1921 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1921 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 13th of 50 years in the series. In 1921, coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint with a combined mintage of 54.4 million. This ranks 5th of 50 years by total mintage, below 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 identified 5 known die varieties for this date, including atypical die clash, cud, doubled die reverse, improper alloy mix. Struck one year before the 1922 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $313 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $3.1K in MS65BN grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Victor David Brenner.