series_guide
The Lincoln Cent: A Collector Overview
An introduction to the Lincoln cent, first issued in 1909, and its major reverse design periods.
- era
- 1909 to present
- series
- Lincoln Cent
- coin type
- Small Cent
- denomination
- Cent
A long-running American coin
The Lincoln cent debuted in 1909, the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse portrait. The Wheat Ears reverse was used from 1909 through 1958, followed by the Lincoln Memorial reverse from 1959 through 2008. Four Bicentennial reverses appeared in 2009, and the Union Shield reverse began in 2010.
Building a collection
Collectors commonly organize Lincoln cents by date and mint mark, reverse type, or a smaller representative type set. Color designations and surface preservation matter, but cleaning can permanently alter a coin.
Identification
Record the date, mint mark, composition, weight when relevant, and the exact reverse design. A claimed error or variety should be matched to established diagnostics.
Sources and further reading
- Penny · accessed 7/31/2026
- Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Coins · accessed 7/31/2026
Collector reference only. Verify grading, attribution, authenticity, and current values with qualified specialists before buying or selling.