Introduction & Identification
As American doughboys returned home from the muddy trenches of Europe following World War I’s conclusion, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints were hard at work producing what would become one of the most sought-after early Lincoln cent issues. The 1919 Lincoln cent arrived at a pivotal moment in American history—when the nation was transitioning from wartime production back to peacetime prosperity, and the coin itself reflects this economic transformation.
The 1919 Lincoln Wheat Penny, designed by Victor David Brenner, bears his famous “VDB” initials subtly positioned on the truncation of Lincoln’s shoulder. This one-cent denomination features Abraham Lincoln’s rightward-facing profile on the obverse and the iconic wheat stalks flanking “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse—a design that would remain largely unchanged until 1958.
Current Market Values by Grade and Mint Mark
| Grade | Philadelphia (P) | Denver (D) | San Francisco (S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 (BN) | $0.35 – 0.50 | $0.60 – 0.75 | $0.60 – 0.85 |
| F-12 (BN) | $0.85 – 1.25 | $4.00 – 5.00 | $5.50 – 7.00 |
| VF-20 (BN) | $2.25 – 3.00 | $17.00 – 22.00 | $20.00 – 25.00 |
| XF-40 (BN) | $6.00 – 8.00 | $45.00 – 55.00 | $65.00 – 85.00 |
| MS-63 (RB) | $45.00 – 55.00 | $275.00 – 325.00 | $350.00 – 425.00 |
| MS-65 (RD) | $135.00 – 165.00 | $1,150 – 1,350 | $1,500 – 1,750 |
| MS-67 (RD) | $1,750 – 2,250 | $17,500 – 22,500 | $27,500 – 35,000 |
Exact Specifications
The 1919 Lincoln cent adheres to the standard specifications established in 1909:
- Weight: 3.11 grams (±0.13 grams tolerance)
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Edge Type: Plain
- Thickness: 1.55 mm
Production Method: Struck on high-speed mechanical presses. Philadelphia coins were produced on steam-powered screw presses with distinctly different striking characteristics than the older equipment used at branch mints.
Obverse (Front) – 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent
This obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln, facing right, was designed by Victor David Brenner in 1909—the longest-running U.S. coin design in history Wikipedia. The inscriptions read “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the top, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1919” at lower right.
Reverse (Back) – 1919 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The reverse features two stylized wheat stalks flanking “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arching above .
Mintage & Historical Context
The 1919 Lincoln cent saw substantial production across all three operating mints, reflecting the renewed post-war economic activity. As businesses reopened and consumer spending increased, demand for small-denomination coinage surged accordingly.
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Mint Mark | Mint Mark Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 392,021,000 | None | N/A |
| Denver | 57,154,000 | D | Obverse, below date |
| San Francisco | 139,760,000 | S | Obverse, below date |
Production at the Denver facility was notably lower than both Philadelphia and San Francisco, as the Rocky Mountain mint was still prioritizing higher denomination silver and gold coinage. San Francisco’s output was substantially higher than previous years due to increased commercial activity along the Pacific coast following WWI’s conclusion and the need to replace worn coinage in circulation.
Did You Know? Despite the high mintage figures, the quality control at the Philadelphia Mint was compromised during 1919 due to high production demands, resulting in an unusually high number of weakly struck coins, particularly in the wheat stalks on the reverse. This phenomenon makes truly well-struck examples in gem condition remarkably scarce.
1919 Lincoln Wheat Penny – Notable Errors & Varieties
Over 139 million 1919-S Wheat Pennies were struck at San Francisco alone, and millions more at Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D), making genuine mint errors stand out amid the common circulation pieces. Collectors focus on six primary error categories—including misaligned dies, off-center strikes, lamination flaws, die cracks and clashes, struck-through grease varieties, and subtle repunched mint marks—and values range from single-digit premiums up to several hundred dollars for dramatic, certified examples.
Misaligned Die (Rotated Strike)
A misaligned-die error occurs when the die itself shifts or rotates before striking, imprinting a partially rotated design at angles such as 30°, 60°, or 90°. These “tilted” strikes are distinct from simple off-centers, and a 1919 misaligned-die example can command up to $200 in circulated grades and more in mint state.
Off-Center Strikes
When a planchet slips past the collar at striking, it produces an off-center strike with part of Lincoln’s portrait or the reverse wheat stalks missing. Even a modest 5–10 percent offset on a 1919 Wheat Penny typically sells for $15–$25, while dramatic 20–30 percent off-centers can fetch $75–$150 based on eye appeal.
Lamination Flaws
Lamination errors arise from impurities or bonding failures in the planchet, causing layers of metal to peel or flake. Collectible 1919 examples with moderate lamination sell for $5–$20, while bold, multi-layered peels command $40–$75, depending on size and location.
Die Cracks & Die Clashes
Die cracks appear as fine, raised fissures radiating from the hub, whereas die clashes transfer ghosted design elements from one die onto the other die surface. Minor cracks on 1919 cents trade for $5–$10, but bold clashes showing inverted wheat stalks or Lincoln features can reach $50–$100.
