Introduced in 1909 to honor the centennial of Lincoln’s birth, the “Wheat Penny” is perhaps the most collected coin in the world. From the controversial 1909-S VDB to the 1943 Steel Cents of WWII, this category is a deep dive into the 140+ date and mint mark combinations that define the series.
Introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Wheat Penny is the foundation of the modern hobby. This series contains the most famous rarity in American numismatics: the 1909-S VDB. It also features the iconic 1943 Steel Cent, minted during WWII to conserve copper for the war effort.
Collector’s Note: Beyond the 1909-S VDB, key dates include the 1914-D and the 1931-S. However, this category is most famous for its errors, specifically the 1922 “No D” (missing mint mark) and the legendary 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), which is easily visible to the naked eye.
The Lincoln Wheat Ears Cent is perhaps the most collected coin in human history. Struck from 1909 until 1958, it was the first circulating United States coin to feature a portrait of a real person—a radical departure from the various “Liberty” figures that preceded it. Designed by Victor David Brenner under the direction of President…