United States Lincoln Wheat Cent (Non-Silver Currency)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Item) · United States Mint
Pattern: Lincoln Wheat Cent (Abe Lincoln Obverse / Wheat Stalk Reverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Item)
Maker
United States Mint
Material
Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc); note: This is not a silver item.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19.05 mm (0.75 in), standard weight of 3.11 grams for pre-1982 copper cents.
Description
This is a United States Lincoln Wheat Cent, a classic copper-based coin. It is not a silver item. The piece shows a profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and is a staple of American numismatic history.
Key Features
Lincoln obverse, wheat stalk reverse (assumed based on profile), copper-bronze composition, diameter of approximately 19mm.
Material & Composition
Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc); note: This is not a silver item.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike, die-struck bronze with a natural circulated brown patina. Features the profile of Abraham Lincoln.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silversmith hallmarks; features 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and a date (legibility limited due to image quality).
Construction Details
Machine die-struck at a federal mint facility using heavy industrial coin presses.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency; reeded edge (none, plain edge for this series) intended for circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
None applicable; coin intended for handheld exchange.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial strike; high-relief detail in the hair and beard of Lincoln that wears down over decades of circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Stylistic consistency with US Mint production; authentic copper-bronze oxidation patterns; standard size relative to human fingers.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1909-1958 for Wheat reverse), specifically the Early to Mid-20th Century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1909-1958 based on the 'Wheat' reverse design type and bronze composition.
Cultural Significance
Represents the most produced coin in human history and a symbol of American industrial might and everyday commerce during the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; significant oxidation and surface wear typical of copper alloys (brown/dark patina), lacking original mint luster. Grade: G to VG (Good to Very Good).
Value Estimate
$0.02 to $0.10 USD for common circulated dates; significantly higher for rare years/mint marks or high-grade uncirculated examples.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish coins as it destroys numismatic value; store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free coin flip or holder.
Similar Pieces
Lincoln Memorial Cent (1959-2008), 1943 Steel Cent (often mistaken for silver due to color), Indian Head Cent (1859-1909).
Interesting Facts
The Lincoln Cent was the first US coin to feature a real person rather than a personification of Liberty; it was introduced in 1909 to commemorate Lincoln's 100th birthday.