For many numismatists, the Lincoln Wheat Cent—affectionately known as the "Wheat Back" or "Wheatie"—represents the starting point of a lifelong passion for coin collecting. Issued from 1909 through 1958, this iconic small cent was the ... Read More
For many numismatists, the Lincoln Wheat Cent—affectionately known as the "Wheat Back" or "Wheatie"—represents the starting point of a lifelong passion for coin collecting. Issued from 1909 through 1958, this iconic small cent was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a historical figure, honoring President Abraham Lincoln on the centennial of his birth. Its timeless reverse design, showcasing two stylized wheat stalks flanking the denomination ONE CENT, remains one of the most recognizable motifs in American coinage.
Produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, Lincoln Wheat Cents vary widely in strike quality and rarity. In general, Philadelphia issues are well struck, while Denver and San Francisco Mint coins—especially in the earlier years—are often found with softer details due to worn dies and production challenges.
1909-S V.D.B.: The most famous key date, with only 484,000 pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint before the prominent designer initials (V.D.B.) were removed following public criticism.
1909-S (No V.D.B.): Scarce first-year San Francisco issue, also highly sought after.
1914-D: One of the top rarities in the series, especially elusive in higher grades.
1922 "Plain": A fascinating mint error where cents struck at the Denver Mint show no visible mintmark, due to excessive die polishing—making it the only "no mintmark" Lincoln cent from Denver.
1931-S: Low mintage San Francisco issue, increasingly popular among collectors.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse: Noticeable doubling on the date and lettering on the obverse.
1936 Doubled Die Obverse: Another highly collectible variety, featuring strong doubling on the obverse inscriptions.
✅ Affordable Entry Point: Common dates are easily obtainable in circulated grades, making this series perfect for beginner collectors.
✅ Challenging Key Dates: Rare dates and varieties offer excitement and challenge for seasoned numismatists.
✅ Historical Significance: The first U.S. circulating coin to honor an actual person, combined with over five decades of production history.
✅ Nostalgia Factor: For many collectors, sorting through penny rolls and hunting for "Wheat Backs" brings back fond memories of their first steps into the hobby.
At Paradime Coins, we proudly offer a carefully curated selection of Lincoln Wheat Cents, ranging from affordable circulated examples to premium uncirculated and certified key dates. Whether you're building a starter set, completing a full date-and-mintmark collection, or searching for scarce doubled dies and rarities, you'll find quality options backed by our commitment to numismatic excellence.
Browse our inventory today and experience the enduring legacy of the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, one of the most cherished coinage designs in American history.
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