1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1956 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — a late issue, 48th of 50 years in the series. In 1956, coins were struck at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 1.5 billion. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, above the series median of 350.9 million. 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. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 298 known die varieties for this date across 18 categories, including bie die break cent, cud, die break and 15 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $92 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $5.0K in PR69RD grade at eBay. Designed by Victor David Brenner.