1932-D Lincoln Wheat Cent
Numismatic sculpture; United States one-cent coin (Wheat Penny) • Victor David Brenner (obverse design); United States Mint at Denver (striking location)
Style & Movement
American Neoclassical/Beaux-Arts influence in numismatic design
Medium & Technique
Metal alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc); Die-struck minting process using master and working hubs
Creation Period
1932 (Depression Era)
Dimensions & Format
Circular tondo; Standard 19.05 mm diameter with a plain edge
Subject Description
Profile portrait of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, facing right. Features inscriptions 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1932' with 'D' mint mark.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Poor (Heavily circulated); Substantial surface wear, corrosion spotting, and loss of fine detail in the hair and clothing
Estimated Market Value
0.15 to 1.00 USD
Auction Estimate
0.10 to 0.50 USD (in bulk numismatic lots)
Provenance History
Likely entered general circulation in the United States; current location is a private collection as part of pocket change or minor numismatics
Art Historical Significance
Represents the first US coin to feature a historical person rather than an allegorical figure (Liberty); significant as a low-mintage year during the Great Depression.
Notable Features
The 'D' mint mark indicates production at the Denver Mint; 1932 is a relatively lower mintage year for the series (10.5 million struck).
Condition Issues
Heavy abrasions, carbon spotting, environmental oxidation (verdigris potential), and significant flattening of the high-relief areas due to circulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a PVC-free archival flip or 2x2 cardboard holder; avoid chemical cleaning which reduces numismatic value; maintain in a low-humidity environment.