1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Non-Silver Copper Bullion)
Numismatic Coin / Base Metal Currency · United States Mint (Philadelphia), established 1792. Produced billions of circulation coins.
Pattern: Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958), Victor David Brenner design.
Type
Numismatic Coin / Base Metal Currency
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia), established 1792. Produced billions of circulation coins.
Material
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze). Contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm. Weight: 3.11 grams. Standard small cent size.
Description
An authentic 1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent. While not composed of silver, it is a staple of American numismatics. The copper has oxidized to a deep brown patina, characteristic of circulated bronze coins from the early 20th century.
Key Features
Wheat ear reverse (implied), Lincoln obverse portrait, 1937 date, lack of mint mark, bronze composition.
Material & Composition
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze). Contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Obverse features the bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right, inscribed 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'. Art Deco-era American realism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date '1937' on obverse. No mint mark (indicates Philadelphia). VDB initials found on the base of Lincoln's shoulder (microscopic).
Construction Details
Die-struck on a planchet using high-pressure mechanical presses (machine-manufactured).
Functional Features
Standard legal tender currency; now serves as a collectible numismatic item.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Coin; protected in a plastic 'slab' or holder with a decorative American flag insert.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-quality steel dies. Evenly centered; standard mass-production quality for the US Mint in the 1930s.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for 1937 date, standard US Mint strike characteristics, logical diameter-to-case ratio. No signs of casting or deceptive alterations.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Interwar/Great Depression Era (Mid-20th Century).
Age Estimate
Produced in 1937; currently 87 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the longest-running design in US coinage history (Lincoln obverse). Symbols of agricultural strength (Wheat) were central to American identity during the New Deal era.
Condition Notes
Very Fine to Extra Fine (VF-XF). Shows significant circulation wear on Lincoln's cheek and hair. Surface is darkened by oxidation. Structurally sound but lacks original mint luster.
Value Estimate
$0.05 to $0.25 (USD) for circulated specimens; significantly higher ($50+) for Red Gem uncirculated grades.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean! Coin collectors value original surfaces. Keep inside the current protective plastic holder to prevent finger oils from causing further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1937-S (San Francisco) and 1937-D (Denver) cents, which are similar but bear mint marks. Not to be confused with the 1943 Steel Cent or silver-colored proofs.
Interesting Facts
Over 300 million were minted in 1937. Despite heavy mintage, high-grade examples have survived due to it being the first year of the 'modern' era after the worst of the Depression.