1951 Proof 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
$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. With a mintage of 57,500, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $81. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3361.
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
