1956-P Lincoln Wheat Cent BU Red

Own a piece of classic American coinage with this 1956-P Lincoln Wheat Cent BU. Struck for circulation at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin comes from one of the most collected and recognizable series in all of United States numismatics. In Brilliant Uncirculated condition, it represents a well-preserved example of the historic Lincoln Wheat cent, a series that remains a cornerstone of American coin collecting.

The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, becoming the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. Its Wheat reverse, designed by Victor D. Brenner, remained in use through 1958 and became one of the most enduring and familiar designs in American coinage. By 1956, the Wheat cent was a common part of everyday commerce across the United States, circulating during a decade of postwar expansion and prosperity. Coins from this era connect collectors to both the long-running Lincoln cent series and an important chapter of mid-20th-century American history.

Collectors continue to value Lincoln Wheat cents for their historic design, long date-and-mint run, and broad appeal to hobbyists of all experience levels. Philadelphia issues hold a special place in the series as coins struck at the nation’s original mint, and they remain essential for collectors building complete date-and-mint sets. Brilliant Uncirculated examples are especially desirable because they preserve stronger original detail, sharper design features, and better overall eye appeal than coins that spent years in circulation. A coin like this offers both historical significance and collectible quality in one collectible piece.

Specifications & Mintage

Denomination: One Cent

Series: Lincoln Wheat Cent

Designer: Victor D. Brenner

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Weight: 3.11 grams

Diameter: 19.00 mm

Edge: Plain

Mint: Philadelphia

Mintage: 420,745,000

Years of Issue: 1909–1958

Reverse Type: Wheat Reverse

Item Details

This listing includes one 1956-P Lincoln Wheat Cent in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and features the classic Wheat reverse design used throughout the first half of the Lincoln cent series. Please review the photos carefully for the overall appearance and quality of the exact coin you will receive.

Whether you are building a Lincoln Wheat cent collection, adding a Philadelphia issue to your date-and-mint set, or simply looking for a nice BU example of this classic American coin, this 1956-P Lincoln Wheat Cent makes a meaningful addition. At Coin Nerds, our mission is to help build the next great coin collection.