1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 23rd of 50 years in the series. In 1931, coins were struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 24.7 million. This ranks 4th 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. The 1931-S with a mintage of only 866,000 is a key date, struck during the depths of the Great Depression. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 4 known die varieties for this date, including doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Produced 9 years after 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 $5.1K in 01-05-2010 grade. Designed by Victor David Brenner.