1917 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1917 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — an early issue, 9th of 50 years in the series. In 1917, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 480.6 million. This ranks 31st of 50 years by total mintage, above the series median of 377.2 million. 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. Minted during and after World War I, as America emerged as a global power and experienced the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 25 known die varieties for this date across 7 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 4 other types. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1922 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $8.6K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $8.4K in MS63BN grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Victor David Brenner.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
