It was the first coin in American history with an engraved genuine person’s profile. Unlike the obverse that has stayed intact by now, the US Mint changed the reverse to commemorate the 150th and 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday.
However, these coins became famous as Wheat Pennies, thanks to two wheat ears engraved on the reverse. Interestingly, their obverse has stayed one of the longest-existing US coinage.īrenner created the coin based on his plaque after then-President Theodore Roosevelt came up with an idea to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Lincoln wheat pennies appeared in 1909 after the design of Lithuanian-born American engraver Victor Brenner. *by USA Coin Book History of the 1920 Lincoln Wheat Penny Some high-grade red pieces are typically pricey, while heavily circulated coins are cheap and unattractive for most serious collectors.
The 1920 penny value depends on the condition, the mint mark, and toning. Even though three mints produced 405,665,000 coins, they are old enough to be worn out, making those in the mint state valuable. The Lincoln wheat pennies are iconic American coins, but those struck in 1920 are particularly collectible.
