America's Longest-Running Coin Design
The Lincoln cent, introduced in 1909, is the longest continuously produced coin design in US history — over 115 years and counting. Designed by Victor David Brenner, Lincoln was the first real person to appear on a regular-issue US coin, breaking the tradition of allegorical Liberty figures.
Wheat Cents (1909–1958)
The original reverse features two wheat stalks framing "ONE CENT." These "Wheat pennies" are beloved by collectors and often found in pocket change decades after they stopped being made.
Key Dates
- 1909-S VDB — The most famous Lincoln cent. Brenner's initials (VDB) on the reverse were removed after public objection. Only 484,000 minted at San Francisco. $800+ in Good, $2,000+ in MS-63.
- 1909-S — Without VDB. Also scarce from San Francisco. $100+ in Good.
- 1914-D — Low Denver mintage (1.19 million). $250+ in Good, $2,500+ in MS-63.
- 1922 No D (Plain) — A filled die obliterated the D mint mark. $600+ in Good. Many counterfeits exist.
- 1931-S — Depression-era low mintage (866,000). $100+ in Good.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — The most dramatic doubled die in US coinage. "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" show bold doubling visible to the naked eye. $1,200+ in VF, $30,000+ in MS-65.
1943 Steel Cents
During WWII, copper was needed for ammunition. The 1943 cent was struck in zinc-coated steel — the only non-copper Lincoln cent. Common (20 cents in average condition), but a small number of 1943 copper cents were accidentally struck and are worth $100,000+.
Memorial Cents (1959–2008)
In 1959, the reverse was changed to the Lincoln Memorial to mark Lincoln's 150th birthday. Designed by Frank Gasparro. Key features:
- 1959 — First year. Saved in quantity, so common even in uncirculated.
- 1960 Small Date vs Large Date — Both Philadelphia and Denver. Small Date varieties carry premiums.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse — A major doubled die. $50,000+ in MS-65.
- 1972 Doubled Die Obverse — Bold doubling. $500+ in MS-63.
- 1982 — Transition year: both large and small dates in both copper and zinc compositions. Seven varieties in one year.
- 1983 Doubled Die Reverse — "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" shows clear doubling. $300+ in MS-63.
- 1995 Doubled Die Obverse — Visible doubling on "LIBERTY." $30+ in MS-63.
2009 Bicentennial Reverses
Four different reverse designs celebrated Lincoln's 200th birthday and traced his life: Birth & Early Childhood (log cabin), Formative Years (Lincoln reading), Professional Life (Illinois State Capitol), and Presidency (US Capitol under construction).
Shield Cents (2010–present)
The current reverse features a Union shield, designed by Lyndall Bass. Modern Shield cents are struck in zinc with a thin copper coating.
Composition Timeline
- 1909–1942 — 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
- 1943 — Zinc-coated steel
- 1944–1946 — Recycled brass shell casings
- 1947–1962 — Bronze (95% copper)
- 1962–1982 — 95% copper, 5% zinc (tin removed)
- 1982–present — Copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc core)
Collecting Strategies
- Complete date and mint set — Achievable in circulated grades for $500–$2,000 (excluding the 1909-S VDB). Popular album-based approach.
- Wheat cents only — A focused sub-set. Key dates add cost but the common dates are pennies each.
- Error and variety collecting — Lincoln cents offer more documented errors and varieties than any other US coin series.
- Roll searching — Modern cents can be obtained from banks by the box. Cherry-picking varieties and errors from rolls is a popular, low-cost hobby.
Up Next
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on December 15, 2025 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable Lincoln penny?
The 1909-S VDB is the most famous key date, worth $800+ in Good and $2,000+ in MS-63. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is worth $1,200+ in VF and $30,000+ in MS-65. The rarest is the 1943 copper cent (struck by error), worth $100,000+.
Are wheat pennies worth anything?
Common-date wheat pennies (1940s–1958) are worth 3–10 cents each. Semi-key dates from the 1910s–1930s range from $1 to $50+. Key dates like 1909-S VDB ($800+), 1914-D ($250+), and 1931-S ($100+) are significantly more valuable.
Why is the 1943 penny different?
During WWII, copper was reserved for ammunition, so 1943 cents were struck in zinc-coated steel. They appear silver-colored and are attracted by magnets. A small number of 1943 cents were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets — these error coins are worth $100,000+.
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