1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 32nd of 50 years in the series. In 1940, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 781.2 million. This ranks 38th of 50 years by total mintage, above 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 303 known die varieties for this date across 10 categories, including bie die break cent, cud, doubled die obverse and 7 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $56 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.4K in PR63 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner.