Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln Wheat Cent, also known as the Lincoln Cent, is a one-cent coin that was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958.  It features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the Obverse Side and two stalks of wheat on the Reverse Side.

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and to replace the Indian Head Cent.  It was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a historical figure and a memorial design.

The designer of the Lincoln Wheat Cent was Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor and engraver.  His initials "VDB" were included on the coin in its first year of production, but were removed due to public criticism of the prominence of the designer's initials.

The Lincoln Wheat Cent saw several design changes and variations throughout its production.  In 1918, the composition of the coin was changed from 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc to 95% copper and 5% zinc.  During World War II, from 1943 to 1945, the coin was made from zinc-coated steel due to a copper shortage.

The Lincoln Wheat Cent is highly collectible, with certain rare dates and mint marks being particular sought after by collectors.  Some of the most valuable variations include the 1909-S VDB, the 1914-D, and the 1955 doubled die cent.

In 1959, the design of the Lincoln Cent was changed to the Lincoln Memorial design, replacing the wheat reverse.  However, the Lincoln Wheat Cent remains an iconic and beloved coin in American numismatics.