Wheat Pennies 1909-1958

Victor D. Brenner designed this cent, which was issued to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The designer’s initials (V.D.B.) appear on the reverse of a limited quantity of cents of 1909. The initials were restored, in 1918, to the obverse side on Lincoln’s shoulder. The Lincoln type was the first cent to have the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

Matte Proof coins were made for collectors from 1909 through 1916, and an exceptional specimen dated 1917 is also reported to exist.