Key Takeaways

• The 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent was the last Denver-minted regular-issue wheat cent and remains common in circulated grades.
• Composition is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 g with a 19 mm plain edge.
• Denver mintage totaled 800,953,300 pieces; proof strikes and Gem Red specimens are scarce.
• Gem Red coins (MS67RD–MS68RD) command premiums, with top auction prices exceeding $2,000.
• Certified populations on PCGS, NGC and CAC offer census data for valuation and rarity insight.
• Collectors can find examples in certified auctions, online marketplaces, coin shows, and local dealers.

Introduction

The 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent marks the final regular‐issue of Victor David Brenner’s classic wheat reverse cent from the Denver Mint. Nearly seven decades after its release, this coin offers a blend of historical significance and wide availability in lower grades, with select Gem Red specimens prized by advanced collectors.

Historical Background

First issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln cent adopted Brenner’s bust on the obverse and the two‐wheat‐ear reverse. The 1958 release was one of the last small‐cent bronze strikes before the Mint switched to a copper-plated zinc core in 1982. Denver’s branch produced its own “D” mint mark for these final bronze issues.

Design & Specifications

• Obverse: Victor D. Brenner’s left-facing Lincoln bust with IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and date.
• Reverse: Pair of wheat stalks framing ONE CENT • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • E PLURIBUS UNUM.
• Alloy: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc.
• Diameter: 19.00 mm. Weight: 3.11 g. Edge: Plain.

Mintage and Rarity

The Denver Mint struck 800,953,300 of the 1958-D wheat cents. While the bulk of surviving coins are circulated pieces worth face or small premiums, uncirculated Gem Red examples are scarce. PCGS reports 38 MS67+RD coins, while NGC lists 4 MS68RD specimens as of mid‐2025. CAC has approved a dozen MS67RD issues, highlighting top‐quality survivors.

Grading and Market Values

Collectors focus on Red (RD) coloration and high-grade surfaces:

• Circulated Grades (P-VG): Face value–$0.50 depending on wear and eye appeal.
• MS63RD–MS65RD: $3–$15 each.
• MS66RD: $20–$50 each.
• MS67RD (PCGS): $200–$600; CAC examples exceed $1,500.
• MS68RD (NGC): $1,500–$2,500 (only four known).

Signature auction records:

• NGC MS68RD #6352386-002: $1,920 (Heritage, May 2023).
• PCGS MS67RD CAC #48300274: $3,600 (Heritage, Jan 2025).
• Stack’s Bowers MS67RD #50397082: $2,040 (Aug 2024).

Where to Acquire a 1958-D Wheat Cent

• Online Auctions: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections.
• Coin Marketplaces: eBay certified listings; look for “MS67RD CAC” in title.
• Local Dealers & Shows: Ask for certified Denver wheat cents, compare grading services.
• PCGS/NGC Registry Sets: Network with top collectors via PCGS and NGC online forums.
• Roll Hunting: Original bank‐wrapped rolls occasionally surface at coin shows.

Preservation and Best Practices

Maintain original Mint Red surfaces by:

• Handling coins by the rim or wearing lint‐free gloves.
• Storing in inert flips or archival holders to prevent oxidation.
• Avoiding cleaning; white toning spots significantly reduce value.
• Submitting high-grade finds to PCGS, NGC and optionally CAC for premium validation.

Conclusion

The 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent stands at the crossroads of numismatic history and modern grading standards. While common in average grades, Gem Red survivors continue to appreciate as key series rarities. By understanding the coin’s background, grading nuances and market data, collectors can confidently seek out and preserve these final bronze wheat cents.

References

• PCGS CoinFacts: 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent
• NGC Coin Explorer: 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent
• CAC Population Reports
• Heritage Auctions: Past Sale Archives
• CoinWeek: 1958-D Lincoln Wheat Cent Guide
• U.S. Mint: Circulating Coin Composition
• Red Book Online: Lincoln Wheat Cent Values
• NGC Population Census: MS68RD