1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — the first year of the series. In 1909, the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints struck 103,007,812 cents, including 3,812 proofs. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin and the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. First year of the Lincoln Cent. The "VDB" initials on the reverse caused a public outcry, and cents without VDB quickly followed. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19.05 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $7 to $15K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $41K in PR66BN grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner.