1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide

The 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a significant early entry in the iconic series first issued to honor Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. As the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a real person, it represents a major shift in American numismatic design and remains a staple for bronze coin collectors.

What Is 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent is $1 - $5 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of original red luster significantly increases the coin's market value compared to dull brown examples.
• Mint marks from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) are generally more sought after than the Philadelphia issue which has no mark.
• The level of detail remaining on Lincoln's hair and the individual grains of the wheat stalks determines the grade.
• Surface damage such as deep scratches, corrosion, or evidence of harsh cleaning will lower the collector value.

How to Identify 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent?

• Verify the 1919 date on the obverse and the two distinct stalks of wheat on the reverse.
• Check for mint marks 'S' for San Francisco or 'D' for Denver located directly below the date.
• Look for the designer's initials 'VDB' on the truncation of Lincoln's shoulder, a feature standard by 1919.
• Confirm the material is bronze, which should show a brown or reddish-brown patina over time.

History of 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, was a groundbreaking coin as it was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The 'Wheat Cent' design, with two stalks of wheat on the reverse, was produced from 1909 to 1958 and is highly popular among collectors. The 1919 issue is a classic example from the early years of this iconic series.