1958 Lincoln Wheat Ears Reverse Small Cents – NGC PF-68 RD Proof Coin

The 1958 Small Cents Lincoln with Wheat Ears Reverse represents a remarkable piece of American numismatic history. This exceptional proof specimen, graded NGC PF-68 RD (Red), showcases the artistry and precision of mid-20th century United States Mint coinage. For collectors and investors seeking vintage U.S. coins with historical significance, this piece offers both aesthetic beauty and numismatic value.

Product Overview

This 1958 Lincoln cent is a proof coin, meaning it was specially struck with polished dies and planchets to create a coin of exceptional quality and mirror-like finish. The NGC PF-68 RD designation indicates near-gem quality with original red coloration, representing one of the finest grades available for this date and variety. The "RD" designation is particularly significant, as it confirms the coin has retained its original mint red copper color rather than developing the brown patina common in circulated examples.

Coin Specifications

• Denomination: One Cent (Penny)
• Year of Issue: 1958
• Mint: Philadelphia (No mint mark)
• Design: Lincoln Wheat Ears Reverse
• Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Diameter: 19.05 mm
• Grade: NGC PF-68 RD
• Type: Proof Coin
• Certification: Professionally Graded and Encapsulated by NGC

Historical Significance of the 1958 Lincoln Cent

The 1958 Lincoln cent marks an important transitional period in American coinage. By this time, the Lincoln cent had already established itself as one of the most iconic and widely-recognized coins in U.S. currency. The 1958 date falls during a period when proof coins were becoming increasingly popular among collectors, leading the U.S. Mint to produce limited quantities of specially-crafted specimens for those interested in preserving the finest examples of American coinage.

The year 1958 was significant in broader historical context, occurring during the Cold War era and a time of economic expansion in the United States. Proof coins from this period represent a snapshot of American craftsmanship during an era of optimism and growth. The 1958 proof cent remains relatively scarce compared to circulation strikes from the same year.

The Lincoln Wheat Ears Reverse Design

The wheat ears design on the reverse of this coin is one of the most beloved and recognizable designs in American numismatic history. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the Wheat Ears reverse features two stalks of wheat flanking the denomination "ONE CENT" and represented a significant departure from previous cent designs. This reverse remained in continuous use from 1909 through 1958, making it one of the longest-running reverse designs in U.S. coinage.

The wheat design held symbolic meaning, representing American agriculture and the prosperity of the nation's farmers. The symmetrical arrangement of the two wheat stalks creates an aesthetically pleasing composition that has made these cents highly collectible across all dates and varieties. The 1958 proof version showcases this design in exceptional detail, with crisp strikes revealing the intricate texture of each wheat ear and leaf.

The Obverse – Lincoln Portrait

The obverse of this cent features the left-facing profile of President Abraham Lincoln, also designed by Victor David Brenner. Lincoln's portrait first appeared on the cent in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of his birth. The 1958 proof version displays Lincoln's features with exceptional clarity and depth, demonstrating the superior striking quality of proof coinage. The inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" appear on the obverse, along with the date "1958."

Proof Coin Characteristics

This specimen's status as a proof coin indicates it underwent a specialized minting process distinct from regular circulation coins. Proof coins are struck multiple times using specially polished dies and carefully prepared planchets. This labor-intensive process creates coins with mirror-like fields (flat surfaces) and frosted devices (raised design elements), producing the distinctive cameo effect prized by collectors.

The NGC PF-68 RD grade places this coin among the finest proof 1958 cents in existence. The "PF" prefix indicates proof status, the "68" numerical grade on a scale of 1-70 represents near-gem quality with only minor imperfections visible under magnification, and the "RD" designation confirms the original red color of the copper composition has been maintained.

Why Choose the 1958 Proof Lincoln Cent?

Collectors and numismatists pursue 1958 proof cents for numerous reasons. First, they represent a key date in the history of American proof coinage, as proof production in the 1950s represented a renaissance in this specialty collecting area. Second, the exceptional quality of this particular specimen—graded PF-68 RD by NGC—makes it a significant numismatic treasure. Third, vintage U.S. proof cents have demonstrated strong collector demand and have maintained or appreciated in value over extended holding periods.

Additionally, proof coins offer collectors a way to own pieces of American history in their finest form, before the design was eventually retired. The 1958 date is particularly notable as it represents the final year before the Wheat Ears reverse was discontinued, making it the last of a design lineage spanning nearly fifty years.

Condition and Preservation

The NGC PF-68 RD designation indicates this coin has been expertly preserved. The "RD" (Red) designation is especially important, as it confirms the coin's original copper coloring remains vibrant and unaltered. The numerical grade of 68 indicates only the most trivial handling marks or imperfections are visible under magnification, making this specimen suitable for the most discerning collectors.

The coin arrives in an NGC certification holder, which provides professional authentication, precise grading, and protective encapsulation. This holder allows for easy display while protecting the coin from environmental factors that might cause deterioration or color change over time.

Investment Potential and Collectibility

Proof coins from the 1950s continue to attract serious collectors and investors interested in U.S. numismatics. The 1958 Lincoln cent, particularly in high grades with original red color, represents a tangible asset with historical significance. These coins appeal to multiple collector categories: those focused on Lincoln cents, those specializing in proof coins, those interested in 1950s-era Americana, and investors diversifying with rare U.S. coinage.

The certification by NGC—one of the two leading third-party grading services—provides assurance of authenticity and grade, important factors in the rare coin market. The PF-68 RD grade represents exceptional quality, placing this coin in the upper echelon of surviving examples from this date.

Historical Context of 1950s Coinage

The 1950s represented a transitional period in American coinage. This was an era when proof coin production had resumed after World War II's interruption, creating renewed interest in specially-minted coins among collectors. The resumption of proof coinage production in 1950 initiated what many numismatists consider a golden age of American proof coins, with increasing public awareness and collecting participation.

By 1958, proof coin popularity was well-established, and the U.S. Mint responded by producing proof sets containing multiple denominations. The individual 1958 proof cent represents quality comparable to those produced for inclusion in these sets, making it a significant piece of mid-century American numismatic achievement.

Perfect for Collectors and Investors

Whether you're an established numismatist, a serious collector building a comprehensive Lincoln cent collection, or an investor seeking alternative assets with historical significance, the 1958 Small Cents Lincoln Wheat Ears Reverse NGC PF-68 RD offers exceptional value. This coin combines historical importance, aesthetic beauty, numismatic rarity, and investment potential in a single, expertly-graded specimen.

Add this significant piece of American numismatic history to your collection today and own a certified, museum-quality example of mid-20th century U.S. Mint artistry and precision.