1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide

The 1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a staple of American numismatics, featuring Victor David Brenner's iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Struck during the final year of the Roaring Twenties, these copper-zinc-tin coins are prized by collectors as an accessible entry point into the long-running Wheat Cent series.

What affects the value of 1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny?

• The overall condition and grade of the coin, with uncirculated specimens fetching higher prices than the standard $0.20-$0.40 range.
• The presence and clarity of a mint mark, as 'S' or 'D' strikes can sometimes carry a premium over the high-volume Philadelphia issues.
• Surface preservation, including the presence of original red luster versus brown oxidation or heavy wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat ears.

How to Identify 1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny?

• Look for the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the distinct 'ONE CENT' text flanked by two wheat stalks on the reverse.
• Check for the 1929 date clearly struck on the right side of the obverse, below the 'IN GOD WE TRUST' motto.
• Verify the composition of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, which gives authentic examples a specific weight and metallic luster.
• Examine the mint mark located below the date; coins from Philadelphia will have no mark, while 'S' or 'D' denote San Francisco or Denver.

History of 1929 Lincoln Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Its iconic design, with Lincoln's portrait on the front and two wheat ears on the back, became one of the most beloved and widely collected coins in American history. Over its nearly 50-year run, millions of these pennies were produced, and they remain a popular entry point for many coin collectors.