Lot 103Coin values
1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent
PHILADELPHIA · 95% COPPER, 5% ZINC (BRASS) · 1,040,515,000 STRUCK
Worth about $0.05–$0.22 circulated and $11–$13 in MS-65.
The 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a common date from the Philadelphia Mint, with 1,040,515,000 pieces struck. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $0.05–$0.22, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $11–$13.
1945Philadelphia
Catalogue medallion. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of this exact date and mint, so none is shown rather than one with a different date.
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- Mint
- Philadelphia
- Composition
- 95% copper, 5% zinc (brass)
- Mintage
- 1,040,515,000
- Weight and size
- 3.11 g · 19.05 mm
- Designer
- Victor David Brenner
Among the more plentiful: 98% of issues in the series have a smaller mintage. 1,040,515,000 struck. Mintage is the number struck, not the number that survive.
Mint mark position
D and S sit below the date on the obverse. Compare against the date: forged mint marks are common on 1909-S V.D.B., 1914-D and 1931-S.
Color: brown, red-brown, red
Bronze cents tone over time. Uncirculated prices assume red-brown (RB) toning; full red (RD) coins are worth more, brown (BN) coins less.
Strike and surface
Look for sharp wheat lines on the reverse and full detail in Lincoln's jacket. Cleaned cents show hairlines and uneven color.
About the 1945 Lincoln Wheat
How much is a 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $0.05–$0.22 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $11–$13 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.
What is a 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
It is 95% copper, 5% zinc (brass) and weighs 3.11 g. At today's metal prices the metal is worth a few cents, so any value comes from collector demand.
How many 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
1,040,515,000 were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Where is the mint mark on a Lincoln Wheat Cent?
On the obverse, below the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
Is my 1945 Lincoln Wheat Cent rare?
No. It is a common date. Its value depends mostly on grade, originality and, for this metal, the melt value.
More Lincoln Wheat Cent values
Where these numbers come from
Lincoln cent, Wikipedia: composition, weight, diameter, edge, designer, mint mark position.
Lincoln wheat cent mintage, Landofcoins.com: mintage by year and mint.
Lincoln cent mintage figures, Wikipedia: mintage cross-check.
Mintage US Coins: Lincoln Wheat Cent, Mountain View Coins: mintage cross-check (totals include Proofs).
Lustre editorial grade-value estimates, Lustre: grade value ranges (estimates, not market data).
gold-api.com spot prices (reference level for estimates), gold-api.com: reference spot prices behind the estimates.
How the estimates are made. Facts reviewed Oct 2026.