U.S. coin series
Lincoln wheat cent
United States 1 cent, 1909–1958
A U.S. one-cent coin with Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. The wheat reverse was used from 1909 through 1958, then replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.
Visible identification features
- Obverse: Lincoln bust, usually IN GOD WE TRUST / LIBERTY / date
- Reverse: ONE CENT / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA between two wheat ears
- Mint mark (if any) is typically below the date on the obverse for later wheat cents
- 1909 VDB (and 1909-S VDB) have designer initials on the reverse; later years moved or omitted them
Why people photograph these
Wheat cents are common pocket-change finds and a frequent “is this rare?” search. Most dates are common. Variety and mint mark — not the wheat design alone — are what collectors sort on.
Lookalikes
- Lincoln memorial cent
Same Lincoln obverse; reverse shows the Lincoln Memorial building, not wheat stalks. Memorial reverse: 1959–2008.
Next steps
- Photograph both sides, especially the date and any letter under the date.
- This page is identification, not an appraisal. Compare recent sold listings for the same date and mint, not dealer asking prices.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning usually lowers collector interest.
Sources
- Lincoln Cents (1909–date) — U.S. Mint / coinage history
- Lincoln Cent — PCCG CoinFacts (series overview)
Updated 2026-08-19. Claims are limited to these sources.