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← 1941-S Lincoln Wheat Cents • 1909–1958 1942-D →
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1942

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 657,796,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-538

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

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.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.10 $0.15
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.15 $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
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1942 Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.10–$0.15, rising to roughly $0.80–$0.95 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1942 Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
657,796,000 were struck.
What is a 1942 Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1942 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 1942 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.