1938 (S) 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
$125 MS63BN 03-05-2019 eBay
Description
Produced at the San Francisco Mint, the 1938 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent is part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. With a mintage of 15.2 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 8% of total 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. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $0 to $7 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 #2672.
External References
Error Varieties(9)
1938-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1938-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1938-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1938-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1938-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001
1938-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002
1938-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003
1938-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004
Other Strike Types in This Series
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