Lincoln Wheat

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was introduced in 1909 in honor of President Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. Controversy ensued shortly after its release when the public expressed its distaste over the size and placement of the designer's initials (VDB). The initials were removed from the reverse of the coin shortly after production began, which created two varieties the first year. In 1943, a temporary copper shortage led the United States Mint to use zinc-coated steel. Lincoln Wheat Cents were produced until 1959 when the wheat stalks design on the reverse were replaced by an image of the Lincoln Memorial. Effective 12/1/2022 we will no longer stock Lincoln Wheat Cents prior to 1934 in grades of VERY FINE or higher--please view our Specials for any available items.