1910 Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1910 Lincoln Cent is a significant early issue in the Wheat Penny series, representing the second year of the design's production. It is highly collectible as part of the first U.S. coinage to feature a real historical figure, Abraham Lincoln, rather than an allegorical Liberty.

What Is 1910 Lincoln Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1910 Lincoln Cent is $2 - $3 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Surface preservation and the amount of remaining detail on Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks.
• The presence of original mint red (RD) luster versus brown (BN) or red-brown (RB) toning.
• The absence of scratches, cleaning marks, or environmental damage which can significantly lower the $2-$3 baseline.
• The specific strike quality, as well-defined 'sharp' strikes from fresh dies command higher premiums.

How to Identify 1910 Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the 1910 date located on the right side of the obverse below the 'In God We Trust' motto.
• Check the reverse for the iconic two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
• Confirm the material is bronze, which gives the coin its distinct reddish-brown or chocolate patina depending on wear.
• Look for the absence of a mint mark below the date, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

History of 1910 Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, was a groundbreaking coin. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The 'Wheat Penny' design, with two stalks of wheat on the reverse, was used until 1958, making early issues like the 1910 cent highly collectible for their historical significance and classic design. This coin represents a tangible link to a pivotal era in American numismatic history.