1918 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Penny)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money > Small Cents
Era / Decade
1910s (Dated 1918)
Material
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc; Bronze composition standard for the era.
Condition
Good (G-4 to VG-8). The coin shows significant circulation wear. The date and Liberty are visible, but Lincoln's hair and clothing details are mostly flat. Dark patina and surface grime suggest it has been in circulation for a long time.
Demand Level
Niche/Low. While Wheat Pennies are popular among beginner collectors, the 1918 Philadelphia strike is very common (370+ million minted), making low-grade examples easy to find.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$0.15 - $0.75
Estimated Retail Value
$0.50 - $1.00
Comparable Sales
Individual circulated 1918 pennies typically sell for under $1.00 on eBay ('Sold' listings). Bulk 'Wheat Penny' bags of mixed dates often sell for $0.03-$0.05 per coin.
Description
A vintage 1918 Lincoln Wheat Penny. This coin features the bust of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the classic 'Wheat Ears' design on the reverse (implied by the date). It lacks a mint mark below the date, indicating it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Key Features
Early date Wheat Penny (over 100 years old); highly recognizable collectible; part of the popular Lincoln Cent series; Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark).
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font for date and 'LIBERTY'; genuine aging/patina consistent with bronze; distinct 1918 profile. Reliability is high as this is a common date with very low counterfeit risk.
Flaws to Note
Heavy circulation wear; loss of fine detail in the hair and wheat ears; surface staining/grime; potentially cleaned in the past (though looks naturally aged); value is strictly as a low-grade common date.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a lot on eBay or Etsy; local flea markets; or to a local coin shop (though they may only pay bulk rates for common dates).
Selling Tips
Do not attempt to clean the coin as this ruins numismatic value. Take high-resolution macro photos of both the obverse and reverse. To maximize profit, bundle this with other early-date wheat cents to save on shipping costs.