Lincoln Wheat Cents · Great Depression Era
1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent
History, mintage, varieties, and collector value of the 1932 Lincoln Wheat cent
1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent — Quick Facts
- Mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
- Total mintage: ~76 million coins combined
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.0 mm
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Notable notes: First year with mintmarks moved to below the date
- Collector focus: San Francisco issues and original surfaces
Why the 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent Matters
The 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent marks the fifth year of production for America’s iconic wheat penny. This year continues the pattern established in 1911 and 1912, offering collectors a three-mint set with yet another semi-key S-mint issue. For many numismatists, 1913 represents the final year of relative calm before World War I disrupted global metal supplies and changed the landscape of coin collecting forever.
Design and Specifications
No design changes occurred in 1913. The coin maintained Victor David Brenner’s original vision, now five years into its run and thoroughly familiar to the American public.
Key Specifications:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.0 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
The absence of VDB initials continues, as it would through 1917. The Mint also produced matte proof specimens in small quantities, with production estimates ranging from 2,800 to nearly 3,000 pieces, slightly higher than the previous two years.
Historical Context: America in 1913
The year 1913 brought significant changes to American government and finance. The 16th Amendment was ratified, establishing the federal income tax. The Federal Reserve System was created with the passage of the Federal Reserve Act, fundamentally reshaping American banking. These changes reflected the Progressive Era’s focus on modernizing government institutions and regulating big business.
Internationally, tensions were rising in Europe. While World War I wouldn’t begin until the summer of 1914, the political situation was becoming increasingly unstable. For Americans, however, 1913 was still a year of relative peace and prosperity.
In popular culture, the first crossword puzzle appeared in the New York World newspaper, and Henry Ford introduced the moving assembly line at his Highland Park plant, revolutionizing manufacturing. The Lincoln cent, meanwhile, continued its quiet work as America’s everyday penny, with the older Indian Head design now largely replaced in circulation.
Mintages and Mint Marks
Three mints produced Lincoln cents in 1913:
| Mint | Mint Mark | Mintage | Relative Scarcity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (none) | 76,532,352 | Common |
| Denver | D | 15,804,000 | Better date |
| San Francisco | S | 6,101,000 | Semi-key date |
| Philadelphia | (none) | ~2,848 proofs | Rare |
Mint marks appear below the date on the obverse side. The 1913-S mintage of 6.1 million represents the highest production among the three classic early-teens S-mint semi-keys (1911-S, 1912-S, 1913-S), making it slightly easier to obtain than its predecessors, though still quite challenging and valuable in higher grades.
The 1913-D shows the highest Denver mintage of these three years, at nearly 15.8 million pieces, yet it remains a better date compared to Philadelphia’s 76.5 million.
Key Dates and Varieties
1913-S Semi-Key Date
The 1913-S ranks as another classic semi-key in the Lincoln cent series. Its mintage of about 6.1 million puts it in the company of other desirable early S-mint cents. While more available than the 1911-S or 1912-S in absolute numbers, the 1913-S remains challenging to find in nice condition and commands strong premiums, particularly in grades above Very Fine.
1913-D Better Date
With nearly 16 million struck, the 1913-D is more common than its 1911 and 1912 counterparts but still qualifies as a better date. Collectors appreciate the 1913-D for its relative affordability in circulated grades while still offering enough scarcity to maintain collector interest.
Varieties and Errors
The 1913 cent lacks any famous major varieties, but collectors have documented several minor variations:
- Repunched Mint Marks: Both D and S issues can be found with slight RPMs where the mint mark punch was applied more than once.
- Die Cracks and Breaks: Various die states exist showing progressive cracking and deterioration.
- Minor Doubled Dies: Small doubling can be found on some examples, though nothing approaching the dramatic varieties of later years.
- Matte Proofs: The 1913 matte proofs are particularly prized for their sharp strikes and distinctive satiny surfaces. Finding examples with original surfaces and no cleaning or damage requires patience and usually a significant investment.
1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent Values
Here are approximate retail values for 1913 Lincoln cents:
1913 (no mint mark)
- Good to Very Fine: $1–$5
- Extremely Fine: $6–$12
- About Uncirculated: $15–$35
- MS-60 to MS-63: $35–$90 (Brown/Red-Brown)
- MS-65 Brown: $175–$350
- MS-65 Red: $600+
1913-D
- Good to Very Fine: $4–$12
- Extremely Fine: $18–$35
- About Uncirculated: $45–$90
- MS-60 to MS-63: $100–$275
- MS-65 Red: $1,000–$2,500+
1913-S
- Good to Very Fine: $25–$70
- Extremely Fine: $90–$160
- About Uncirculated: $180–$350
- MS-60 to MS-63: $400–$900
- MS-65 Red: $2,500–$5,500+
1913 Matte Proof
- PR-63: $2,000–$4,500
- PR-65: $6,000–$12,000+
Market values vary. Certification, strike quality, and eye appeal all influence final pricing.
Collecting Tips
When building a 1913 set, consider these strategies:
- Grade consistently: Decide on a target grade (such as VF-20 or XF-40) and stick to it across all three mints for a uniform appearance.
- Budget for the S-mint: The 1913-S will consume the largest portion of your budget. Plan accordingly and be patient waiting for a nice example at a fair price.
- Inspect for problems: Older copper coins often suffered from environmental damage, cleaning, or harsh handling. Avoid problem coins even if they seem like bargains—original surfaces always command stronger prices.
- Join a club: Local coin clubs and online forums can help you network with other collectors and find better deals than retail pricing.
Fun Facts About the 1913 Wheat Cent
Beyond dates and values, the 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent has several interesting details that help explain its place in the early Wheat Cent series.
The “Easiest” Semi-Key Still Isn’t Easy
Collectors Bought 1913 Proofs Direct from Mint
A Snapshot of America Before World War I
A Penny With Surprising Modern Buying Power
Still Turning Up More Than a Century Later
A Quiet Year Before Major Mint Changes
FAQ — 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Got a quick question about the 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent? Here are the answers collectors ask most often.
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Quiz: Test Your 1913 Lincoln Cent Knowledge
1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent — Takeaway
The 1913 Lincoln cent marks a subtle but important transition year with the permanent relocation of mintmarks beneath the date. While Philadelphia and Denver issues are readily available, the 1913-S stands out as the key challenge, especially in higher grades. It is an excellent early-series date that rewards careful attention to strike quality and color.