The Lincoln Shield Cent was minted in 1909. Victor David Brenner and Lyndall Bass designed these. Originally describing Lincoln with wheat stalks, it now bears Bass’s Union shield.
In 1909, Brenner’s Lincoln design marked an important change, becoming the first U.S. coin to feature a president. Despite initial controversy over Brenner’s initials (VDB), they were reinstated in 1918.
The composition changed during WWII to zinc-coated steel due to copper shortages. Later, in 1982, zinc with a copper layer became standard.
In 1959, Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial replaced Brenner’s wheat reverse, and in 2009, four commemorative designs honored Lincoln’s bicentennial. Since 2010, Bass’s shield design has been used..
Design of Lincoln Shield Cent
Brenner’s design for the Lincoln Cent drew inspiration from a 1907 desk plaque and an 1864 photograph of Lincoln. He envisioned Lincoln reading to a child for the design. Initially, Brenner proposed a design similar to French coins, but it was rejected. Eventually, his design featuring Lincoln’s profile with the motto “In God We Trust” was approved by President Taft and released on August 2, 1909.
If you have such a coin, reach out to us for an appraisal. For circulated coins in lower grades, you can buy or sell them easily at your local coin dealer.
Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Shield Cent
- 2010-D 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2010-D 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2010-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
- 2011 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2011 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2011-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
- 2012 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2012 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
- 2012-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
- 2013 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
1. 2010-D 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2010-D Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the series Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date.
It’s been graded by PCGS as MS67RD (Mint State 67 Red).
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 2,047,200,000
- Mint: Denver
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It achieved an auction record of $4,994 as MS67 on 04-24-2013 at Heritage Auctions.
2. 2010-D 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2010-D Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, part of the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS67RD (Mint State 67 Red) and has been featured on the PCGS website with multiple images.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 2,047,200,000
- Mint: Denver
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It set an auction record of $4,994 as MS67 on 04-24-2013 at Heritage Auctions.
3. 2010-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
This is a 2010-S Lincoln Cent Shield, Proof Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS PR70DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) and has multiple images available on the PCGS website.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 1,689,216
- Mint: San Francisco
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It achieved an auction record of $507 as PR70 on 10-31-2010 on eBay.
4. 2011 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2011 Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS68+RD (Mint State 68+ Red) and has multiple images available on the PCGS website.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 2,402,400,000
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It sold for $575 as MS68RD on 08-07-2022 on eBay.
5. 2011 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2011 Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS68+RD (Mint State 68+ Red) and has multiple images available on the PCGS website.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 2,402,400,000
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It fetched $575 as MS68RD on 08-07-2022 on eBay.
6. 2011-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
This is a 2011-S Lincoln Cent Shield, Proof Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS PR70DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) and has multiple images available on the PCGS website.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 1,673,010
- Mint: San Francisco
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It sold for $390 as PR70DCAM on 05-20-2019 on eBay.
7. 2012 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2012 Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS68+RD (Mint State 68+ Red) and has multiple images available on the PCGS website.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 3,132,000,000
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
- It sold for $1,495 as MS68+RD on 05-03-2018 on eBay.Â
8. 2012 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2012 Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS68+RD (Mint State 68+ Red) and has multiple images available for viewing.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 3,132,000,000
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It was sold for $1,495 as MS68+RD on 05-03-2018 on eBay.
9. 2012-S 1C Shield, DCAM (Proof)
This is a 2012-S Lincoln Cent Shield, Proof Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS PR70DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) and has multiple images available for viewing.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 1,239,148
- Mint: San Francisco
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It was sold for $203 as PR70DCAM on 01-16-2020 on eBay.
10. 2013 1C Shield, RD (Regular Strike)
This is a 2013 Lincoln Cent Shield, Regular Strike, from the Lincoln Cents 1959 to Date series.
It’s graded PCGS MS68RD (Mint State 68 Red) and has multiple images available for viewing.
Specifications:
- Designer: Victor David Brenner/Lyndall Bass
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 2.50 grams
- Mintage: 3,750,400,000
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Metal: Copper-plated Zinc
It was sold for $576 as MS68RD on 06-06-2018 at Heritage Auctions.
Also Read – 10 Rare Classic Head Half Cents Worth Money
Conclusion:
Lincoln Shield cents, especially those in high Mint State grades or with features like double die varieties, can have important value. While most coins are easily available in circulation, collectors may find value in coins certified as MS70 or with unique features.Â
These coins often bring higher prices, as indicated by different auction records. Therefore, if you have such coins, estimate to explore possible offers. Overall, the Lincoln Shield cent series presents opportunities for collectors to earn valuable coins, particularly those with exceptional grading or attributes.