Lincoln Wheat Cents · Great Depression Era

1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent

History, mintage, varieties, and collector value of the 1932 Lincoln Wheat cent

Quick Facts — 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent

Year Issued: 1911
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), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
Total Mintage: Approximately 132 million coins
Key Note: First year with regular three-mint production after the V.D.B. controversy era

Why the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent Matters

The 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent represents the third year of America’s beloved wheat penny series. While collectors often focus on the famous 1909-S VDB, the 1911 offers its own appeal, particularly the low-mintage 1911-S, which has earned recognition as a semi-key date among early Lincoln cents. With coins struck at all three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco), the 1911 gives collectors an opportunity to build a complete date-and-mint set from the series’ early years.

Graded 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent highlighting the wheat reverse and early-series Lincoln portrait. — _{A high-quality 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent used to demonstrate design details and typical appearance in collectible condition.}

Design and Specifications

Victor David Brenner’s design remained unchanged from the previous year. Lincoln’s right-facing portrait dominates the obverse, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” arched above his head, “LIBERTY” positioned to the left, and the date 1911 to the right. The reverse features the iconic twin wheat stalks that gave these pennies their nickname, framing “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across the top.

Key Specifications:

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.0 mm
Edge: Plain
Designer: Victor David Brenner

One notable feature: the 1911 cent carries no designer initials, a point of interest for collectors tracking the VDB controversy timeline. Brenner’s famous “VDB” initials, which caused controversy when they appeared prominently on 1909 cents, were removed entirely and wouldn’t return until 1918, when they reappeared in tiny letters on Lincoln’s shoulder.

The U.S. Mint also produced matte proof versions in 1911, struck in very small quantities (approximately 2,400 pieces) for collectors who ordered them directly from the Mint.

Historical Context: America in 1911

The year 1911 found America deep in the Progressive Era under President William Howard Taft. The country grappled with debates over corporate trusts, tariff reform, and political change. Cities were growing rapidly, automobiles were becoming more common, and reformers pushed for workplace safety and consumer protection laws.

The Lincoln cent itself was still relatively new to American commerce, just two years old in 1911. It represented a shift in U.S. coinage philosophy, being the first regular-issue coin to feature a real historical figure rather than allegorical Liberty. Many older Americans in 1911 still had Indian Head cents jingling in their pockets alongside these newfangled Lincoln pennies.

Mintages and Mint Marks

Three facilities produced Lincoln cents in 1911:

Mint	Mint Mark	Mintage	Relative Scarcity
Philadelphia	(none)	101,177,787	Common
Denver	D	12,672,000	Better date
San Francisco	S	4,026,000	Semi-key date
Philadelphia	(none)	~2,400 proofs	Rare

The mint mark appears on the obverse beneath the date. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark, while Denver and San Francisco issues show a small “D” or “S” respectively.

The 1911-S stands out with its low mintage of just over 4 million, a figure that places it firmly in semi-key territory. While not as rare as the 1909-S VDB or later keys like the 1914-D, the 1911-S commands respect and premium prices, especially in higher grades.

Key Dates and Varieties

1911-S Semi-Key Date

The 1911-S is the star of this year. Its 4,026,000 mintage makes it one of the more challenging early San Francisco cents to acquire in nice condition. Collectors building date-and-mint sets often find this coin to be a significant expense, particularly when searching for examples in Very Fine or better condition.

1911-D Better Date

While not a true key date, the 1911-D is noticeably scarcer than its Philadelphia counterpart. With a mintage of about 12.7 million, it’s roughly one-eighth as common as the 1911 (no mint mark). This translates to higher values across all grades, with the premium becoming more pronounced in About Uncirculated and Mint State condition.

Varieties and Errors

The 1911 Lincoln cent doesn’t have any famous major varieties like the 1955 Doubled Die or 1972 Doubled Die. However, minor varieties exist:

Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): Both Denver and San Francisco coins can be found with minor repunched mint marks, where the “D” or “S” was punched slightly off-center and then corrected. These carry small premiums for variety collectors.
Die Cracks and Cuds: Various minor die cracks appear on 1911 cents from all mints, typical of bronze coinage from this era.
Matte Proofs: These special collector strikes feature a distinctive granular, non-reflective surface that differs dramatically from business strikes. Original, problem-free examples are quite valuable.

1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent Values

Values vary significantly based on mint mark, grade, and color designation. Third-party grading services classify copper coins as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD) based on the amount of original mint luster remaining.

