1958 1C, BN (Regular Strike)

**1958 Lincoln Cent (1C), BN (Regular Strike) - A Numismatist's Insight** The 1958 Lincoln Cent, with its iconic image of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner, is a captivating piece for numismatists and collectors. This particular coin is composed primarily of copper and is a regular strike issue minted at the Philadelphia Mint, identifiable without a mint mark. It is the final year of the Wheat Cent series, which makes it a piece of historical significance, both for its design and for representing the end of an era in American numismatics. **Mintage and Rarity:** The 1958 Philadelphia Mint produced 252,525,000 Lincoln Cents, making its mintage relatively high compared to other years. Despite the substantial mintage, this coin is not considered particularly rare, especially in lower grades. However, in higher Mint State grades, its availability diminishes, increasing its value due to collector demand for pristine coins. **PCGS Information:** - **PCGS Coin Number**: 2822 - **Grade Value Parameters**: In PCGS-graded higher Mint State conditions such as MS67 and above, the coin's value can be notably significant due to the rarity of well-preserved examples from such high mintages. **Value and Sales:** The market value for a 1958 Lincoln Cent in lower grades remains low, consistent with its abundant mintage. Values for average circulated examples typically hover around face value or slightly above. However, for coins that manage to achieve higher grading by PCGS or NGC, such as MS67, the value can increase substantially. In recent auctions and sales, a 1958 Lincoln Cent graded MS67 has reached impressive prices, demonstrating that the coin’s value is highly dependent on its condition. For instance, MS67 examples have been known to sell for several hundred dollars in auction settings where the sharpness of the strike and lack of blemishes make them highly sought after by collectors. **Historical Context:** 1958 marked the conclusion of the Wheat Reverse design, which had been in use since the coin’s inception in 1909. This makes the 1958 edition a key piece for those interested in completing collections of the series, often encouraging collectors to seek the best-preserved coins available. The end of the Wheat Cent era in 1958 was influenced by the upcoming 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, which led to a design change to the Lincoln Memorial Reverse in 1959. From a numismatic perspective, while this cent may not be rare, its historical importance and the appeal of its design continue to sustain interest. The fluctuation of its value at auctions further signifies its collectible potential, especially for high-grade specimens. **Collecting the 1958 Lincoln Cent:** When collecting the 1958 Lincoln Cent, aiming for high-grade examples is always advisable for potential future appreciation and the sheer pleasure of holding a piece of history in pristine condition. Remember to look for sharp wheat ears on the reverse and a boldly struck portrait of Lincoln on the obverse to ensure a quality addition to any collection. This final piece of the Wheat Cent series remains a staple for seasoned numismatists and an enthusiastic discovery for new collectors entering the world of coin collecting.