Lincoln Wheat Cent

Ron Guth: Many collectors began their numismatic career with Wheat Ear Lincoln cents. In circulated condition, "Wheaties" are common and affordable. I have fond memories of going to the bank as a kid, purchasing rolls of cents, and culling out all the "Wheat Backs" (as we called them back then). Although I never found a 1909-S VDB, a 1914-D, or a 1922 "Plain", I found just about everthing else. It was my first experience with coins and one I'll never forget.

Wheat Reverse cents were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. In general, cents from Philadelphia are well made; those from Denver and San Francisco are often poorly struck from worn dies. Key dates in the series include the aforementoned 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 "Plain", plus the 1909-S and 1931-S. Interesting varieties include the 1917 and 1936 Doubled Die Obverse.