The History Behind Lincoln Wheat Pennies

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a popular coin in American history, often found in people’s coin collections and even in everyday pocket change. The coin was first introduced in 1909 and remained in circulation until 1958. But what makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny so special? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, its design, and how it became a part of U.S. coinage for nearly 50 years.

What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, commonly referred to as just a “wheat penny,” is a one-cent coin that was first produced by the U.S. Mint in 1909. It features the image of President Abraham Lincoln on the front (obverse) and two stalks of wheat on the back (reverse). The coin became a symbol of American agriculture, with the wheat representing the nation’s farming roots.

Why Was the Lincoln Wheat Penny Created?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was created to replace the Indian Head Penny, which had been in circulation since the 1800s. The U.S. Mint wanted to create a new design that was more modern and reflected the country’s growth and development. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, was chosen for the coin’s design because of his importance in American history, especially for his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War.

The Design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny

The design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny went through a few changes during its long history. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

1. Obverse (Front Side):
   • Abraham Lincoln: The image of President Lincoln was designed by artist Victor David Brenner. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person (a living president) on the front.
   • Inscriptions: The words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” appear on the obverse, along with the year the coin was minted.
2. Reverse (Back Side):
   • Wheat Stalks: The most distinctive feature of the Lincoln Wheat Penny is the two stalks of wheat on the reverse. The wheat symbolizes agriculture and America’s farming heritage.
   • Inscriptions: The reverse also includes the words “E Pluribus Unum” (which means “Out of many, one”) and “One Cent,” showing the coin’s value.

The Evolution of the Lincoln Wheat Penny Design

The original design was introduced in 1909, and it remained unchanged until 1958. However, there were a few important changes during that time:

1. The 1909 VDB Penny:
   The first Lincoln Wheat Pennies minted in 1909 included the designer’s initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse. This caused some controversy, and after a few months, the initials were removed from the design.
2. The 1943 Steel Penny:
   During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies out of steel instead of copper. This created the 1943 steel penny, which is rare and valuable today. It was only produced for one year before the minting returned to copper.
3. The 1959 Memorial Penny:
   In 1959, the design of the penny was changed. The reverse side of the Lincoln Wheat Penny was replaced with a design that featured the Lincoln Memorial, marking the end of the wheat design.

The Popularity of the Lincoln Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was extremely popular during its time in circulation. Because it was used as a common currency, many people kept the pennies in their pockets, and they became a staple of daily life. As the years passed, however, the penny became less common as newer designs and materials were used in coin production. Today, Lincoln Wheat Pennies are mainly collected by coin enthusiasts and are valued for their historical significance.

Table: Key Facts About Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Year Introduced	Features	End of Circulation	Notable Facts
1909	First penny with President Lincoln; “VDB” initials	1958	First U.S. coin with a real person on it
1943	Made of steel during WWII	1943	Steel penny created due to copper shortages
1959	Design changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial	1959	End of the Lincoln Wheat Penny series
1909-1958	Standard wheat design with “Liberty” & “In God We Trust” inscriptions	1958	The penny was the most common currency for nearly 50 years

Why Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies Valuable?

While many Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a small amount, some are quite valuable to collectors. Certain years and types of Lincoln Wheat Pennies can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if they are in excellent condition or if they have rare minting errors. The 1909-S VDB penny, for example, is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics (coin collecting). The value of a penny depends on its rarity, condition, and any unique features it may have.

Conclusion

The Lincoln Wheat Penny has a rich history that reflects America’s journey through the 20th century. From its introduction in 1909 to the change in design in 1959, this penny was part of everyday life for decades. Today, collectors appreciate it not only for its historical importance but also for the valuable coins that were made in limited quantities or with minting errors. Whether you are a casual coin collector or a serious numismatist, the Lincoln Wheat Penny offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

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