1942 (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
$93 MS67BN 07-09-2022 eBay
Description
The 1942 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 collection. The U.S. Mint produced 85.6 million examples, making this the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 9% 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. Produced during World War II, when the Mint altered coin compositions to conserve strategic metals for the war effort. 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 $10 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 #2708.
External References
Error Varieties(74)
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1942-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1942-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-001
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-002
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-003
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-004
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-005
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-006
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-007
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-008
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-009
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-010
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-011
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-012
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-013
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-014
1942-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-015
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-001
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-002
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-003
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-004
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-005
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-006
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-007
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-008
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-009
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-010
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-011
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-012
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-013
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-014
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-015
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-016
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-017
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-018
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-019
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-020
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-021
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-022
1942-S Repunched Mintmark WRPM-023
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.