1938 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$150 MS65BN 06-26-2023 eBay
Description
The 1938 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent is a cent produced at the Denver Mint as part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. With a mintage of 20.0 million, this is a less common issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 10% of production. 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. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck at the Denver Mint, established in 1906 from an earlier assay office that processed Colorado gold rush metal. Estimated market value ranges from $0 to $9 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2669.
External References
Error Varieties(26)
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
1938-D Repunched Mintmark RPM-007
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-005
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-006
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-007
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-008
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-009
1938-D Repunched Mintmark WRPM-010
