Lot 004Coin values
1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
SAN FRANCISCO (S) · 95% COPPER, 5% TIN AND ZINC · 1,825,000 STRUCK
Worth about $40–$145 circulated and $2,450–$3,550 in MS-65.
The 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent is a semi-key date from the San Francisco Mint, with 1,825,000 pieces struck. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $40–$145, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $2,450–$3,550.
Type coin shown: 1909 Lincoln wheat cent. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of the 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent itself, so this is the nearest dated coin of the same design. The design is the same; the date, mint mark and condition of your coin will differ. Photograph: 1909 Lincoln cent (wheat), National Numismatic Collection. Public domain, credit US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash), via Wikimedia Commons.
- Mint
- San Francisco (S)
- Composition
- 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mintage
- 1,825,000
- Weight and size
- 3.11 g · 19.05 mm
- Designer
- Victor David Brenner
Scarcer than 98% of the 140 issues in the Lincoln Wheat series with a recorded mintage. 1,825,000 struck. Mintage is the number struck, not the number that survive.
S over horizontal S
A variety with the S punched over a horizontal S is known.
Mint mark position
D and S sit below the date on the obverse. Compare against the date: forged mint marks are common on 1909-S V.D.B., 1914-D and 1931-S.
Color: brown, red-brown, red
Bronze cents tone over time. Uncirculated prices assume red-brown (RB) toning; full red (RD) coins are worth more, brown (BN) coins less.
About the 1909-S Lincoln Wheat
How much is a 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $40–$145 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $2,450–$3,550 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.
What is a 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
It is 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc and weighs 3.11 g. At today's metal prices the metal is worth a few cents, so any value comes from collector demand.
How many 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
1,825,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Where is the mint mark on a Lincoln Wheat Cent?
On the obverse, below the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
Is my 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent rare?
It is a semi-key date. It is worth more than a common date in better grades.
More Lincoln Wheat Cent values
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Where these numbers come from
Lincoln cent, Wikipedia: composition, weight, diameter, edge, designer, mint mark position.
Lincoln wheat cent mintage, Landofcoins.com: mintage by year and mint.
Lincoln cent mintage figures, Wikipedia: mintage cross-check.
Mintage US Coins: Lincoln Wheat Cent, Mountain View Coins: mintage cross-check (totals include Proofs).
Lustre editorial grade-value estimates, Lustre: grade value ranges (estimates, not market data).
gold-api.com spot prices (reference level for estimates), gold-api.com: reference spot prices behind the estimates.
How the estimates are made. Facts reviewed Oct 2026.