On May 7, 1916, while America stood at the precipice of entering World War I, the Philadelphia Mint was quietly producing what would become one of the more challenging early dates in the Lincoln cent series. President Woodrow Wilson was maintaining neutrality as Europe tore itself apart, but American factories were shifting to wartime production—including the mints, which faced metal shortages affecting copper supplies. These economic pressures created conditions that would impact the production quality and availability of the 1916 Lincoln cent, making it an intriguing study for serious numismatists today.
The 1916 Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose controversial “VDB” initials had been removed from the reverse in 1909. Produced at all three operational mints—Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—the 1916 issues present collectors with distinct challenges, particularly in higher grades.
Current Market Value Ranges (May 2025)
| Grade | Philadelphia (P) | Denver (D) | San Francisco (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.75 – $1.25 | $1.50 – $2.00 | $1.25 – $1.75 |
| VG-8 | $1.25 – $1.75 | $2.50 – $3.00 | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| F-12 | $2.00 – $3.00 | $12.00 – $15.00 | $7.00 – $9.00 |
| XF-40 | $12.00 – $15.00 | $75.00 – $90.00 | $40.00 – $50.00 |
| MS-63 RB | $35.00 | $250.00 | $165.00 |
| MS-65 RD | $125.00 – $150.00 | $1,350.00 – $1,550.00 | $775.00 – $900.00 |
| MS-67 RD | $3,500.00 | $13,750.00 | $8,500.00 |
Exact Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | One Cent ($0.01) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams (±0.13g tolerance) |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Thickness | 1.55 mm |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
Production Method: Struck on high-speed steam-powered presses at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. The 1916 issues were produced using 27-ton pressure applied to each planchet, which occasionally resulted in slightly weaker strikes compared to later years due to die wear patterns specific to this period.
Obverse Details
Portrait: Lincoln’s profile, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” above, “LIBERTY” at left, and “1916” at right .
Reverse Details
Design: Two stylized wheat stalks flanking “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above .
Mintage & Historical Context
| Mint Location | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mint mark) | 131,832,627 | Highest production year for cents to date |
| Denver (D) | 35,956,000 | Production constrained by wartime metal allocations |
| San Francisco (S) | 22,510,000 | Lowest mintage of the three facilities |
The relatively high mintage figures belie the challenge of finding well-preserved specimens. During this period, economic pressures of pre-war America meant most Lincoln cents entered circulation immediately and remained there for decades. The 1916 cents were not saved in significant quantities by contemporary collectors, who were more focused on the then-novel Buffalo nickels and newly issued Walking Liberty half dollars.
The 1916 Lincoln cent was produced during a transitional period when the U.S. Mint was experimenting with different copper alloys to address wartime metal conservation needs. This resulted in subtle but discernible color variations among surviving specimens, particularly evident in high-grade examples.
1916 Lincoln Wheat Penny – Notable Errors & Varieties
1. Off-Center Strikes
Coins struck off-center occur when the planchet isn’t properly aligned in the press. A 1916 penny with a 5% to 10% off-center strike typically ranges from $10 to $20. More significant misalignments, such as 50% off-center, can command prices in the hundreds of dollars
2. Lamination Errors
Lamination flaws arise from impurities in the metal, leading to peeling or flaking on the coin’s surface. A 1916 penny exhibiting an obverse lamination error can be valued around $150, depending on the severity and eye appeal.
3. Struck-Through Grease
This error occurs when grease or debris obstructs the die, resulting in missing or faint design elements. For instance, a 1916-S penny with a grease strike-through on the reverse was listed for $8.99, highlighting its collectible nature despite the modest price.
4. Die Clashes
Die clashes happen when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet in between, imprinting parts of one design onto the other die. A 1916 penny with a reverse die clash was offered at $90, indicating the premium such errors can fetch.
