D” examples are the result of misreading damage, die chips, or altered coins.
This misconception makes the nonexistent 1910-D a useful teaching point for newer collectors.
The 1910-S Lincoln cent is the semi-key issue of the year.
- Approximate mintage: ~6.0 million
- Significantly scarcer than the Philadelphia issue
- Strong demand from date-and-mintmark collectors
While affordable in low grades, the 1910-S becomes increasingly valuable in Extremely Fine and Mint State condition.
| Issue | Approx. Mintage | General Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 (no mint mark) | ~146.8 million | Common circulated; scarcer in Gem red |
| 1910-S | ~6.0 million | Scarcer; semi-key in higher grades |
| 1910-D | 0 | No official issue |
Key Dates, Errors, and Varieties
The 1910 date does not feature a major business-strike variety on the level of the 1909-S VDB, but several collecting angles remain popular:
Minor errors
Proof issues
Condition rarities
1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Overview
Value depends primarily on mint mark, grade, and color designation for uncirculated coins.
- 1910 (no mint mark)
- Circulated examples are inexpensive
- Mint State values rise sharply with grade and color
- 1910-S
- Commands premiums even in lower grades
- High-grade Mint State examples are strongly sought after
As with most Wheat cents, originality and eye appeal play a major role in determining market value.
Fun Facts About the 1910 Wheat Cent
- No Wheat cents dated 1910 carry the VDB initials; they did not return until 1918 in small form on Lincoln’s shoulder.
- The Philadelphia Mint’s 1910 output was the largest Lincoln cent mintage to date at that time.
- The 1910 proof cent is far rarer than any business-strike issue from the year.
FAQ — 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Got a quick question about the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent? Here are the answers collectors ask most often.
Is a 1910 wheat penny rare?
Does a missing letter make my 1910 penny a rare error?
Where is the VDB on a 1910 Lincoln cent?
Was there a 1910-D wheat penny?
How can I tell if my 1910 penny is valuable?
Are there any valuable errors or varieties on the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent?
Still have more questions?
Drop your question in the comments.
Quiz: Test Your 1910 Lincoln Cent Knowledge
1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent — Takeaway
The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent is an approachable early-date issue that reflects the stabilization of the Lincoln cent series after its controversial debut. With a common Philadelphia issue, a scarcer 1910-S, condition-sensitive value, and a very low-mintage proof, the 1910 cent offers historical depth and collecting interest across a wide range of budgets.