1919 Wheat Penny Value Guide

The 1919 Wheat Penny is a significant piece of American numismatic history, representing one of the earliest years of the Lincoln Cent series designed by Victor David Brenner. It is highly collectible as part of the first US coin series to feature a real historical figure, Abraham Lincoln, rather than an allegorical representation of Liberty.

What Is 1919 Wheat Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1919 Wheat Penny is $5 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and clarity of a mint mark, such as 'S' for San Francisco or 'D' for Denver, which affects rarity.
• The preservation of fine details on the wheat stalks and Lincoln's hair, indicating a higher grade.
• The amount of original red copper luster remaining compared to brown oxidation from circulation.
• The existence of any minting errors, such as double dies or off-center strikes, which can increase value.

How to Identify 1919 Wheat Penny?

• Verify the 1919 date is clearly struck on the obverse to the right of Lincoln's portrait.
• Check the reverse for the iconic two stalks of wheat framing the 'ONE CENT' denomination.
• Confirm the composition is bronze, specifically 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
• Look for the 'VDB' initials which may appear on the base of Lincoln's shoulder in some strikes.

History of 1919 Wheat Penny

The Wheat Penny, officially known as the Lincoln Cent with the Wheat Reverse, was minted from 1909 to 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The obverse features a portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse displays two stalks of wheat, which gives the coin its popular name. This design was a significant departure from previous US coin designs and marked the first time a real person, rather than an allegorical figure, was depicted on a circulating coin.