Lincoln Wheat Penny Value
1909–1958 · 1¢ · 95% copper (1909–1942, 1944–1958); zinc-coated steel (1943)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.03 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.05 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.15 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $5.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $15.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $75.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Brenner's initials removed after public backlash — only 484,000 struck | $700–$3,000+ |
| 1943 | Bronze/copper cents are errors — should be steel. Worth $100,000+ | $0.10 (steel) / $100,000+ (copper error) |
| 1914-D | Scarce Denver cent | $200–$5,000 |
| 1922 | Weak or no 'D' mintmark varieties | $500–$8,000 |
| 1931-S | Low mintage Depression-era cent | $75–$400 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Victor D. Brenner
- Years
- 1909–1958
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- 95% copper (1909–1942, 1944–1958); zinc-coated steel (1943)
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Weight
- 3.11 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Lincoln Wheat Penny: History & Background
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first US coin to feature a real person (president Abraham Lincoln) on a circulating coin. The reverse features two wheat stalks flanking 'ONE CENT' — a design that ran from 1909 until 1958. The 1909-S VDB (with designer's initials) and the 1943 bronze error cents are among the most famous US coins. Most Wheat Pennies in circulated grades are worth 2–5 cents, while key dates can be worth thousands.
How to Grade a Lincoln Wheat Penny
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →