Lincoln Wheat Cents: A Numismatic Journey Through History

Lincoln wheat cents (or wheat pennies) are American one-cent coins minted from 1909 to 1958, named for the wheat design on their reverse. The coins are a numismatic staple, with many hobbyists starting their collection with a wheat cent set.

Nicknames for these coins are “wheaties” and “wheat backs.”

The wheat cents kicked off the Lincoln cent series, which is the longest running US coin design ever, continuing today. Other reasons why wheat cents are significant:

1. They’re the first US coins to depict a president and first regular-issue coins to depict a real person.

2. They’re considered extra lucky to find — both for superstitious and value-driven reasons.

3. They’re the first cents bearing the official US motto (“In God We Trust”).

4. One has been on the Mars rover Curiosity as a calibration target since the rover landed in August 2012.

5. The 1943 steel wheat cents are the only US circulation coins that have zero copper and are magnetic.

Through our years in the coin industry, we know just how special wheat cents are to the collecting community. We’re excited to share all the history, varieties, and values of Lincoln wheat cents today!

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1912-P (No VDB) Lincoln wheat cent, graded MS67+RD by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Historical Background

Before Lincoln wheat cents, no real person had appeared on a regular-issue US circulating coin.

The idea for the Lincoln cent series started when President Theodore Roosevelt kicked off the Renaissance of American Coinage in 1904. Roosevelt had sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens redesign all the circulating coins.

However, Saint-Gaudens only finished the double eagle and Indian head gold eagle before passing away in August 1907.

By 1908, Roosevelt got to the one-cent coin. Since the assassinated former president Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday was coming up in 1909 and many citizens wanted Lincoln coinage, Roosevelt opted to replace the Indian head cent with a design honoring Lincoln.

Design & Release

Roosevelt met Lithuanian sculptor Victor David Brenner in late 1908. Brenner had previously sculpted a Lincoln plaque; Roosevelt admired the sculpture and asked Brenner to adapt it for the new Lincoln cent.

This was Brenner’s first time designing a coin, though, which led to conflicts with US Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. Consequently, the coin was redesigned many times over seven months, passing the initially desired release date of Lincoln’s birthday on February 12.

The design was finally approved by Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh in July 1909.

The public was excitedly anticipating the coin’s release. The initial release on August 2, 1909, was even more successful than expected.

But the wheat cent’s first controversy came quickly.

Pictured above: Close-up of original V.D.B. initials on reverse of 1909-S VDB Lincoln wheat cent | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

VDB Initials Controversy

The first wheat cent patterns had Brenner’s full name inscribed on the reverse, but Barber had him adjust it to just the initials “V.D.B.” in a large font instead.

The same day as the coin’s release, newspapers published criticism that the initials were illegal marketing, and MacVeagh suspended the coin’s production three days later (August 5) to remove the initials, claiming the monogram was too prominent.

(Note: The initials were not illegal marketing. The practice was common on most coins.)

Some theorize that Charles Barber was behind the change. They claim he set up Brenner as conceited and pompous for using his initials out of resentment for not being chosen to design the coin and working with an outsider.

As MacVeagh publicly announced the change, chaos and hoarding ensued as the public assumed the pennies were discontinued or recalled. The mint started making new pennies without Brenner’s initials on August 14.

Eight years later, Treasury officials finally requested the mint to restore Brenner’s initials. The monogram came back in January 1918 on a less prominent spot.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1943 steel wheat cent | Image credit: National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History; Public domain

World War II Wheat Cents

In 1941, the US joined World War II, so the military needed more copper and tin. Copper cent production decreased from July until December 1942, when Congress passed a bill for wheat cents to not contain copper from 1943 to 1946.

The US Mint experimented with new alloys, and the 1943 wheat cents were zinc-coated steel, dubbed steel war pennies, zinc cents, wartime cents, and steelies.

The military was pleased, but the public wasn’t — the new cents wouldn’t work in vending machines, corroded easily, and were hard to distinguish from dimes.

So, the mint returned to the original copper-based composition in 1944, allegedly using copper recycled from shell casings for 1944-1946 “shell case cents.”

The government said they weren’t recalling steel coins but secretly told banks to remove them from circulation (presumably to be melted down) after the war ended.

Tin was removed for 1947 cents on.

