Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The Lincoln Cent is a landmark in American numismatics, being the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. Designed by Victor David Brenner to mark the centennial of Lincoln's birth, its long production run and numerous design variations make it a cornerstone for collectors.

What Is Lincoln Cent Worth?

The typical price range for Lincoln Cent is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the 'S' mint mark on 1909 V.D.B. coins, which represents one of the most sought-after key dates.
• The overall strike quality and preservation of the copper luster, categorized by 'Red', 'Red-Brown', or 'Brown' designations.
• Rarity of specific error coins, such as the famous 1955 doubled die obverse.
• The specific era of composition, particularly the transition from copper-alloy to copper-plated zinc in 1982.

How to Identify Lincoln Cent?

• Look for the 'V.D.B.' initials on the bottom of the reverse on 1909 issues to identify the original designer's mark.
• Check the reverse design to distinguish between the Wheat ears (1909-1958), Lincoln Memorial (1959-2008), or Union Shield (2010-present).
• Examine the mint mark below the date; 'S' indicates San Francisco, 'D' indicates Denver, and no mark typically indicates Philadelphia.
• Identify the 2009 Bicentennial series by four distinct reverse scenes depicting Lincoln's life in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Washington D.C.

History of Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than an allegorical figure. The original design by Victor David Brenner featured Lincoln's portrait on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse. In 1959, the reverse was changed to depict the Lincoln Memorial, and in 2009, several special designs were released to celebrate Lincoln's bicentennial. In 2010, the reverse was updated again to feature a Union Shield.