1939 (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
$331 MS67+BN 01-20-2022 eBay
Description
The 1939 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent is a cent produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. The U.S. Mint produced 52.1 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 14% 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 San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $0 to $5 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 #2681.
External References
Error Varieties(9)
1939-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1939-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1939-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1939-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1939-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002
1939-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003
1939-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004
1939-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-005
