With its representation of nearly a hundred years of history, the 1926 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a valuable collectible for coin enthusiasts. This coin provides dimension to any collection with its unique design and the possibility of significant errors. Although the coin is usually available regarding its condition, higher-grade examples and some errors may attract an important value in the coin market. The 1926 Lincoln Penny has an interesting background and characteristics that make it an attractive addition to any collection, whatever the experience level.
History of 1926 Lincoln Penny
The first American coin with a portrait of a U.S. president was the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, which came out in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Victor D. Brenner created the Lincoln Cent, which has been an essential of American numismatics ever since it took the place of the Indian Head Cent. Some of these coins, especially rare editions, have become part of the Most Valuable Pennies sought by collectors today.
With almost 157 million pieces minted by the Philadelphia Mint, the coinage was far into its production run by 1926. This coin was struck by the Denver and San Francisco mints as well as by the Philadelphia mint, though the latter made significantly fewer of them, especially in San Francisco.
Because of the increased demand for small-denomination coins after World War I, 1926 witnessed a high production volume. The economic growth of the Roaring Twenties likely contributed to the demand for more pennies, making the 1926 Lincoln Penny an abundant issue at the time
Specifications
- Year: 1926
- Mint Marks: None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
- Type: Wheat Penny
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Thickness: 1.55 mm
- Edge: Smooth
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
Design
Obverse (Front)
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, appears in a bust on the right side of the 1926 Lincoln Wheat Penny’s obverse. Lincoln is thoughtfully depicted in the painting, which represents the president’s dedication to leadership and unity. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” highlight the nation’s faith and follow the coin’s top curve above Lincoln’s head. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed to the left of the statue. If the mint mark is present, it may be found under the year “1926.” The “D” and “S” mint marks represent Denver and San Francisco, respectively, while a coin without a mint mark was created at the Philadelphia Mint.
Reverse (Back)
On the back, there are two wheat stalks on the opposite side of the words “ONE CENT,” which is why it’s known as the “Wheat Penny.” Up until the Lincoln Memorial reverse took its place in 1959, this iconic image, representing America’s agricultural history, was an essential element of the penny’s design. Above the designation, the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which means “Out of many, one,” represents the unity of the United States.
Rarity and Condition
The 1926 Lincoln Penny is considered common in circulated grades, primarily because of the high mintage at the Philadelphia Mint. However, coins from the Denver and especially San Francisco mints are lower and more sought after by collectors. For those interested in determining its worth, using a coin value checker can help assess the current market value of these coins.
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark): With over 157 million coins minted, this type is the most affordable, mainly in lower grades.
- Denver (D Mint Mark): A mintage of about 28 million makes the Denver issue more valuable, especially in higher grades.
- San Francisco (S Mint Mark): With a mintage of only 4.55 million, the San Francisco coin is the rarest and most valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.
The condition greatly influences a 1926 Wheat Penny’s value. Coins in Average Circulated (AC) condition can be found for about 35 cents. In difference, coins graded as Mint State (MS) can bring extremely higher prices, mainly those certified by reputable grading services.
Errors
Errors on some 1926 Lincoln Pennies can add an important amount of value. One common error is when the word “LIBERTY” appears faint or just partially struck, which can be because of poor striking or die wear. Collectors who focus on changes and error coins have an interest in this type of error. Additional errors that increase the coin’s value involve die cracks, off-center strikes, and doubling on characters and digits.
Grading
Grading plays an important role in determining the value of a 1926 Lincoln Penny. Coins are graded based on their condition, from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). For the 1926 Penny, commonly encountered grades have:
- Good (G-4): The coin shows heavy wear, with only the main design elements visual.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate wear, but finer facts like Lincoln’s hair and the wheat lines are partially visual.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear on the high points, with most design details intact.
- About Uncirculated (AU-55): The coin shows very little wear on the most elevated points, and the surfaces have most of their original mint luster.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65+): No signs of wear, with varying grades of shine and minor scratches.
Value of 1926 Lincoln Penny
The value of a 1926 Lincoln Penny depends mostly on its condition, mint mark, and presence of any errors. Here’s a general guide:
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark):
- Average Circulated: $0.35 to $1.00
- MS-60: $10-$20
- MS-65+: $50-$80
- Denver (D Mint Mark):
- Average Circulated: $1.00 to $5.00
- MS-60: $25-$50
- MS-65+: $200-$300
- San Francisco (S Mint Mark):
- Average Circulated: $5.00 to $20.00
- MS-60: $75-$150
- MS-65+: $500-$800
Related Post –
- The 1914 Wheat Penny: A Comprehensive Guide for Collectors
- 1872 Indian Head Penny: A Complete Guide
- 1984 Washington Quarter: A Complete Guide
- 1983 Washington Quarter: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
The 1926 Lincoln Penny offers a fascinating look into both American numismatics and history. Because of its history, design, and possibility of valuable errors, it is a must-have piece for collectors. Coins from the Denver and San Francisco mints, especially in higher quality, can be significantly more expensive than those from the Philadelphia mint, with the latter being very common. Whether you are interested in collecting this coin for its strange errors, historical value, or just to complete your collection, the 1926 Wheat Penny continues to be a fascinating and attractive piece of American coinage.