While the 1916 Lincoln Wheat Penny may lack some of the dramatic errors seen in other years, these subtle anomalies add intrigue and value for collectors. Always consult with a reputable coin dealer or grading service to authenticate and appraise error coins accurately.
Authentication Tips:
- Genuine 1916 Lincoln cents show a distinctive die polish line running from Lincoln’s bowtie to the rim (visible at 20x magnification)
- Philadelphia issues have a microscopic die chip in the field directly behind Lincoln’s head (varies by die pair)
- Denver issues typically show slightly rounded rim detail compared to Philadelphia strikes
- San Francisco strikes often display characteristic “mushy” detail in the wheat ears
Grading Standards
G-4 (Good)
- Complete rim visible but may be worn into design
- LIBERTY worn but legible
- Date fully readable but may show significant wear
- Wheat stalks outline visible but interior details flat
VG-8 (Very Good)
- Complete rim separation from devices
- All letters in LIBERTY visible with moderate wear
- Lincoln’s jaw line and cheek defined
- Both wheat ears show some interior detail
F-12 (Fine)
- All major design elements clear
- Some detail in Lincoln’s hair above ear
- Complete separation between wheat stalks and center device
- Some legible detail in wheat kernels
XF-40 (Extremely Fine)
- Sharp detail in Lincoln’s hair and beard
- Only light wear on highest points
- Full wheat ear detail with minimal flattening
- Clear mint mark with full definition
MS-63 (Uncirculated – Choice)
- No wear, but may have several noticeable contact marks
- Good luster with possible bag marks
- Strong strike with full detail in hair and wheat
- May show minor spotting typical for the issue
MS-65 (Uncirculated – Gem)
- Strong luster with minimal distracting marks
- Well-centered strike
- No significant carbon spots
- Original mint color (RD designation requires 95%+ original red color)
MS-67 (Uncirculated – Superb Gem)
- Virtually perfect surfaces under magnification
- Exceptional strike with full details
- Complete original mint luster
- Premium eye appeal with virtually perfect centering
Recent Significant Auction Results:
| Issue & Grade | Realized Price | Date | Auction & Lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 MS-67+ RD (P) | $8,500 | May 2022 | Heritage Auctions, |
| 1916-D MS-66+ RD (D) | $7,200 | Apr 2022 | Heritage FUN Sale |
| 1916-S MS-67 RD (S) | $21,600 | Mar 2025 | Stack’s Bowers |
While the overall mintage numbers suggest the 1916 Philadelphia issue should be common, the survival rate in Gem condition (MS-65 or better) is actually lower than expected. This anomaly is attributed to poor quality control during production due to accelerated mint operations during the pre-war economy, making true Gem examples particularly desirable to series specialists.
Counterfeit & Preservation Watch
Known Counterfeit Indicators
- Cast Counterfeits
- Look for grainy surface texture under 10x magnification
- Seam lines often visible along edge
- Weight typically 2.9-3.0g (lighter than genuine)
- Dull “thud” rather than ring when dropped on hard surface
- Altered Date Specimens
- Most common: 1946 modified to appear as 1916
- Check serif length on “1” (longer on 1946)
- Examine field around date for tooling marks
- Diameter of “6” slightly larger in 1946 issues
- Chinese Counterfeits (Modern)
- Wrong copper composition (typically 92% copper)
- Mint mark size inconsistent with genuine examples
- Often slightly magnetic due to iron content
- Lettering spacing errors in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Toning Guide
Natural Copper Toning Progression:
- Full original mint red (RD)
- Red-Brown transition (RB) with 40-90% original color
- Chocolate brown (BN) with possible highlights
- Dark brown with possible carbon spots
Artificial Toning Warning Signs:
- Unnatural purple or rainbow patterns
- Spotty discoloration rather than gradual transitions
- Unnaturally bright areas surrounded by dark patches
- “Halo effect” around devices
Preservation Recommendations
- Proper Storage: Inert, non-PVC flips or PCGS/NGC holders
- Environment: Maximum 50% humidity, stable temperature
- Handling: Cotton gloves or hold by edges only
- Cleaning: NEVER clean copper cents—any abrasive will permanently damage surfaces
- Stabilization: For specimens showing signs of active bronze disease (green spots), consult a professional conservator immediately
Collector’s Corner: Roll-Hunting & Acquisition
Roll-Hunting Prospects
While finding 1916 cents in modern circulation is extremely unlikely, older rolls obtained from estate sales or long-established coin shops occasionally yield examples. Pay particular attention to:
- Old-style kraft paper bank-wrapped rolls (pre-1960)
- Estate collections from the Northeast and Midwest regions
- “Unsearched” dealer rolls from collections assembled before 1950
When searching rolls, don’t overlook worn examples—even Good-4 specimens of the 1916-D and 1916-S carry significant premiums over common dates.