Specifications & Types of Wheat Cents

First, the general specs on wheat pennies:

• Weight: 3.11 g (1909-1942, 1944-1958); 2.72 g (1943)

• Diameter: 19.05 mm / 0.75 in

• Thickness: 1.5 mm / 0.06 in

• Composition: Bronze - 95% copper & 5% zinc and tin (1909-1942, 1944-1946); Zinc-coated low-grade carbon steel - 99% steel & 1% zinc coating 0.013 mm thick (1943); Brass - 95% copper & 5% zinc (1947-1958)

• Edge: Plain

There are two general categories of wheat cents:

1. Type 1 (1909-1942, 1944-1958): Bronze or brass composition of 95% copper

2. Type 2 (1943): Steel composition

Some numismatists might also categorize VDB issues and post-WWII brass issues.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1936 Lincoln wheat cent satin proof, graded PR67RD by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Proof Varieties

Proof wheat cents were minted from 1909 to 1916, then 1936 to 1942, then 1950 to 1958.

One significant issue was the 1936 penny, the first wheat penny proofs available to buy in sets.

Wheat cent proofs have three types:

1. Matte Proofs (1909-1916): First proofs; Struck from proof dies with lightly etched surfaces, resulting in matte but still reflective appearance; Harder to distinguish from circulation varieties

2. Type 1 Satin Proofs (1936): Produced during first half of the year; Partially mirrored surfaces

3. Type 2 Brilliant Proofs (1936-1942): Started in second half of 1936, continued until start of WWII; Typical level of brilliance with fully mirrored surfaces

The mint suspended proof production during WWII and resumed making wheat cent proofs again in 1950. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs are only known from 1936 on.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1918 Lincoln wheat cent with V.D.B. initials restored on obverse | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Design and Evolution

The design of Lincoln pennies was revolutionary and emblematic of the American culture of its time.

According to interviews with Brenner in 1909, he gradually made his design of Lincoln smiling to be “more intimate, deeper, more kindly” and “show the sunshine as well as the goodness of his life.”

The two wheat heads symbolize that “in America there is plenty, and plenty to spare.”

Why the cent? For one, it could be redesigned without Congressional approval, as the previous design passed the 25-year circulation minimum. But more poetically, it represented Lincoln’s reputation as a man of and for the common people.

Brenner stated in another 1909 interview that he liked Lincoln on a cent because it was “the piece of money most familiar to the masses. It was Lincoln who said that God must love the common people because he made so many of them.

Reporter & Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg reiterated this in the Milwaukee Daily News: “The common, homely face of ‘Honest Abe’ will look good on the penny, the coin of the common folk from whom he came and to whom he belongs.”

Pictured above: Photo by Matthew Brady taken on February 9, 1864 of President Abraham Lincoln looking at a photo album with his son Tad | Image credit: Library of Congress, Free use

Obverse Design

The obverse (heads side) of Lincoln wheat cents features a low-relief portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right.

The portrait is based on Brenner’s earlier relief sculpture, which historians believe was based on:

1. A 1861 Civil War portrait of Lincoln by Mathew Brady,

2. Another 1864 Brady photo of Lincoln with his son Tad (image above),

3. An 1860 beardless Lincoln photograph by Preston Butler, or

4. An 1864 photo of Lincoln by Brady’s manager, Anthony Berger.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” is across the top, while “LIBERTY” is to Lincoln’s left and the mintage year is to his right. If present, the mint mark is under the mintage year.

In 1916, Barber slightly modified the design to extend the die life. In the new version, Lincoln’s coat and cheek are less wrinkled.

From 1918 to 1958, Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” are on the obverse, where Lincoln’s shoulder meets the bottom left rim.

Reverse Design

The reverse (tails side) of the wheat cent features two ears of durum wheat partially encircling the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The traditional US motto “E • PLURIBUS • UNUM” is inscribed along the top curve.

In 1909 VDB issues, the initials “V.D.B.” are along the bottom rim.

Pictured above: Closeup of mint mark on 1909 S/S "S Over Horizontal S" Lincoln wheat cent error coin | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Minting and Production

The years of wheat pennies were 1909 to 1958. Three mints struck the coins, denoted by their mint mark:

• None — Philadelphia Mint

• “D” — Denver Mint

• “S” — San Francisco Mint

Philadelphia issues may be referred to with a P (e.g. 1910-P) or no designation (e.g. 1910). All proof wheat cents were struck in Philadelphia.

Four varieties of wheat cents were produced in 1909: two types with VDB initials and two types without. The total of 1909 VDB cents is over 28 million, but only around 1.7% of those came from San Francisco.

The Denver Mint started minting wheat cents in 1911, and all three mints struck the coins for most years after. One notable exception is 1922, when only Denver minted wheat cents, all from worn dies.

Throughout 1943, all three mints struck the new variety for a total of over 1.09 billion steel cents.

The highest circulation mintage was the 1944-P steel issue at over 1.4 billion.

Denver’s highest mintage issue was 1956-D at almost 1.1 billion. San Francisco’s highest mintage issue was 1944-S at over 282 million.

