1951 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$863 PR64 01-08-2003 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1951 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. The U.S. Mint produced 57,500 examples. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin, while the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Designed by Victor David Brenner. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3361. The Lincoln Wheat Cent, introduced in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, broke the longstanding tradition against portraying real individuals on U.S. Among the most widely collected U.S. series. Key dates include the 1909-S VDB (mintage 484,000), 1914-D, 1922 "No D" (weak Denver mintmark), and the famous 1943 copper and 1944 steel transitional errors.
External References
Error Varieties(15)
1951 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1951 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1951 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1951 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1951 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1951 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1951 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
LDB5-1951-001 Die Break
LDB345678-1951-001C Die Break
LDB345678-1951-001D Die Break
LDB345678-1951-001E Die Break
LDB345678-1951-001F Die Break
SKH-1c-1951-01 Spike Head
SKH-1c-1951-02 Spike Head
