Centreload

The penny is the United States’ one-cent coin. Every penny you’ve ever spent probably had Abraham Lincoln on it. He’s been on the front (obverse) of the penny since 1909! When the United States Mint was created in 1792, one of the first coins it made was the one-cent coin, but it looked very different from a modern cent. Lincoln Cent (Modern) (1959 to Date) Shop at: APMEX David Lawrence L&C Coins Collectors Corner eBay U.S. Coins Lincoln Cent (Modern), MS Lincoln Cent (Modern), PR Lincoln Cent (Modern. Lincoln Cent – Zinc: $1: $1: Lincoln Cent – Steel Zinc Coated (1943) $20. Nickel -Copper Nickel: $3. Nickel – War Time Alloy: $300: $400. The United States Mint first made the Lincoln penny in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. The coin has a reverse design that features two ears of wheat. In 1959 the Mint celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln penny by changing the reverse design to feature a rendition of the Lincoln Memorial.

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90

How to determine Lincoln Penny Value. Judging how much an old penny is worth follows a step by step approach.

Steps Leading to Value:

• Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety – Identify each date and its mintmark variety.
• Step 2: Grading Condition – Judge condition to determine grade.
• Step 3: Special Qualities – Certain elements either enhance or detract from value

Date and Mintmark is first identified; each variety is listed separately on value chart. Next step is understanding condition and its grade. Compare your coin to grading images helping visualize differences in appearance and condition. Additional special qualities are then considered. Subtle and also distinct factors unique to Lincoln cents are studied helping recognize an accurate value.

Above are wholesale coin values. Dealer's price lists and auction results for each date and mint of Lincoln cents are averaged with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely what you would expect to receive when selling.

Variations in value occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Combination

Identify variety of Lincoln cent. Philadelphia, the main mint along with branch mints Denver and San Francisco struck wheat cents. Mintmarks were used to identify the mint striking the coin.

No Mintmark Under Date: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin

Over the course of the wheat penny series (1909 to 1958). Philadelphia, the nation's primary mint struck 14 Billion wheat cents. Additionally, all engraving of the dies used for Lincoln cents were crafted there. Each branch mint received coinage dies yearly as adjustments to date and mintmarks were made.

Large quantities produced is reflected in abundant supplies known today. Popularity of hobbist forming collections is supporting strong values.

D Mintmark Under Date: Denver Mint Struck the Coin

As a new branch mint at the time, Denver coined fewer wheat cents than Philadelphia. First year of cent mintage with a 'D' mintmark is 1911.

Many dates of Denver wheat cents are considered elusive in all grades of condition. Early era (1909 to1933) examples are especially sought by collectors. These Denver mint coins are an important variety to identify.

S Mintmark Under Date: San Francisco Mint Struck the Coin

San Francisco mint is known for its typically low mintages of wheat cents per year. Total production of all years (1909 to 1958) of the wheat series is 2.75 Billion 'S' mintmark pennies. Followed by Denver with a total of 9 Billion and Philadelphia's 14 Billion cents.

An 'S' mintmark is a first indication of a generally higher value coin. San Francisco Lincoln pennies hold a special fascination with collectors. A wide range of values are represented on the chart, including a significant number of key dates, identity is important.

Step 2: | Judge Condition to Identify Grade

Accurately judge Lincoln penny condition by comparing your coin to images, visualizing its grade. Higher condition means all the difference to collectors and dealers. Value is directly tied to grade.

Uncirculated Grade:

Absence of wear defines the Uncirculated - Mint State grade. These are the top condition coins. Uncirculated condition examples are avidly sought by collectors.

All freshly minted cents are imparted with 'mint luster' a shimmer that rotates along the surface as a coin is titled under a light. Inspect the upper most points of the design looking for any signs of wear. A smoothing of the surface, result of wear, is noticeable as a disruption of mint luster. A side-affect to wear is a dulling of the shimmer.

Extremely Fine Grade:

Light wear is visible to the entire coin in Extremely Fine grade. All major design elements remain, noticeable is a small degree of flatness to high profile areas. Lincoln's hair is fully defined, just small disconnected flat spots. Lines to his coat are all separated from the shirt, and bowtie remains distinct.

Fine Grade:

Moderately worn with ample detail remaining defines a coin in Fine grade. All major elements are separate and bold. Lincoln's coat is flattened along the shoulder and lapel. Hair is worn and areas of flatness are now beginning to connect. His ear is distinguishable from surrounding hair. Beard at chin has remaining detail with a roundness to profile.

Good Grade:

Wear has removed the majority of detail to Lincoln's hair and coat. Cheek and jaw are now one smooth area with little definition. Portrait is still bold with ample detail visible within the shirt.

Lettering along the rim is often faint, however must remain. A pleasing brown to light brown color of pennies is appealing to collectors in this grade, with many early dates showing premium value.

Viewing different grades side by side helps visualize details separating different conditions. Use a single light source when viewing and often a magnifying glass is helpful to bring detail closer.

Judging condition of pennies is partially subjective; degrees of wear and appearance cover the complete range of - new - to worn smooth. After viewing the coin, you develop an opinion, a dealer or collector grading the coin have their own opinions... and they can all differ slightly.

Grading Lincoln Wheat Pennies is a detailed look at defining condition, assigning a grade and how to determine Lincoln penny value. Along with the video, close-up images help you quickly recognize and separate premium pennies. Descriptions bring out the subtle details involved.