Collecting and Grading

Lincoln wheat cents are always worth more than one cent, but their value drastically varies.

The exact value of a Lincoln wheat cent depends on:

• Variety: Circulated varieties (business strikes) are most abundant, but value can increase for proof varieties.

• Rarity: Low-mintage issues (fewer coins were struck) or issues with fewer survivors command higher prices.

• Mint Errors: Unintentional errors, especially rare or famous types, will increase value.

• Demand: Market value fluctuates with the fluctuating popularity of wheat cents or particular wheat cent issues.

• Condition: A well-preserved wheat penny will usually carry much higher value, especially for an issue that’s rarely in good condition.

Condition is typically given as a grade by a professional third-party service like Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

Having your coin graded and authenticated is particularly important for wheat cents, as many are counterfeited. Commonly counterfeited wheat cents include 1914-D, 1909-S VDB, 1931-S, and 1922 “No D” (“Plain”).

Another important consideration is the mint. Philadelphia cents are typically struck better than Denver and San Francisco cents (especially 1911-1927 issues), so graders take this into account.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1950 Lincoln wheat cent proof graded PR67+DCAM by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Wheat Penny Grades

Different coin grading systems exist, but the general wheat penny grades are:

1. Uncirculated: Never circulated & properly stored; Looks like it did the day it was minted

2. Mint State (MS): Like Uncirculated but with sub-grades from 60 to 70 for many visible marks to flawless, respectively

3. Specimen (SP): Definition varies among grading agencies, but generally between a Mint State and Proof grade; Often used for experimental or pattern cents

4. Proof (PR or PF): Struck as a proof coin; Sub-grades from 60 to 70 just like Mint State; Three subtypes:

   1. Standard Proof: Background (field) isn’t highly reflective

   2. Cameo (CAM): Rarer; Background highly reflective plus a) light to moderate frosting on obverse & reverse, b) not frosted, or c) frosted on only one side

   3. Deep/Ultra Cameo (DCAM or UCAM): Rarest; Background highly reflective plus highly & evenly frosted obverse & reverse

5. About Uncirculated (AU): Very minor wear on high points of design from brief circulation, well-preserved surfaces, near-complete mint luster; Sub-grades from 50 to 58

6. Extremely Fine (EF or XF): Complete details, light wear on high points; Sub-grades 40 & 45

7. Very Fine (VF): Moderate to complete details, wear on high points; Sub-grades 20 to 35

8. Fine (F): 50 percent or less of detail flat, visible to sharp letters & digits; Sub-grades 12 & 15

9. Very Good (VG): Wear throughout, letters & digits soft but readable; Sub-grades 8 & 10

10. Good (G): Outer letters & digits full to slightly worn, slightly worn to sharp rims; Sub-grades 4 & 6

11. About Good (AG-3): Mostly readable letters & digits, worn rims

12. Fair (FR-2): Some visible details, traces of outer letters, flat

13. Poor (PO-1): Only date, mint mark, and year identifiable

Color is another crucial factor.

Color Grades for Copper Wheat Pennies

For all but steel pennies, the coin’s color will oxidize with exposure, thanks to the copper content.

That means you’ll see an extra grade designation for copper wheat pennies:

• Red (RD): Most well-preserved; MS60 or higher with 95 percent or more of original red color

• Red-Brown (RB): Somewhat well-preserved; MS60 or higher with 5 to 95 percent of original red color

• Brown (BN): Least well-preserved; Less than 5 percent of original red color

The color grade comes after the main grade (e.g. “MS67RD” or “VG8BN”).

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1909-S VDB key date Lincoln wheat cent, graded MS66BN by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Key Dates and Varieties

Collectors often look for rare varieties and “key dates” — wheat pennies that are harder to find, often because they’re from low-mintage or low-surviving issues.

Common wheat cents are usually worth 5 to 20 cents, whereas rare varieties have sold for up to $1.7 million!

Key Dates

The number-one key date is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, dubbed the “holy grail” and “king” of Lincoln cents. It’s not the most expensive, but it’s the lowest-mintage circulation strike (at 484,000) and the most famous.

The most expensive 1909-S VDB cent (graded MS67RD) sold for $168,000 in 2022. For perspective, even a specimen graded G4BN sold for $500 in 2013.

Other key dates include:

• 1914-D: Among lowest circulation mintages (~1.2 million); Worth $100 to $185,000

• 1931-S: Second lowest circulation mintage (866,000) & often hoarded; Worth $70 to $42,500

• 1909-P VDB: High mintage & high survival rate but still sought-after; Worth $17 to $60,000

Additionally, the 1909 VDB proof issue is the top proof key date. The issue has the second lowest mintage (1,194) after 1916 proofs (1,050) but the fewest survivors at ~62. A 1909-VDB proof is worth $7,000 to $38,000.

