The End of an Era: The Last Wheat Penny

This listing offers a remarkable opportunity to own a high-grade example of the 1958-D Lincoln Cent, the final regular-issue year of Victor David Brenner's iconic Lincoln Wheat design. Encapsulated and certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS, at the prestigious MS63RD, or Mint State 63 Red, grade, this coin represents a significant piece of American numismatic history.

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, marking the first time a United States coin featured a real historical figure. The reverse design, featuring two durum wheat stalks framing the denomination, remained in use from 1909 until 1958. This 1958-D issue represents the final chapter of that beloved design. In 1959, without fanfare, the Wheat reverse was replaced with Frank Gasparro's design featuring the Lincoln Memorial.

Historical Context: The Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it marked the first time a United States coin featured a real historical figure rather than the allegorical Liberty motif. The reverse design, featuring two durum wheat stalks framing the denomination, remained in use from 1909 until 1958. The 1958-D issue represents the final chapter of that beloved Wheat reverse design before it was replaced in 1959.

Nearly 70 years after they left the mint, Wheat Cents have largely vanished from daily commerce. Their disappearance was accelerated by the 1982 transition from bronze to copper-plated zinc, which prompted widespread hoarding of earlier copper issues. Today, circulated 1958-D cents are common in unsearched rolls but rarely command more than a dollar individually. However, the certified coin market behaves much differently, where PCGS-graded Red examples are highly sought after.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner, features a right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. The inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST appear on the top periphery, LIBERTY to the left of the portrait, and the date 1958 with the D mint mark on the right side. The reverse features two wheat ears flanking the words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM at the top perimeter.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 1 Cent
Year: 1958
Mint: Denver, D mint mark
Grade: MS63RD
Certification: PCGS
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Composition: 95 percent Copper, 5 percent Tin and Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
Mintage: 800,953,300 pieces
PCGS Number: 2851

Understanding the RD Designation

The RD, or Red, designation on this coin is particularly desirable. It indicates that the coin has retained approximately 95 percent or more of its original, bright copper-red mint luster, with no significant dulling or toning. A Red example is more visually striking and generally more valuable than Brown, or BN, or Red-Brown, or RB, examples from the same year.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the PCGS slab provides a lifetime guarantee of the coin's genuineness and grade. It represents the end of an era, as the final year of the beloved Wheat reverse design is a historic moment in United States coinage. It features a Red designation, with the MS63RD grade indicating a highly desirable example with most of its original mint luster intact. It bears a popular mint mark, with the D from the Denver Mint adding to its desirability. Most of all, it is a high-grade example, a well-struck MS63 coin with clear fields and good eye appeal.

This coin is more than currency. It is the end of an era, offering the last Wheat Penny in high-grade condition with its original red luster intact. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 4.5, Width 2.75, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.1 lbs

Condition:
Very Good

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 50.00
• High Estimate: 150.00