US · Cent · 1909–1958

Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909–1958)

The first US coin to bear a portrait of a real person, designed by Victor David Brenner. Replaced the Indian Head cent. Wheat-ear reverse retained for fifty years before giving way to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959.

i.

Specifications

DesignerVictor David Brenner
Composition95% copper / 5% tin & zinc (1909-1942, 1944-1946); zinc-coated steel (1943); 95% copper / 5% zinc (1947-1958)
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
EdgePlain
SeriesLincoln Wheat Cent
Years issued1909–1958
ii.

Key dates & varieties

YearMintmarkVarietyMintageRarity
1909S—1.8Msemi-key
1909SVDB reverse484Kkey
1914D—1.2Mkey
1922—No D—key
1931S—866Ksemi-key
1955PDoubled Die Obverse—key
iii.

All varieties

YearMintmarkVarietyMintageRarity
1909PVDB reverse28.0Mcommon
1909S—1.8Msemi-key
1909SVDB reverse484Kkey
1914D—1.2Mkey
1922—No D—key
1931S—866Ksemi-key
1943PSteel cent684.6Mcommon
1955PDoubled Die Obverse—key