Pictured above: Obverse and reverse of a 1943 Lincoln cent struck on bronze planchet instead of zinc-coated steel planchet | Image credit: Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc., Public domain

Errors

Many mint errors are known on wheat cents, but some are famous. The most famous? 1955 doubled-die Lincoln cents.

Around 15,000 are known, valued from $1,375 to $30,500. The most expensive sold for $20,400 in 2020.

Another iconic pair of examples: 1943 copper/bronze cents (image above) & 1944 steel cents. Both were accidentally struck on planchets from the year before.

Around seventeen 1943 bronze cents are known: 4 from San Francisco, 1 from Denver, and 12 from Philadelphia. The 1944 steel cents are slightly less rare, with around 35-39 known: 2 from San Francisco, 7-10 from Denver, and 27-30 from Philadelphia.

Both coins have sold for record-setting prices: $1.7 million in 2010 for a 1943-D bronze cent and $408,000 in 2021 for a 1944-S steel cent.

However, that 1943-D bronze cent resold in 2021 for $840,000.

The current most valuable penny ever sold is another rare error variety: the 1958-P DDO (doubled-die obverse) cent. Only three are known, and one sold for over $1.13 million in 2023.

Pictured above: Close-up of doubled-die elements on obverse of red 1958-P DDO error coin | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Other known errors on wheat pennies include:

• 1909-P VDB DDO: First DDO in series, ~500 known; Two types – Type 1 has stronger doubling & higher value, worth $26 to $750

• 1909-S/S “S Over Horizontal S”: Repunched mintmark (RPM); Worth $50 to $29,000

• 1917-P DDO: Doubling on year & motto; Worth $70 to $135,000

• 1922 “No D” or “Plain”: Only circulation issue without intended mint mark (Denver Mint); Best subtype is Strong Reverse, worth $285 to $275,000

• 1936-P DDO: Three subtypes – best is Type 1, worth $50 to $45,000

• 1944-D “D Over S”: Overpunched mintmark (OMM); Worth $45 to $57,500

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1942 Colombian pattern coin (J-2060) in brown plastic, graded SP67 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Experimental & Pattern Coins

When Congress announced that 1943-1946 cents couldn’t contain copper, the US Mint (and private firms) made several pattern coins to test different alloys: the “1942 experimental cents.”

The 1942 experimental cents fall into two categories, based on the dies used:

1. Colombian Patterns (J2051-J2069): Often modified Colombian 2 centavo coin; Struck in bronze, brass, zinc, zinc-coated steel, manganese, white metal, aluminum, lead, bakelite resin, amber plastic, hard rubber, various plastics, tempered glass

2. Lincoln Patterns (J2079-J2081): Modified Lincoln cent dies or standard proof dies; Struck on white metal (tin/copper/antimony or tin/antimony), zinc-coated steel, copper-plated steel, or aluminum

These are extremely rare and often sell for premium prices, with records like:

• $199,750 — aluminum, 2014

• $86,250 — white metal high relief, 2008

• $70,500 — tempered glass, 2017

• $16,450 — tan plastic, 2016

• $16,450 — brown plastic, 2012

• $15,275 — plastic, 2017

• $10,575 — Urea Formaldehyde plastic, 2017

Pictured above: Reverse of Lincoln memorial reverse of Lincoln cent, the next design after wheat cents | Image credit: US Mint, Public domain

Modern Lincoln Cents

The Lincoln cent series continues today, but wheat cents ended in 1959. In December 1958, Press Secretary James Hagerty announced a new reverse design.

Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro created the new reverse depicting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The new cents were officially released on Lincoln’s 150th birthday: February 12, 1959.

The reverse of Lincoln cents has changed multiple times, including numerous commemorative varieties, but the late president’s role in American society and the wheat cent’s prominence in coin collecting have both made lasting impacts.

Pictured above: 1909 Lincoln Penny on Mars as Curiosity Rover camera's calibration target | Image credit: NASA, Public domain

Include A Numismatic Staple in Your Collection with Lincoln Wheat Cents!

Lincoln wheat cents broke the mold in many ways — depicting the first real person on regular-issue US coins, helping establish a new era of coinage, and kicking off the longest-running coin series in American history.

In the numismatic world, wheat cents encompass famous mint errors, notable varieties, and the first coin for many beginning collectors.

Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned collector, you’ve discovered a great place to find the wheat cent for you.

Buy wheat cent coins today!