1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 30th of 50 years in the series. In 1938, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 191.9 million. This ranks 20th 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. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 57 known die varieties for this date across 5 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 2 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $73 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.3K in PR grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
