1958 Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1958 Lincoln Cent holds a special place in numismatic history as the final year of the 'Wheat Penny' reverse design before the transition to the Lincoln Memorial. Composed of copper and zinc, this coin represents the end of an era for Victor David Brenner's classic 1909 motif.

What affects the value of 1958 Lincoln Cent?

• Condition and grade, with 'Uncirculated' or 'Red' designations commanding the highest prices.
• The presence of a mint mark, as Philadelphia (no mark) and Denver (D) produced different quantities.
• Surface preservation, specifically the lack of scratches, carbon spots, or heavy wear on Lincoln's hair.
• The specific copper color classification, ranging from Brown (BN) to Red-Brown (RB) to Red (RD).

How to Identify 1958 Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the date '1958' on the obverse side to the right of Abraham Lincoln's bust.
• Check the reverse for the two stylized wheat stalks, which distinguish it from the 1959 Memorial design.
• Look for a 'D' mint mark below the date to identify coins struck at the Denver Mint.
• Inspect the coin's surface for the original reddish copper luster typical of uncirculated 1958 specimens.

History of 1958 Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, is one of the longest-running coin series in U.S. history. The obverse features Victor David Brenner's portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse initially featured two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname 'Wheat Penny.' In 1959, the reverse design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial. The 1958 Lincoln Cent is part of the original Wheat Cent series.