PENNIES

The Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cents, miniature masterpieces have become an integral part of American culture. From the humble beginnings of the Wheat Penny to the contemporary splendor of the Shield Cent, these coins tell the story of a nation's evolution. The year 1909 marked a historic shift in American coinage with the introduction of the Lincoln Cent. Honoring the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the U.S. Mint replaced the Indian Head Cent with a design by sculptor Victor D. Brenner. The obverse featured a dignified portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse showcased a simple wheat stalk, giving the coin its colloquial name, the "Wheat Penny."


The Wheat Penny era, spanning from 1909 to 1958, was a time of economic hardship and transformation. These small copper discs bore witness to the Great Depression and two World Wars, becoming a tangible connection between ordinary citizens and the nation's struggles and triumphs.


Within the Wheat Penny series, certain dates and mintmarks hold a special allure for collectors. The 1909-S VDB, the 1914-D, and the rare 1922 "No D" varieties are among the gems that enthusiasts seek to complete their collections. These key dates add an element of excitement to the pursuit of assembling a comprehensive set of Lincoln Cents.


In 1959, the U.S. Mint introduced a transformative change—the Memorial Reverse. Designed by Frank Gasparro, this new depiction showcased the Lincoln Memorial, a fitting tribute to the revered president. The shift marked not only a change in design but also symbolized the nation's march towards progress and unity.


In 2009, the U.S. Mint celebrated the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth with four special designs commemorating different stages of his life. These Lincoln Bicentennial Cents, featuring scenes from Lincoln's birthplace, childhood home, presidency, and the Capitol, added a unique touch to the ongoing legacy of the Lincoln Cent.


In 2010, the Lincoln Cent underwent another transformation with the introduction of the Shield Cent. Designed by Lyndall Bass, this modern iteration features a shield emblem representing Lincoln's preservation of the Union. The Shield Cent stands as a symbol of continuity and resilience, echoing the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.


Beyond their numismatic value, Lincoln Cents have found a place in popular culture. From their role in folklore and superstitions to creative art projects and educational tools, these coins transcend their monetary worth, becoming cultural artifacts that bridge generations.

10 most Valuable Cents

  1. 1793 Chain Cent - The first large cent issued by the United States Mint, with a chain design on the reverse. In good condition, it can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
  2. 1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent - Another early issue with a flowing hair design on the obverse. Values can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on condition.
  3. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent - During World War II, some Lincoln cents were mistakenly struck in bronze instead of zinc-coated steel. These error coins are extremely rare and can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
  4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent - The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage and the inclusion of the designer's initials (VDB) on the reverse. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth thousands of dollars.
  5. 1877 Indian Head Cent*- The 1877 Indian Head cent is considered a key date in the series, with a low mintage and high demand among collectors. Values can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition.
  6. 1909-S Indian Head Cent - The 1909-S Indian Head cent is another key date in the series, as it was the last year of issue for the Indian Head cent and has a low mintage. Values can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
  7. 1799 Draped Bust Large Cent - Minted in the late 18th century, the 1799 Draped Bust large cent is rare and highly sought after by collectors. Values can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on condition.
  8. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent - The 1856 Flying Eagle cent is the first year of issue for this design and is highly collectible. Values can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition.
  9. 1944-D/S Lincoln Cent - Some 1944-D Lincoln cents were struck over previously minted 1944-S cents, creating a variety known as the 1944-D/S. These error coins are rare and can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
  10. 1795 Liberty Cap Cent - Minted in the late 18th century, the 1795 Liberty Cap cent is rare and highly sought after by collectors. Values can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars depending on condition.

U.S. Penny Varieties- Coming Soon!

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