1945 United States Lincoln Wheat Cent

This is a United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Lincoln Wheat Cent, dated 1945. The obverse features the profile of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. The coin is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, which was the standard composition following the shift back from the 1943 steel cents. This specific specimen exhibits severe environmental damage and corrosion. Notably, there are prominent crusts of green verdigris (copper carbonate or chloride) blooming across Lincoln's face, neck, and the lower rim. The natural copper-orange luster is largely obscured by a dark, uneven chocolate-brown patina and heavy oxidation. The '1945' date is still legible, but the 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY' mottos are partially interrupted by surface wear and corrosion. Due to the significant verdigris, which is an active chemical reaction that pits the metal, the coin is in 'cull' or 'details' condition, meaning its numismatic value is severely compromised despite its historical significance from the final year of World War II. No mint mark is visible, indicating it was likely struck at the Philadelphia Mint.