Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1916

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 131,833,677
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-455

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1916 Lincoln cent from Philadelphia was struck in approximately 131.8 million coins. The enormous mintage reflects growing demand as the American economy expanded to supply the warring European powers. The 1916 is common in all grades. Woodrow Wilson was running for reelection on the slogan "He Kept Us Out of War," a promise that would not survive the following year.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.40 $0.45
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.50 $0.55
F-12 Fine (F) $0.65 $0.75
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $2.50 $2.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $7 $8.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $12.50 $14.50
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $16.50 $19
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $37 $39
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.40–$0.45, rising to roughly $16.50–$19 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1916 Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
131,833,677 were struck.
What is a 1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.