1911 (no mint mark)

Good to Very Fine: $0.25–$3
Extremely Fine: $4–$8
About Uncirculated: $10–$25
MS-60 to MS-63: $20–$50 (BN/RB)
MS-65: $100–$300+ (condition and color dependent)
MS-65 Red: $400+

1911-D

Good to Very Fine: $3–$10
Extremely Fine: $15–$30
About Uncirculated: $40–$80
MS-60 to MS-63: $75–$200
MS-65 Red: $800–$2,000+

1911-S

Good to Very Fine: $25–$75
Extremely Fine: $90–$150
About Uncirculated: $175–$300
MS-60 to MS-63: $350–$800
MS-65 Red: $2,500–$5,000+

1911 Matte Proof

PR-63: $1,500–$3,000
PR-65: $4,000–$8,000+

Note: These are approximate retail values and can fluctuate based on market conditions, eye appeal, and certification.

Collecting Tips

When searching for 1911 wheat cents, keep these tips in mind:

Check bulk lots: Common-date 1911 Philadelphia cents still turn up in mixed wheat penny lots and can be found for face value or minimal premiums in circulated condition.
Examine mint marks carefully: Make sure that “S” or “D” is genuine and not added after minting. Compare the mint mark’s size and style to certified examples.
Color matters: For Mint State coins, red examples command significant premiums over brown ones. However, attractively toned red-brown specimens often offer better value.
Buy the book before the coin: For expensive 1911-S purchases, consider only certified examples from PCGS or NGC to ensure authenticity and accurate grading.

Fun Facts About the 1911 Wheat Cent

While not as famous as some earlier issues, the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent includes several details that help explain its role in the early Wheat Cent series.

Why the 1911-S Is Often a Collector’s First Semi-Key

The 1911-S is often the first semi-key San Francisco mint cent that new collectors pursue after tackling the more expensive 1909-S and 1910-S.

Why Most Collectors Never See a 1911 Matte Proof in Person

Matte proof 1911 cents are so rare that most collectors will never see one in person, jjjjjonly in auction catalogs or museum displays.

Why Worn 1911 Philadelphia Cents Still Turn Up Today

Despite being over 110 years old, well-worn 1911 Philadelphia cents are still common enough that you can occasionally find them in circulation or in old coin jars.

How Many 1911 Cents Were Made, and Why So Few Survive

The total mintage of all 1911 cents (including proofs) was approximately 117.9 million coins, yet the vast majority have been lost, spent, or destroyed over the decades.

FAQ — 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent

Got a quick question about the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent? Here are the answers collectors ask most often.

Is a 1911 wheat penny rare?

The regular 1911 Philadelphia cent is common, but the 1911-D qualifies as a better date and the 1911-S is considered a semi-key date. Rarity increases dramatically in higher grades for all three mints.

Where is the mint mark on a 1911 wheat penny?

The mint mark appears on the front (obverse) of the coin, directly below the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.

How much is a 1911 penny worth?

A worn 1911 (no mint mark) might be worth 25 cents to a few dollars. A 1911-D typically starts around $3–$10 in circulated grades. The 1911-S commands $25 or more even in heavily worn condition, with nice examples bringing hundreds of dollars.

Was there a 1911 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent?

Yes. Proof Lincoln cents were struck in 1911 at the Philadelphia Mint in limited numbers for collectors. These matte proof coins are far scarcer than regular business strikes and can be quite valuable, especially when well preserved.

Does the 1911 penny have the VDB initials?

No. The 1911 cent has no designer initials anywhere on the coin. The VDB initials wouldn’t return until 1918, when they were added in tiny letters on Lincoln’s shoulder.

Should I have my 1911 wheat penny graded?

Professional grading is most worthwhile for 1911-S coins, high-grade Denver examples, or unusually well-preserved Philadelphia cents with strong detail and original color. Common circulated pieces often do not justify the grading cost unless they show exceptional quality.

Still have more questions?

Drop your question in the comments.

Quiz: Test Your 1911 Lincoln Cent Knowledge

Which 1911 Lincoln cent is considered a semi-key date?

Approximately how many 1911-S cents were minted?

Where do the VDB initials appear on 1911 Lincoln cents?

1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent — Takeaway

The 1911 Lincoln Wheat cent represents the series settling into its early rhythm after the turbulence of 1909–1910. With strong production across all three mints and no major design changes, most 1911 cents are readily available, making them approachable for new collectors. That said, the 1911-S adds a layer of condition-based challenge, reminding collectors that even “common” years can reward patience, eye appeal, and careful grade selection.

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