1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide

The 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a significant piece of American numismatic history, representing the early years of the first U.S. coin to feature a historical figure. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a production of over 76 million, it remains a foundational collectible for those documenting the transition from the Indian Head penny.

What Is 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent is $2 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original mint luster can significantly increase the value beyond the standard $1.50-$2.00 range.
• Overall strike sharpness, particularly on the lines of the wheat stalks and Lincoln's hair, affects the grade and price.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches, corrosion, or 'bag marks' from circulation.
• Color designation, with 'Red' (RD) specimens commanding higher premiums than 'Red-Brown' (RB) or 'Brown' (BN) examples.

How to Identify 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent?

• Verify the obverse features the portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the date 1913 and no mint mark, indicating Philadelphia origin.
• Check the reverse for two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
• Confirm the material composition is a bronze alloy consisting of copper, tin, and zinc.
• Look for the designer's initials 'V.D.B.' which were removed from the 1909 version but the overall design style remains consistent.

History of 1913 Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, replacing the Indian Head penny. It was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to feature a historical figure. The 'Wheat' reverse design by Victor David Brenner remained in use until 1958. In 1913, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 76 million of these copper coins.