1910, Lincoln Wheat Cent: A Rich Portrait of America’s Early Coinage

The 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent is one of the most accessible and historically rich coins in American numismatics – a copper penny that tells the story of a young nation honoring its greatest president. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of over 146 million pieces, this second-year issue of the Lincoln Wheat series remains widely available today, yet high-grade survivors with full original red color are genuinely scarce and command serious collector premiums.

Whether you’re a seasoned gold and silver buyer curious about copper coinage, or a beginning collector building your first Lincoln set, the 1910 cent offers an affordable entry point into pre-Federal Reserve American history. Its 95% copper composition ties it to precious metals markets in a small way, though condition and collector demand – not melt value – drive its price. This guide covers everything you need to know: history, design, varieties, grading, values, and how to buy or sell one with confidence.

Historical Background of the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent

The Lincoln cent series launched in 1909 to mark Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, replacing the long-running Indian Head cent that had circulated since 1859. It was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a president’s portrait – a bold departure from the allegorical figures that had dominated American coinage for over a century.

Sculptor Victor David Brenner designed the portrait, drawing from a 1907 plaque he had created for Gorham Manufacturing. Lincoln faces right on the obverse, a deliberate choice that gave the coin a dignified, classical feel. The 1909 debut was not without controversy: Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” appeared on the reverse, and public backlash over the perceived self-promotion led the Mint to remove them almost immediately. Some 1910 dies were reused from 1909 hubs, leaving faint ghost marks where the initials once sat – a subtle diagnostic that variety collectors still hunt for today.

The 1910 issue ramped up production dramatically. Philadelphia struck nearly 50% more cents in 1910 than in 1909, the largest single-year output the series had seen up to that point. Economic growth fueled demand for circulating coinage, and the Lincoln cent was popular with the public from the start. The series ran continuously until 1958, with a brief wartime detour to zinc-coated steel in 1943 to conserve copper for the war effort. You can read more about Lincoln Wheat penny history and value to see how the full series fits together.

Design Details: What to Look For

Obverse

Brenner’s Lincoln portrait dominates the obverse. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches above the president’s head, “LIBERTY” appears to the left, and the date “1910” sits to the right. The hair and beard details are the first things to check on a circulated example – they flatten quickly with wear and tell you a lot about grade. A coin with sharp hair strands above Lincoln’s ear is in significantly better shape than one where those details have merged into a smooth field.

Reverse

Two wheat stalks frame the central text: “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The motto “E · PLURIBUS · UNUM” runs along the top arc. One diagnostic worth knowing: the sans-serif “E” in “ONE CENT” has a bottom arm that extends slightly beyond the top arm, with the middle arm recessed. This is a useful authenticity check when examining a coin without professional grading.

No mintmark on a 1910 cent means it came from Philadelphia. San Francisco issues carry a small “S” below the date – an important distinction since the two coins have very different values.

Metal Composition and Specifications

The copper content gives these coins a warm reddish tone when fresh. Over time, they oxidize to reddish-brown and eventually a chocolate brown. Original surface color is one of the biggest value drivers in the Lincoln cent series.

Varieties of the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent

The 1910 Philadelphia cent is not a key date loaded with major errors, but it does have collectible varieties worth knowing.

Regular Strike

The standard 1910 Philadelphia cent with no mintmark. Mintage records vary slightly between sources – figures range from 146,798,813 to 146,801,218 – but the point is the same: this is a high-mintage coin, common in circulated grades, and readily available to collectors at modest prices.

Obverse Die Variety 2 (ODV-002)

This is the variety that serious Lincoln cent collectors chase on 1910 issues. On ODV-002 coins, the folds of Lincoln’s vest form a single tall triangle rather than the separate, distinct shapes seen on standard dies. Researcher and Society of Lincoln Cent Collectors president Dr. Sol Taylor connected this variety to reused 1909 dies or master hub marks. It appears on both Philadelphia and San Francisco 1910 cents, making it a cross-mint variety for set builders.

Color Designations

PCGS and NGC classify copper coins by their surface color:

• Brown (BN): Most circulated and many older uncirculated coins. Fully oxidized surface.
• Reddish Brown (RB): Partial original mint red remaining. A middle ground that many collectors find attractive.
• Full Red (RD): At least 95% original mint red surface. The most desirable and scarce designation for 1910 cents.

Full red examples from original rolls exist but are uncommon in gem grades. An MS66+ BN example sold at auction for $1,234 in 2017. MS67 RD coins are genuinely rare and can reach five figures.

Philadelphia vs. 1910-S: Key Differences

The 1910-S, struck at San Francisco with a mintage of roughly 6.4 million, is a different coin entirely from a collector standpoint. Here is how they compare:

If you find a 1910 cent with an “S” mintmark, treat it differently. The 1910-S commands 5 to 10 times more than its Philadelphia counterpart across most grades. It is considered a semi-key date in the series.

PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries

Grading the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent

Condition determines value more than any other factor with this coin. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect). Here is a practical breakdown:

For high-value examples, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is worth the cost. Accurate Precious Metals is an NGC Authorized Dealer, which means we can help connect you with grading services for coins you’re looking to sell or have assessed.

Value Guide for the 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent

Circulated examples are inexpensive. The real money is in gem uncirculated coins with original red surfaces. Values below reflect general auction and market data – individual results vary based on eye appeal, strike sharpness, and current demand.

For context, a top-grade MS67 RD example at $10,000 represents roughly 0.002 ounces of gold at current spot prices near $4,836 per ounce. The intrinsic copper melt value of a single 1910 cent is around $0.75 – collector demand drives everything above that floor.

Common Misconceptions About the 1910 Cent

A few myths circulate about this coin that are worth clearing up directly.

• “All 1910 cents are worthless.” High mintage does not equal low value across the board. Gem full red examples in MS65 and above are legitimately scarce and worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• “VDB marks make a 1910 cent rare.” No. Brenner’s initials were removed after 1909. Faint ghost marks on some 1910 dies are traces from reused hubs – not the same as a true 1909-S VDB, which is one of the most famous coins in American numismatics.
• “No mintmark means San Francisco.” The opposite is true. Philadelphia coins carry no mintmark. San Francisco cents are marked with an “S” below the date.
• “Uncirculated automatically means valuable.” Many MS60 to MS63 examples trade for $10 to $30. Strike quality, luster, and color designation matter enormously.
• “Copper melt value drives the price.” For numismatic coins, condition and collector demand dominate. Melt is the floor, not the ceiling.

You might also find it useful to compare how grading affects coin values across other classic series – the same principles apply.

Practical Tips for Collectors

Buying

Circulated examples are easy to find at coin shops, estate sales, and online auctions for $1 to $5. For uncirculated coins, stick to slabbed examples from PCGS or NGC when spending more than $50. The ODV-002 vest variety is worth hunting if you’re building a variety set – it adds depth without requiring a huge budget.

Storage

Copper is reactive. Store coins in inert, acid-free holders – Airtite capsules or archival-quality albums work well. Avoid PVC flips, which off-gas chemicals that damage copper surfaces over time. The same care you’d give a silver round applies here, though copper is more sensitive to environmental fluctuations.

Building a Set

Pair your 1910 Philadelphia cent with a 1909 for a type set, or chase the full Lincoln Wheat series from 1909 through 1958. The Lincoln Wheat penny series spans decades of American history and includes genuinely rare dates that can anchor a serious collection. Track population data through the PCGS Population Report to understand how rare high-grade examples actually are.

For collectors who also hold gold and silver, branching into numismatic coins like Lincoln cents offers diversification within a collection – different market dynamics, different grading criteria, and a different kind of historical connection.

How to Sell Your 1910 Lincoln Wheat Cent

If you have a 1910 cent – or a collection of Lincoln Wheat pennies – and you’re ready to sell, the process is straightforward when you work with the right buyer.

Circulated examples in lower grades are best sold as part of a larger lot. A single VG-8 cent isn’t worth much on its own, but a complete or near-complete Lincoln Wheat set in circulated grades has real appeal to collectors. Gem uncirculated examples in MS65+ with full red color should be sold individually, ideally with a PCGS or NGC slab to support the asking price.

Accurate Precious Metals buys all types of coins – numismatic and bullion – along with gold, silver, platinum, palladium, jewelry, and more. With over 12 years in business and more than 1,000 five-star reviews, we’ve built a reputation for fair, transparent transactions. If you’re local to the Salem, Oregon area, stop by our physical location for a same-day evaluation. If you’re anywhere else in the United States, our mail-in service makes it easy to send your coins securely – we provide insured shipping, and payment is fast once your items are assessed.

You can also learn more about selling your coins and precious metals through our dedicated resources. Whether you have a single 1910 cent in MS67 condition or a shoebox full of circulated Wheat pennies, we’re equipped to evaluate and purchase them fairly.

Why Choose Accurate Precious Metals

Accurate Precious Metals is a specialized precious metals dealer – not a pawn shop. That distinction matters when you’re selling numismatic coins. Pawn shops generalize; we focus exclusively on precious metals, coins, and related assets, which means our evaluations are more informed and our offers reflect actual market conditions.

As an NGC Authorized Dealer, we can assist with grading referrals for coins that would benefit from professional certification before sale. Our inventory spans gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper – in coin, bar, and bullion form – plus diamonds and jewelry. Pricing is updated to reflect live spot prices, so you’re always working with current market data.

For collectors and sellers nationwide, our insured mail-in program removes the friction of finding a local buyer. Visit AccuratePMR.com to learn more, or call us at (503) 400-5608 to speak with our team directly. Local customers are always welcome to visit our Salem, Oregon location in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. PCGS CoinFacts – 1910 Lincoln Cent
2. CoinWeek – 1910 Lincoln Cent History and Value
3. Bullion Sharks – 1910 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide
4. CoinCollecting.com – Lincoln Cent Series History
5. YouTube – Spotting Valuable 1910 Lincoln Cents