Advanced grading by professionals is recommended for the higher value $100+ coins. Collectors and dealers consider PCGS and NGC as leaders in coin grading services. They both authenticate and grade your coin. The small fee you pay provides assurance you understand and receive the full value of your coin. Visit an introductory page to Coin Grading Services

Step 3: | Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Visual appeal contributes to values of Lincoln Wheat pennies in many ways. How a coin “looks” in total is first to notice, followed by closer examination. Qualities of eye appeal are demonstrated by comparing high to low appeal.

Even Color | Discolored

One common fault of copper is a tendency to discolor. Both examples are worn, one stands out as superior because of a nice even toned coloration. A natural look, of age and condition.

Strong Strike | Weak Strike

Millions of pennies were struck of most varieties of wheat cents. Not all received a strong, full impression during the striking process. Evidence of weakness is visible and contrasted with a complete striking of 'ONE CENT'. Faded lettering detracts, also notice the curving of the letters close to the rim. A strong impression is favored.

Nice Surface | Large Nick

Small nicks and marks are the norm of a circulated coin. Many are diminished by the smoothing involved with wear. A large deep mark stays with the coin. In a main focal area, a noticeable mark visually detracts. Appeal to a collector is lowered, along with potential value.

Popularity Supports Lincoln Penny Value

Underlying support is critical to value in any coin series. Lincoln cents are a series enjoying strong demand by collectors. Their interest and collecting preferences form the basis to how much each coin is worth.

Among 20th century US coins, collecting Lincoln cents places just behind the Peace Dollar series as a favorite with collectors. A study of Registry Set totals identifies popularity of each series by numbers of collectors involved in actively assembling collections. Popular Coin Series is an insight into the coin hobby and US coins by denomination and series.

From the beginning of the Lincoln cent introduction in 1909 an interest to collect the series was strong. By 1958, the conclusion of the series, a notable pattern emerged to values and availability of the dates and mintmarks. Collectors began to recognize two major eras, the first 1909 through 1933 featuring elusive coins and higher value.

A second era 1934 through 1958 is notable for abundance of coins and lower value. Interestingly, a third small sub-group dated 1934 to 1943 is beginning to emerge in value. Choice circulated examples of this sup-group; specifically those in Extremely Fine grade, are developing a strong premium over lesser grades. All adding to the fascination of collecting wheat pennies.

Combining the many themes to collecting Lincoln pennies with a wide range of affordability draws a diverse collecting interest.

From one year to the next Lincoln penny value never stands still. New collectors take up the hobby. Seasoned collectors continually improve their collections. New varieties of over-dates, double-dies, or something different is always discovered and sparking interest in wheat pennies.

Keep in touch with coin values, return to update your Lincoln penny value.

References

US Treasury. History of the Lincoln Cent. https://www.treasury.gov/about/education/Pages/lincoln-cent.aspx
US Mint. US Mint Reports. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/51

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Lincoln Penny Value
Early Era 1909 to 1933

Date by Date
In Depth Lincoln Penny Value
Second Era 1934 to 1958

A step by step method combined with the coin value online guide identifies how to value a coin collection. Discover how much your box of old coins is worth.

Coin values listed. From the earliest Half and Large cents, to Indian head pennies to the popular Wheat pennies of 1909 to 1958. Match your coins to images identifying correct series. Follow a step by step process to accurate value on charts. Some of these old pennies have amazing values.

Separate your old wheat pennies into the main value groups - different decades, mintmarks, rare dates and importantly condition. Preparing and selling wheat pennies for the best value is possible.

List your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as a packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.

Coin values are determined by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and values on the charts provided. Discover all the rare varieties, dates and mintmarks.

★Coin Values Discovery finds Lincoln Penny Value and...

All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold.

The year 2009 marked the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln Cent. In recognition of the Bicentennial, a number of specially designed coins were issued by the United States Mint.

The 2009 Lincoln Cents (Buy on eBay) featured four different reverse designs, released in approximately three month intervals. The four designs represent different stages from the life of Abraham Lincoln, from his humble beginnings in Kentucky to his Presidency in Washington, DC. Each coin’s release was accompanied by an official launch ceremony and roll exchange. These events became popular destinations for coin collectors and Lincoln enthusiasts.

The first design was released on Lincoln’s 200th birthday, February 12, 2009. The final design was released on November 12, 2009.

Learn more about the 2009 Lincoln Cent Designs.

2009 Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar

A special commemorative silver dollar was released in 2009 to honor Abraham Lincoln. The obverse of the coin features a striking rendition of President Lincoln and the reverse features the closing words of the Gettysburg Address.

The 2009 Lincoln Silver Dollar (Buy on eBay) has a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Both proof and uncirculated versions of the coins were available with a maximum authorized mintage of 500,000 across both options. The coins originally went on sale at the US Mint on February 12, 2009 and sold out quickly.

Learn more about the 2009 Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar.

2010 Lincoln Cents and Beyond

Following the four different reverse designs issued during 2009, a final new reverse design will be used for the 2010 Lincoln Cent (Buy on eBay). This design is intended to be emblematic of Abraham Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single and united country.

Lincoln Penny Collection

From 18 different candidates initially prepared, a reverse design featuring the Union Shield was selected. This shield features 13 vertical stripes joined at the top with a single horizontal bar with the inscription “E Pluribus Unum.” This represents the original 13 states joined together in one compact union to support the federal government. The obverse design of the Lincoln Cent will continue to feature Victor D. Brenner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln with original details restored.

Te new Union Shield design will officially replace the prior Memorial reverse design, and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The 2010 Lincoln Cents was officially launched into circulation on February 11, 2010 with a ceremony held in Springfield, Illinois.

Wheat Pennies For Sale Cheap

View more information and background on the 2010 Lincoln Cent.