Wheat Pennies

Wheat pennies, or the Lincoln cent, were first minted in 1909. The obverse (front) had a bust of Abraham Lincoln in profile facing to the right of the coin. The reverse (back) had two wheat stalks, one on each side. This is how the Wheat Penny got its name. In 1959 the reverse was changed to the now familiar Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln cent was also the first circulating American coin to have an image of a real person on it. Prior to this the only person to appear on U.S. coins was "Miss Liberty."

Coin collecting is a popular hobby in America. People collect coins for many reasons. Some of these reasons are as an investment, for historical or sentimental reasons or just for the joy of having a complete set. Most coin collectors get their start by collecting pennies. A popular subset to collect is the "Wheat Cent." It is still possible to find some in pocket change.

Coin values vary according to different factors such as rarity and condition. The condition of the coin can be defined as the extent of wear the coin has. Mint state coins are coins that have very little to no wear on them, and they look like they just came from the mint. This grading scale goes all the way down to Good. On Good condition coins the images and words are barely legible. Coins found in circulation or old coins will only be found in mint state very rarely. Currently the copper value of the old pennies is worth three cents, so many people are melting down the old coins which will increase the value of the remaining coins. Current wheat cent values range from .10 cents for the more common up $525.00 for the most rare in the very fine to extra fine condition.