1920 Lincoln Wheat Cent - IAM 001

Description

Woodies are a distinctive and fairly common occurrence among 1920 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cents, and IAM-001 documents the first cataloged improper alloy mix variety for this date. An improper alloy mix, colloquially called a woodie, occurs when the copper and zinc components of the cent's bronze alloy are insufficiently blended before the planchets are punched. The incomplete mixing creates visible striations across the coin's surface resembling wood grain, with bands of copper-rich and zinc-rich metal producing contrasting color patterns. The 1920 Philadelphia Mint appears to have experienced recurring alloy mixing issues, as woodies from this date turn up with notable frequency compared to other years. The visual effect ranges from subtle streaking to dramatic banding depending on the severity of the mixing failure, and each woodie is unique because the alloy distribution varies from planchet to planchet. Part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents series spanning 1909 through 1958, the 1920 cent was struck in 95% copper and 5% tin-and-zinc at Philadelphia. The prevalence of woodies on this date makes 1920 a productive year for collectors seeking this distinctive planchet error.