Why the Lincoln Wheat Penny Still Matters
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is an important small coin in American history and in modern collecting. Introduced in 1909, it marked the first U.S. coin to feature a president on the obverse, which changed public expectations for coin design.
This article explains the coin’s origin, key dates and mint marks, practical tips for identifying and caring for examples, and how value is determined. Use this as a hands-on guide whether you are a curious beginner or an active collector.
Origins of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
In 1909 the U.S. Mint issued the Lincoln cent to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The choice reflected both a desire to celebrate a national figure and a gradual shift toward more representational coin designs.
Victor David Brenner, the designer, placed Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse and paired it with two stalks of wheat on the reverse. That reverse design gave the coin its common name: the Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Design and Symbolism of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The obverse shows a realistic profile of Lincoln, while the reverse includes two wheat ears framing the words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The wheat ears symbolized prosperity and the agricultural backbone of the nation.
Collectors often note subtle differences across years and mints: slight changes in lettering, rim thickness, and Brenner’s initials (VDB) which appear on some 1909 cents but were removed from many later strikes.
Key Dates and Mint Marks to Know for Lincoln Wheat Penny Collectors
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 through 1958. Certain years are more sought after due to low mintage or special attributes.
Look for mint marks (usually under the date on the obverse): no mark for Philadelphia, D for Denver, and S for San Francisco. These letters can significantly affect value.
- 1909-S VDB — one of the most famous and valuable early types.
- 1909-S and 1909-S VDB distinctions matter to collectors.
- Other notable scarce dates include 1914-D, 1931-S, and 1955 doubled die obverse varieties.
How to Identify and Grade a Lincoln Wheat Penny
Grading centers on wear, luster, and detail. Coins are typically graded on a scale from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS). For everyday collectors, common practical grades are Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (EF), About Uncirculated (AU), and Mint State (MS).
Key details to watch:
- Date legibility — a clear date adds value.
- Mint mark condition — presence and sharpness matter.
- Obverse and reverse detail — hair lines, cheek, and wheat details indicate wear level.
Factors That Affect Value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny
Several practical factors determine value: rarity, condition, mint mark, and errors. Market demand and recent auction results also influence price.
Common pennies in low grades may be worth face value or a small premium. High-grade or rare-date coins can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the specific coin.
- Rarity: Lower mintage and surviving populations increase value.
- Condition: Higher grade normally equals higher price.
- Errors & Varieties: Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and off-center strikes can raise value.
- Provenance: Coins with documented history sometimes sell for a premium.
Practical Tips for Buying and Selling
When buying, inspect coins under good light and use a loupe to check detail and mint marks. Compare prices using recent sales, price guides, and reputable dealers.
When selling, get coins graded by a trusted third-party service for higher-value items. For common pieces, local dealers or coin shows often provide quick offers.
The first Lincoln Wheat Pennies included the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse, but public criticism led the Mint to remove them from many 1909 issues. Some 1909-S VDB pieces escaped removal and are now prized by collectors.
How to Care for Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Handle coins by the edges and avoid touching surfaces to prevent oils from your skin causing damage. Use soft cotton gloves when inspecting valuable pieces.
Store coins in acid-free albums, Mylar flips, or inert plastic holders. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to preserve original surfaces.
- Do not clean valuable coins — cleaning usually reduces value.
- Use silica gel packs to control humidity in storage.
- Label storage with date, mint mark, and grade notes for future reference.
Real-World Example: A 1909-S VDB Discovery
A small-town collector once found a 1909-S VDB in a box of circulated pennies purchased at a garage sale. The coin appeared worn but clearly had the VDB initials and an S mint mark.
After expert authentication, the collector sold the coin at auction. The sale price exceeded the initial purchase price by a large margin, illustrating how knowledge of key dates and careful inspection can reveal hidden value.
Final Notes on the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a compact lesson in American design, production, and collecting practice. Its long run and varied issues make it accessible for beginners while still offering rare targets for advanced collectors.
Use date and mint mark checks, cautious handling, and reliable references when building a collection. Those steps will help you enjoy and preserve these small but meaningful pieces of history.