Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958)

The Lincoln Wheat Cent, first struck in 1909, was the first United States circulating coin to show a real person and features wheat ears on the reverse.
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Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958)

Obverse (Front) Design

A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, with LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and the date.
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958)

Reverse (Back) Design

Two stalks of wheat framing the words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) rev

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1909–1958

Denomination

1 Cent

Designer / Engraver

Victor David Brenner

Mints

Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco

Composition

95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (1943: zinc-coated steel; 1944–1946: recycled shell-case brass)

Precious Metal Content

—

Weight

3.11 g (2.7 g for 1943 steel cents)

Diameter

19 mm

Edge

Plain

Mintage

—

History & Background

The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first regular United States coin to show a real person. The portrait was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner.

The first coins carried Brenner’s initials, VDB, on the back. They were removed soon after release, and restored to the obverse in 1918. Because of the short time the initials appeared, the 1909-S VDB is a famous key coin.

During World War II copper was needed for the war effort, so in 1943 cents were made from zinc-coated steel. A few 1943 cents were accidentally made on copper blanks and are valuable. The wheat reverse was replaced in 1959 by the Lincoln Memorial design.

Collecting Tips

  • A 1943 cent that is not magnetic may be a rare copper error; test with a magnet and ask an expert.
  • The 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are key dates; buy certified coins.
  • Red coins (RD) bring higher prices than brown ones.

Photographs by Grade

Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) MS64 RD obverse
MS64 RD
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) MS65 RD obverse
MS65 RD
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) MS66 RD obverse
MS66 RD
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) MS67 RD obverse
MS67 RD
Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958) MS68 RD obverse
MS68 RD

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lincoln Cent, Wheat Reverse (1909-1958)

Why do some 1943 cents stick to a magnet?

They are zinc-coated steel. A 1943 cent that does not stick may be a rare copper error.

What does VDB mean?

The initials of designer Victor David Brenner, shown on the 1909 reverse and later moved to the obverse.

When did the wheat reverse end?

In 1958. The Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced it in 1959.

More Half-Cents and Cents

  • Indian Head Cent (1859-1909)

    1859–1909 · 1 Cent · 1859–1864: 88% copper, 12% nickel. 1864–1909: bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)

    The Indian Head Cent, struck 1859 to 1909, is a small copper-based coin that shows Liberty wearing a Native American headdress.

See all Half-Cents and Cents →

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