1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent (Non-Silver Copper Bullion/Coinage)
Coin/Bullion (Misidentified as Silver) · United States Mint, Denver Branch (indicated by the 'D' mint mark); Chief Engraver Victor David Brenner design.
Pattern: Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Misidentified as Silver)
Maker
United States Mint, Denver Branch (indicated by the 'D' mint mark); Chief Engraver Victor David Brenner design.
Material
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc; note: this is a base metal coin containing no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm; Weight: approx. 3.11 grams (standard for copper wheat cents).
Description
The 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is the final year of the 'Wheat' reverse design before the transition to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959. This specific example shows a copper/bronze patina consistent with a circulated base metal coin rather than a silver alloy.
Key Features
'D' mint mark and 1958 date signify the last year of the Denver-produced Wheat ears series.
Material & Composition
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc; note: this is a base metal coin containing no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with circulating finish; features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears (wheat stalks) on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'D' mint mark below the date (1958) indicating Denver Mint; 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using steel dies at the Denver Mint facility.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the value of one cent; reeded edge replaced by a plain smooth edge.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form meant for handheld currency exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial coinage craftsmanship; visible die wear and surface degradation from circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Weight of approx. 3.1 grams and characteristic copper color; non-magnetic; proper alignment of the date and 'D' mint mark.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Denver, Colorado.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Post-WWII United States coinage (Late 1950s).
Age Estimate
Dated 1958; 66 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the longest-running design in US coinage history (Lincoln obverse); symbol of Eisenhower-era American economy.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated); significant surface wear, oxidation (patina), and minor contact marks; no original mint luster remains.
Value Estimate
$0.02 - $0.05 USD for circulated examples; primarily holds copper melt value or nominal collector value unless in high-grade uncirculated condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free holder to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1958 Philadelphia Cent (no mint mark) and the 1959 Memorial Cent (first year of new reverse). Steel cents of 1943 are sometimes mistaken for silver but are zinc-coated steel.
Interesting Facts
1958 was the final year for the Wheat Cent reverse; over 800 million were struck in Denver that year, making it very common.