1939 Penny Appraisal

1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent

This is a 1939 United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Lincoln Wheat Cent. The coin features the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner. The coin is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, which gives it its characteristic reddish-brown patina. Measuring approximately 19mm in diameter, the specimen shows significant signs of wear and environmental exposure. The obverse displays the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the upper rim, 'LIBERTY' to the left of the profile, and the date '1939' to the right. There is no visible mint mark, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The surface exhibits a heavy 'orange peel' texture and numerous contact marks, pits, and scratches, particularly on Lincoln's cheek and the surrounding fields. The rim shows several small dings and flattened areas, particularly on the left side. The overall condition appears to be in the Good to Very Good (G-VG) range due to the loss of fine detail in the hair and clothing, along with the notable surface degradation. This coin represents a common but historically significant piece of American pre-WWII numismatics.