1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. In 1931, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints struck 24,742,000 cents. 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, of which the San Francisco Mint struck 866,000 during the Great Depression, is a key date of the series. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19.05 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. 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.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(3)
1931 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent
1931 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent
1931 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Other Base Coins in This Series
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