1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 11th of 50 years in the series. In 1919, coins were struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 588.9 million. This ranks 35th of 50 years by total mintage, above the series median of 350.9 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 29 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including cud, doubled die reverse, pre-cud and 3 other types. Produced 3 years before the celebrated 1922 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $154 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $898 in MS66BN grade at eBay. Designed by Victor David Brenner.