1918 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1918 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — an early issue, 10th of 50 years in the series. In 1918, coins were struck at the San Francisco and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 370.6 million. This ranks 25th of 50 years by total mintage, below 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 16 known die varieties for this date across 5 categories, including cud, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark and 2 other types. Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1922 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $249 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.8K in MS66 grade at Heritage Auctions. 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.