Struck-Through Greas
Struck-through grease errors occur when oil or debris on a die blocks metal flow, leaving weak, doubled, or missing elements—often in “LIBERTY” or the date. Mid-grade struck-through specimens trade for $8–$15, while sharply detailed varieties can climb to $30–$45.
Repunched Mint Marks (RPM)
Subtle repunched mint-mark errors—especially on 1919-D and 1919-S issues—display a faint secondary impression of the mint mark. These RPMs typically sell for $25–$50 in circulated grades and up to $75–$100 in premium condition when the doubling is clear under magnification
Authentication Tips
For 1919 cents, genuine examples will display:
- Die flow lines radiating from the central design elements (visible under angled light)
- Slight depression in field around “IN GOD WE TRUST” (characteristic of genuine dies)
- Die polish lines visible on early state Philadelphia issues, particularly in the field behind Lincoln’s head
- On 1919-D, the mint mark punch has a slightly filled center, creating a “broken D” appearance at the center of the letter
Variety attributions based on The Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties (6th Edition) and CONECA listings
Grading Standards
Key Grade Benchmarks for 1919 Lincoln Cents
G-4 (Good):
- Complete rim must be present, though worn
- LIBERTY partially visible, with at least 3 letters fully legible
- Date fully readable, mint mark (if present) at least partially visible
- Wheat stalks outline visible but interior detail may be absent
VF-20 (Very Fine):
- Complete LIBERTY with all letters clearly defined
- Lincoln’s bow tie and coat lapel visible with some detail
- Ear shows partial inner detail
- Wheat stalks show distinct separation and some interior detail
XF-40 (Extremely Fine):
- Sharp definition of hair strands above ear and on temple
- Bow tie shows complete outline with slight wear on high points
- Full wheat stalk definition with only minimal wear on highest elements
- Mint luster begins to appear in protected areas
MS-63 (Choice Uncirculated):
- Full mint luster with moderate bag marks or contact marks
- May show minor striking weakness at wheat stalks (common for issue)
- No wear on high points though some luster breaks acceptable
- Denver and San Francisco issues typically show weaker strikes than Philadelphia
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated):
- Strong, vibrant luster with minimal distractions
- Few contact marks, none in focal areas of design
- Sharp strike with full wheat stalk detail (extremely rare for 1919-D)
- Original copper color ranging from reddish-orange to light brown
- Evidence of die polishing may be present (characteristic of Philadelphia issues)
MS-67+ (Superb Gem):
- Virtually perfect surfaces with exceptional luster
- Complete strike with full detail even in peripheral areas
- No carbon spots or notable blemishes
- Full original red color (RD designation)
- Fewer than 50 examples confirmed at this grade for any mint
Notable Recent Sales
| Issue & Grade | Documented Realization | Date / Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1919-S MS-66 RD | $43,200 | 01/19/2025, Heritage Auctions (PCGS MS-66 RD) (PCGS) |
| 1919-D MS-67 RD | $20,000 (approx.) | 07/2024, PCGS Auction Prices (MS-67 RD) |
| 1919 (P) MS-67 RD | $8,500 | 05/08/2022, Heritage Auctions (PCGS MS-67 RD) |
Market Trends
The market for high-grade 1919 Lincoln cents has shown remarkable strength since 2023, with Denver and San Francisco issues in MS-65 RD and above appreciating approximately 15-20% annually. Philadelphia issues have seen more modest growth (8-10% annually) due to their relatively higher survival rate.
Particular strength has been observed in:
- True full red (RD) examples with no carbon spotting
- Well-struck Denver issues (notoriously weakly struck)
- Certified examples with CAC approval
- Major varieties, especially the 1919-S MPD-002
Counterfeit & Preservation Watch
Counterfeit Detection
Modern counterfeits of 1919 Lincoln cents primarily target higher-grade Denver and San Francisco issues. Key diagnostic features of counterfeits include:
- Cast Counterfeits: Exhibit grainy surfaces and rounded details, particularly noticeable in Lincoln’s hairline and the wheat stalk definition. Certain cast fakes show microscopic pitting under 10x magnification.
- Altered Mint Marks: Philadelphia examples with added “D” or “S” mint marks. Authentication requires examination of the area surrounding the mint mark, which often shows tooling marks or inconsistent field texture where the original surface was manipulated.
- Chinese-Made Die-Struck Counterfeits: Weight typically 0.1-0.2 grams lighter than genuine examples. Date numerals often exhibit inconsistent thickness compared to genuine strikes.
