Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How to Choose Between Two Lincoln Wheat Pennies

When you go to a coin store or show, sometimes you have to choose between two pennies that you have narrowed down to be the two best. Although these two coins can be almost equal, there will always be one that is better. Even if there is just a small differential in one part of a coin, it can change the values between the two coins. There are many sections in each penny, and they each have their own way of being graded.

Things You'll Need

Two Lincoln wheat pennies

Instructions

- 1
  Given that the boldest part of a penny is President Lincoln, first look at Lincoln's hair, and decide which coin is more defined and detailed. The visibility of Lincoln's ear and cheek can also play a vital role in the coin's grade. Then look at his shirt and bowtie. The coin with the most ripples on Lincoln's shirt and with the boldest bowtie has a higher grade and may be the better coin.
- 2
  Check the words on the two coins. An important feature of a Lincoln wheat penny is the legend "In God We Trust." The back of the coin says "One Cent" and "United States of America." How clear and how readable the legend and writing are helps determine the coin's grade. The other writing on a penny is its date. The coin with the boldest and clearest legend and date is most likely a better coin.
- 3
  Examine the two wheat stalks on the reverse of the penny. These are the most detailed parts of the coin. On most pennies, the left wheat stalk is bolder and more defined. Inside of each stalk, there are many grains. Decide which coin has more grains visible on the stalks.
- 4
  Using steps 1, 2, and 3, decide which coin is better and has a higher grade.

Coin Collecting