1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide

The 1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a significant pre-World War II issue of the longest-running portrait coin in United States history. It is highly collectible for its classic 'wheat ears' reverse design and its composition of 95% copper, which predates the wartime metal shifts.

What Is 1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent is $1 - $1 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a mint mark, specifically 'S' (San Francisco) or 'D' (Denver), can influence the premium over the Philadelphia strike.
• Coin grade and preservation, with uncirculated specimens retaining original red luster commanding the highest prices.
• Surface condition, where the absence of scratches, corrosion, or heavy wear on the wheat stalks increases market value.
• The current market price of copper, which provides a baseline 'melt value' for lower-grade circulated examples.

How to Identify 1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent?

• Verify the 1939 date located on the lower right side of Abraham Lincoln's bust.
• Check the reverse for two stalks of durum wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
• Confirm the material composition is a bronze alloy of copper, tin, and zinc, weighing approximately 3.11 grams.
• Look for the 'S' or 'D' mint mark below the date, though many 1939 cents were minted in Philadelphia and bear no mark.

History of 1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to mark the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, making it the first US coin to feature a portrait other than allegorical figures. The initial reverse, designed by Victor David Brenner, showcased two durum wheat heads, giving it the nickname 'Wheat Penny.' This design remained in use until 1958. The 1939 cent was minted just prior to the US entry into World War II.