The 1958 Wheat Penny is far more than a simple one-cent coin; it is a tangible piece of American history, a metallic punctuation mark at the end of a numismatic era. The images you’ve provided beautifully capture the obverse of this iconic coin, highlighting the classic bust of Abraham Lincoln and, intriguingly, a prominent feature that collectors often seek out. This coin holds a special place in the hearts of numismatists because, as you mentioned, it marks the final year the beloved Wheat Penny design would grace the copper coinage before the introduction of the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.
A Look at the Obverse: Lincoln and the “Cud” Error
Both coins clearly display the work of designer Victor David Brenner. The obverse, or “heads” side, features the familiar, stoic profile of the 16th U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln. Surrounding his image are the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” arching over the top, “LIBERTY” to his left, and the significant “1958” date to his right.
What immediately draws the eye in your photographs is the distinct, raised lump of metal circled in red, positioned right below Lincoln’s chin and on his neck. This feature is not a sign of damage sustained after the coin left the mint; instead, it is a fascinating example of a Mint Error, specifically a type of error known as a die break or, more commonly when it occurs near the edge or rim, a cud.
A die break happens when a small part of the working die—the tool used to strike the coin—cracks or chips away. Molten metal then flows into this resulting void during the striking process, leaving a raised lump on the coin. While the placement of this specific example is not a full-fledged “cud” (which typically involves a break at the edge), it is clearly an Interior Die Break, an attractive and collectible error. The prominence of this raised copper mass adds a unique character to your specific examples, turning what would be a common coin into an intriguing specimen for an error collector. Such variations demonstrate the imperfections inherent in the mass-production process of coinage and are highly prized.
The Historical Context: Last Call for Wheat
The year 1958 holds profound significance for the Lincoln Cent series. The Wheat Penny design, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate Lincoln’s centennial birthday, featured two stylized wheat ears flanking the denomination and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse. For fifty years, this design had been a constant in American pockets, an enduring symbol of a nation’s history and agrarian roots.
The transition to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959 was a significant change. It was implemented to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. This fact solidifies the 1958 issue as a key transitional piece. Collecting all the coins in the Lincoln series requires the 1958 to complete the full run of the original “Wheat” reverse. Its status as the “final year” issue lends it an intrinsic historical value that transcends its modest copper composition.
In 1958, the U.S. Mint produced Lincoln Cents at two locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). The coins in your photo, lacking a visible mint mark below the date, were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While millions were produced, ensuring they are not inherently rare, their significance as the swan song of the Wheat Ear design keeps them perpetually popular.
The Collector’s View: Condition and Value
The visual condition of these coins is typical for those that have spent time in circulation. They exhibit an appealing brown patina and show wear on the high points of Lincoln’s portrait, which is to be expected for a coin that is nearly seven decades old. The coin on the left appears to be a slightly lighter brown, potentially due to environmental exposure or handling, while the coin on the right has a richer, darker tone.
For a collector, the addition of the Interior Die Break is the most compelling feature. While common circulated 1958 cents are inexpensive, an authenticated and prominent die break error can significantly increase the coin’s appeal and value to the right buyer.
The 1958 Wheat Penny is an affordable entry point for new collectors and a meaningful anchor for seasoned numismatists. It is a humble, yet historically rich, artifact that tells the story of an evolving American identity and the meticulous—yet occasionally flawed—art of coinage. To hold a 1958 penny is to hold the last echo of the classic Wheat Cent era, a beautifully preserved moment in copper.
