1919 Cent Appraisal

1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent

This is a United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Wheat Penny, dated 1919. The coin features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse designed by Victor David Brenner. It is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, measuring 19.05mm in diameter with a plain edge. The coin exhibits a deep chocolate brown patina consistent with a 'Brown' designation in numismatics. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant signs of honest circulation and environmental exposure; the high points of Lincoln's hair and cheek are heavily smoothed, and the legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY' appear soft but remain legible. The date '1919' is clearly visible in the lower right field. There is a lack of a mint mark below the date, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Notable condition issues include numerous small surface contact marks, a darkening of the fields due to oxidation, and some minor rim bruising. Despite the heavy wear, the iconic silhouette and essential motifs of early 20th-century American coinage are preserved. This specimen represents a common date in the series, produced shortly after World War I, and carries the historic 'Wheat Ears' reverse design (implied by the series type).