1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Description
The 1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent is part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. The U.S. Mint produced 156.7 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 82% of the year's production. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin and the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Estimated market value ranges from $0 to $9 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2666.
External References
Error Varieties(18)
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006
CU-1C-1938-01 Cud
PC-1c-1938-01R Pre-Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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