1942 Lincoln Wheat Cent
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Mintage | 657,796,000 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Melt Value | $0.04 (spot as of ) |
| Designer | Victor D. Brenner |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-538 |
The 1942 Lincoln cent from Philadelphia was produced in approximately 657.8 million coins. America was at war. Rationing began. Gas, rubber, sugar, coffee, and meat were all controlled. The economy was being redirected to military production, and the Mint was no exception. The 1942 cent was struck in bronze, the same composition used since 1864, but the following year would bring a dramatic change. The 1942 is the last bronze Wheat cent before the steel year.
| Grade | Description | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $0.10–$0.15 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $0.15 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $0.15–$0.20 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $0.20–$0.25 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $0.40–$0.45 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $0.60–$0.70 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $0.80–$0.95 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $2–$2.50 |
This table is for educational purposes only and is intended to illustrate general market price trends and pricing steps between grades. Actual market conditions may vary significantly, especially for rarer pieces that often command premiums above the ranges shown here.
No major varieties are known for this issue.
View all Lincoln Wheat Cents varieties →- PCGS CoinFacts: Lincoln Wheat Cents
- NGC Coin Explorer: Lincoln Wheat Cents
- Heritage Auctions Archives
- Stack's Bowers Auction Archives
- A Guide Book of United States Coins (The Red Book)
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