1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Base
About This Coin
The 1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — a late issue, 41st of 50 years in the series. In 1949, coins were struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 435.2 million. This ranks 32nd 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 142 known die varieties for this date across 8 categories, including bie die break cent, cud, doubled die obverse and 5 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $5 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $134 in MS67BN grade at eBay. 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.
