1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent Appraisal
Category: Coin
Description
The item is a United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Lincoln Wheat Cent, dated 1948. It is primarily made of copper, consistent with pennies from that era (95% copper, 5% zinc/tin). The coin exhibits significant wear and environmental toning, which has resulted in a mottled brown and somewhat reddish-brown patina across its surface. The obverse prominently features the right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln. The legend "IN GOD WE TRUST" is visible above his head, though partially obscured by wear, and "LIBERTY" is visible to his left. The date, "1948," is clearly legible to his right. The designer's initials, 'VDB' (Victor David Brenner), if present, are not discernible from the provided image due to the coin's condition and angle. The rim appears mostly intact but shows signs of slight flattening in areas. There are no obvious signs of major damage such as bends, significant dents, or holes, but the overall surface is dull and lacks original luster, indicating extensive circulation. The details of Lincoln's facial features and coat are softened and less defined than on an uncirculated specimen, suggesting a 'Good' to 'Very Good' condition grade according to numismatic standards. The reverse, not visible in the image, would typically display two wheat ears, hence the 'Wheat Cent' designation. The craftsmanship is typical of U.S. Mint production for circulating coinage of the mid-20th century. The visible quality indicators point to an authentic, heavily circulated coin.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the 1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Based on this visual inspection, the coin exhibits significant wear, consistent with extensive circulation. The details on Lincoln's bust are noticeably softened, and much of the original luster is absent, replaced by environmental toning that presents as a mottled brown patina. The date '1948' is clearly legible, and 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' are discernible, albeit worn. The rim shows minor flattening but appears intact. There are no signs of major damage like bends or holes. This condition suggests a grade in the 'Good' to 'Very Good' range according to numismatic standards. Authenticity: From the image, the coin appears to be an authentic 1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Its composition and design features are consistent with known examples of this issue. However, visual examination alone provides limited authenticity verification. Full authentication would require in-person inspection to assess weight, diameter, strike characteristics, and edge details against known mint specifications. Microscopic examination could reveal tooling marks or other inconsistencies not visible in images. Scientific testing, such as XRF analysis, could confirm metallic composition. Market Conditions, Demand, and Rarity: The 1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a common date, with a high mintage (317,677,000 from the Philadelphia Mint alone). There is generally low demand for heavily circulated examples of common dates. The value of such coins is primarily driven by their copper content, often referred to as 'junk silver/copper' value, or nominal numismatic premium. Factors significantly impacting higher value (such as condition, rarity, or specific varieties like 'S' or 'D' mint marks, or error coins) are not present or discernible here. High-grade examples or rare varieties would command significant premiums, but this coin's condition places it firmly in the common circulated category. Comparables: Heavily circulated 1948 Lincoln Cents typically trade for minimal numismatic value, often just above their face value or intrinsic metal value. Online auction sites and dealer inventories show similar examples selling for under a dollar. In summary, this is a genuine, heavily circulated 1948 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Its condition and common date status severely limit its numismatic value.
Appraisal Value
$0.05 - $0.25