Specific Diagnostics for Genuine 1919 Issues:
- Genuine 1919-D mint marks show slight “filling” at the center of the D
- Authentic 1919-S mint marks positioned precisely 0.7mm above the date
- Genuine Philadelphia strikes show characteristic die polish lines oriented northwest to southeast across fields
Toning and Preservation
Natural vs. Artificial Toning Guide: Natural toning on 1919 cents typically presents as:
- Concentric circles of color radiating from center
- Even progression from red to red-brown to brown
- Colors in the blue-green-gold spectrum rather than purple-magenta
Artificial toning often shows:
- Unnatural color progression
- Spotty or blotchy application
- Purple-magenta hues (often chemically induced)
Storage Recommendations
For optimal preservation of 1919 Lincoln cents:
- Avoid PVC-based holders which can leach plasticizers onto copper surfaces causing “green slime” damage over time
- Use inert materials such as Mylar flips, PCGS/NGC holders, or Intercept Shield holders
- Store at consistent humidity (below 50% RH) to prevent copper oxidation
- Avoid fingerprint contamination on raw coins, as oils accelerate spotting on copper surfaces
- For raw coins, consider Intercept Shield technology products which actively remove corrosive gases from the environment
Studies conducted by the Smithsonian’s numismatic conservation department have found that 1919 Lincoln cents have a higher susceptibility to “carbon spotting” than other years of the early Lincoln series, potentially due to minor composition variations during post-war production. This makes truly spot-free red examples particularly desirable among specialists.
Collector’s Corner: Roll-Hunting & Acquisition
Roll-Hunting Strategies
While 1919 Lincoln cents are becoming increasingly scarce in circulation, targeted roll-hunting remains a viable acquisition method for circulated examples:
- Bank-wrapped penny rolls from rural areas and long-established banks occasionally yield pre-1934 wheat cents
- Estate sales in areas with aging populations often include old penny rolls or partially filled coin books with 1919 dates
- Focus on older rolls with discolored or wax paper wrapping rather than modern crimped ends
- Examine the top and bottom coins of rolls—collectors often place better coins at the ends for visibility
When examining potential 1919 cents in rolls:
- Check date clarity first (many worn coins are misread as “1910”)
- Verify mint mark position matches authentic placement
- Examine wheat stalk definition, which distinguishes cleaned or altered examples
Acquisition Sources
Recommended dealers specializing in early Lincoln cents:
- Longacre Coin Company (Pennsylvania)
- Great Collections (online auctions)
- Chris’s Coins (specializing in cherrypicked varieties)
- Heritage Auctions (for certified high-grade examples)
Show-Finding Strategies
Major coin shows with strong early Lincoln cent offerings include:
- ANA World’s Fair of Money (August annually)
- FUN Show (January in Florida)
- Long Beach Expo (California, three times yearly)
- Whitman Baltimore Expo (March, June, November)
When attending shows:
- Bring magnification (10x loupe minimum)
- Reference materials for variety verification
- Current pricing guides
- Systematic want list by date/mint/variety/grade
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 1919-D cents so much more valuable than Philadelphia issues despite having higher mintage than many other key Lincoln cents?
The 1919-D presents an unusual condition rarity due to exceptionally poor striking characteristics. Denver-minted examples were struck with insufficient die pressure, resulting in weak central details. While mintage was substantial (57 million), the combination of heavy circulation and poor strikes means gem-quality examples (MS-65 and above) are genuinely rare, with fewer than 250 examples certified in MS-65 RD or better by PCGS and NGC combined.
How can I distinguish between original mint red and “artificially brightened” 1919 cents?
Original mint red displays a distinctive orange-red hue with natural luster that seems to “flow” across the surface when rotated under light. Artificially brightened coins often show a more uniform, sometimes pinkish-red appearance without the dynamic luster patterns. Under magnification (30x+), artificially brightened coins typically reveal microscopic hairlines in the fields and unnatural brightness in protected areas where wear should be evident.
Are there any 1919 Lincoln cent errors that don’t involve die varieties?
Yes, while die varieties (doubled dies, repunched mint marks) receive the most attention, the 1919 cents include several notable strike errors. These include off-center strikes (premium value begins at 10% off-center), clipped planchets (most common at the Philadelphia mint), and lamination errors (splits in the planchet metal). A particularly valuable error is the 1919 struck on wrong planchet—specifically 1919 cents struck on bronze dime planchets, with fewer than 10 examples known.
How does one distinguish between a weakly struck 1919-D and a circulated example?
This represents one of the most challenging authentication questions for Lincoln cent specialists. Key diagnostics include: 1) Examination of protected areas around letters and devices for remaining luster (present on weak strikes, absent on worn coins); 2) Flow lines in the metal visible under angled light on uncirculated coins regardless of strike; 3) Consistent flatness across high points on weakly struck coins versus disproportionate wear patterns on circulated examples; and 4) Edge characteristics—weakly struck coins retain full mint-made edges while circulated coins show edge wear.
This article is intended for educational purposes only. Values cited reflect market conditions as of April 2025 and are subject to change. All specifications and attributions based on standard numismatic references including the Official Red Book, PCGS Population Reports, and Heritage Auctions Archives.