1951 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — a late issue, 43rd of 50 years in the series. In 1951, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 1.0 billion. This ranks 40th 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 188 known die varieties for this date across 11 categories, including bie die break cent, cud, die break and 8 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $81 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $863 in PR64 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner.