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1945

Small Cents · Lincoln Wheat Cents · 1909–1958
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,040,515,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner
Collector's Key IDCK-551

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About this coinHistory

The 1945 Lincoln cent from Philadelphia was produced in approximately 1.04 billion coins. World War II ended in August (V-J Day) and September (formal surrender). The cent that had been struck with war-recycled shell casings was now serving a nation transitioning to peace. The 1945 is extremely common.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F) $0.05 $0.05
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.10 $0.10
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.15 $0.20
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.30 $0.30
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $0.70 $0.80
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $2 $2.50
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
In Fine condition it runs about $0.05, rising to roughly $0.70–$0.80 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
1,040,515,000 were struck.
What is a 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1945 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 1945 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.