Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909–1958) | Iconic Tribute to President Abraham Lincoln – America's Longest Running Circulating Coin Design

The Lincoln Wheat Cent, introduced in 1909, marked a historic shift in American numismatics as the first regularly circulating U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure—President Abraham Lincoln—honoring the centennial of his birth. Designed by renowned sculptor Victor D. Brenner, this enduring series quickly became one of the most beloved and widely collected coin types in U.S. history.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Lincoln, with IN GOD WE TRUST above, LIBERTY to the left, and the date and mintmark positioned at the lower right. The original reverse design displays two stylized wheat stalksflanking the inscriptions ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with E PLURIBUS UNUM encircling the top border—a simple yet elegant tribute to America’s agricultural roots and unity.

Key Historical Highlights:

• 1909-S V.D.B.: One of the most famous key dates in U.S. numismatics. Only 484,000 pieces were struck at the San Francisco Mint before public criticism of Brenner’s prominently placed initials (V.D.B.) led to their removal. This rarity remains one of the most coveted coins in the Lincoln Cent series.

• Initials Restored (1918): Brenner’s initials were discreetly reintroduced at the truncation of Lincoln’s shoulder on the obverse.

• Steel Cents of 1943: Due to copper shortages during World War II, the Mint produced cents from zinc-coated steel. Rare transitional errors exist from this period, including 1943 bronze planchet cents and 1944 steel cents, both of which command significant premiums when offered at auction.

• Reverse Redesign (1959): Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, the reverse was updated to feature the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro. This reverse remained in place until 2008.

• Composition Change (1982): The traditional bronze alloy was replaced by a zinc core with copper plating, reducing the coin’s weight while maintaining its familiar appearance.

Proof and Special Strikings:

• Matte Proofs (1909–1916): Struck in limited numbers, these early proofs exhibit textured surfaces and are highly desirable among advanced collectors.

• Brilliant Proofs (1936–1942, resumed in 1950): High-quality mirror-like finishes became standard in Proof Sets for collectors.

• Special Mint Sets (1965–1967): Replacing proof issues during these years as part of the Mint’s effort to discourage hoarding.

• San Francisco Proofs (1968–present): All Proof Lincoln cents from this era carry the distinctive “S” mintmark.

Key Dates and Major Varieties:

• 1909-S V.D.B. – Legendary first-year key date

• 1914-D – Scarce Denver issue, tough in any grade

• 1922 “Plain” – Struck at Denver without a visible mintmark, a major variety in the series

• 1931-S – Low mintage San Francisco issue

• 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – The most famous doubled die in U.S. numismatics, with dramatic doubling visible on the date and lettering

• 1972 Doubled Die Obverse – Another significant variety with strong doubling on obverse inscriptions

Additionally, “condition rarities” exist throughout the series—coins that are relatively common in lower grades but extremely scarce and valuable in Mint State or Red designation (RD) condition.

Why Collect Lincoln Wheat Cents?

• Historic First: America’s first circulating coin to feature a real person

• Accessibility: Wide range of dates available for every budget, from beginners to advanced collectors

• Challenging Varieties: Numerous key dates, overdates, doubled dies, and mintmark varieties provide endless opportunities for specialization

• Investment Potential: Demand remains consistently strong across generations of collectors

At Paradime Coins, we proudly offer hand-selected Lincoln Wheat Cents, from affordable circulated examples to high-grade rarities and key dates. Whether you’re building a complete date-and-mintmark set or searching for elusive varieties like the 1909-S V.D.B. or 1955 Doubled Die, explore our curated selection for authentic, certified coins that meet the highest numismatic standards.