Lincoln Pennies

The Lincoln Cent is the current one cent coin of the United States. It was adopted in 1909, replacing the Indian Head Cent. Its obverse, featuring a bust of Abraham Lincoln (to commemorate his centennial), has been in continuous usage. Its reverse was changed in 1959 from a wheat stalks design to a design which includes the Lincoln Memorial (to commemorate Lincoln's sesquicentennial) and was replaced again in 2009 with four new designs to commemorate Lincoln's bicentennial. There are more one-cent coins produced than any other denomination, which makes the Lincoln Cent a familiar item. The obverse is the longest design used for any circulating American design.

How to Grade Lincoln Pennies

Good (G4) - The Date is worn but apparent. Lines in the wheat heads are missing. Has full rims.Very Good (VG7) - About half of the lines are visible in the upper wheats heads.Fine (F12) - The Wheat lines are worn, but visible.Very Fine (VF20) - The cheek and jaw bones are worn but separated. There are no worn spots on the wheat heads.Extra Fine (EF40) - There is slight wear. All the details are sharp.Almost Unc. (AU50) - There is slight wear on Lincoln's cheek and jaw and on the wheat stalks as well.Brilliant Unc. (MS60) - No trace of wear, but may have light blemishes or discoloration.