Acquisition Strategies
Dealer Selection:
- Specialists in early Lincoln cents (David Lawrence Rare Coins, DLRC.com)
- Established brick-and-mortar shops with transparent grading standards
- Dealers with PCGS, NGC, CAC, or ANA membership credentials
Auction Platforms:
- Heritage Auctions (HA.com) – Largest volume of certified Lincoln cents
- Stack’s Bowers (StacksBowers.com) – Regular offerings of high-grade examples
- Great Collections (GreatCollections.com) – Weekly online auctions with competitive bidding
Show Calendar 2025:
- ANA World’s Fair of Money (August 2025) – Often features specialist Lincoln cent dealers
- FUN Show (January and July 2025) – Strong early copper representation
- Long Beach Expo (June, September, February) – Consistent offerings of certified material
When building a collection of 1916 Lincoln cents, consider focusing on a specific mint or grade range rather than attempting to acquire all varieties simultaneously. For investment potential, prioritize PCGS or NGC certified examples in MS-64RD or better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 1916 Lincoln cent considered a key date in the series?
While not among the primary key dates (like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or 1931-S), the 1916-D and 1916-S are considered semi-key dates, particularly in grades above Extremely Fine. The Philadelphia issue is more common but challenging to find with full original mint color.
What caused the distinctive strike characteristics of the 1916 issues?
The 1916 cents were produced during a period of increased demand and wartime metal conservation. Dies were often used longer than optimal, resulting in slightly weaker strikes, particularly on the reverse wheat ears. Additionally, the Denver Mint was still relatively new to cent production, having only begun striking cents in 1911.
How can I determine if my 1916 cent has full original mint color (Red designation)?
PCGS and NGC standards require approximately 95% or more of the original mint color to qualify for the “RD” designation. Examine the coin under natural light—genuine full red examples will display consistent satiny luster across both sides with no significant brown or darkened areas. The copper should have a bright, slightly salmon-colored appearance rather than the deeper orange-red of artificially colored specimens.
Are there any notable errors beyond the doubled dies and repunched mint marks?
Yes, several significant strike errors exist for the 1916 issues, including off-center strikes (typically commanding 3-5x premium depending on percentage off-center), clipped planchets (most common on Philadelphia issues), and at least two documented mules featuring 1916-dated Lincoln cent obverses paired with Indian Head cent reverses. These major errors typically sell for $2,500-10,000 depending on condition and the specific error type.
What complementary coins should I consider alongside 1916 Lincoln cents?
Collectors focusing on the historical context of 1916 often pair these cents with other 1916-dated issues, including the final Barber dimes, the Mercury dime (introduced 1916), Standing Liberty quarter (introduced late 1916), and Walking Liberty half dollar (introduced 1916). These contemporary issues provide a fascinating snapshot of American coinage during the transitional period of World War I.
This article references the PCGS Price Guide (April 2025), Heritage Auctions results (January-April 2025), U.S. Mint Annual Reports, and the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties (6th Edition, Volume II). Market values are subject to change; collectors are advised to consult current price guides before making significant purchases.