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1909-1956 Wheat Penny
The Wheat Penny, officially known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny, is a staple of American numismatics and holds a cherished place in the history of U.S. coinage. Spanning from 1909 to 1956, this coin's issuance covers a significant period in American and world history, reflecting economic changes, wars, and the evolution of American society. Here are key facts about the Wheat Penny's history:
Introduction and Design
- First Issued: The Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909, commemorating the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature the likeness of an actual person, breaking away from the tradition of almost exclusively using allegorical figures to represent liberty.
- Designer: The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, featuring Lincoln's portrait on the obverse and two wheat ears surrounding the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE CENT" on the reverse, which gave the coin its nickname.
Wheat Penny Key Dates
- 1909-S VDB: The 1909-S VDB is one of the most sought-after Wheat Pennies among collectors. The initials "V.D.B." for the designer, Victor David Brenner, appear prominently on the reverse. Due to public outcry over the prominence of the initials, they were removed later that year, and even less were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making the 1909-S VDB a rarity.
- 1914-D: The 1914-D is another rare and valuable Wheat Penny, sought after due to its low mintage and survival rate.
- 1922 No D: This unique coin, technically a mint error from the Denver Mint (which is the only mint that produced pennies in 1922), lacked the "D" mintmark due to a die error, making it a rarity.
Metal Composition
- Composition Change: Originally, Wheat Pennies were made from 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. However, during World War II, specifically in 1943, the composition was temporarily changed to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. The 1943 steel penny is a notable exception in the series. In 1944, the penny returned to its traditional composition, using shell casings for the copper content to continue conserving the metal for military needs.
You may also like: 1943 Steel Penny (Roll of 50), 1859-1909 Indian Head Cent (Roll of 50), Wheat Penny Roll of 50 - Choice Uncirculated, 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny.