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Designed by Victor David Brenner, the Lincoln cent replaced the Indian Head cent in 1909 -- the first US coin to depict a real person. The reverse (two wheat ears flanking ONE CENT) ran until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design. Struck at Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) across the run, with a one-year wartime switch to zinc-coated steel in 1943.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Lincoln Wheat Penny values
The 1943 tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $1,000,000. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1909-S is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 484,000 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 8 key dates and varieties from the Lincoln Wheat Penny series (1909–1958). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
