867K Lincoln Wheat Penny coins represent a unique mintage category within the renowned Lincoln Cent series. These copper pennies fall within the Classic American Collectible Coin classification, attracting both new collectors and experienced numismatists. The market is currently witnessing sustained interest in well-preserved coins, with prices fluctuating depending on condition grade. Collectors appreciate these pennies for their historical significance, affordable prices, and portfolio diversification potential within the numismatic investment landscape.
Coin Specifications
The standard dimensions of the 867K Lincoln Wheat Penny are 19.05 millimeters in diameter and 1.52 millimeters in thickness. The coin weighs 3.11 grams and features Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse. On the reverse, two wheat stalks frame the denomination, giving this series its distinctive “Wheat Penny” designation. The border features a plain design without readings, consistent with the cent production standard of the time.
Metal Composition
These pennies are composed of a 95 percent copper and 5 percent tin and zinc alloy. The copper content gives the coins their distinctive reddish-brown color, which develops over time. Non-circulation examples often retain their original mint luster with a shiny copper surface. Circulation specimens typically exhibit a dark brown color due to oxidation and environmental exposure during decades of handling and storage.
Rarity and Demand
The 867K mintage figure places these pennies in a slightly rarer category than those from higher production years. Collector demand remains steady for examples grading Very Fine and above. Mint State specimens in top condition command premium prices due to their limited survival rate. The numismatic market shows particular interest in coins that retain their full original red color, sharp strike details, and lack common defects such as carbon spots or contact marks.
Minting Information
Production took place at the Philadelphia Mint facility, with no mint mark below the date. The process used standard coin presses of the time, resulting in varying levels of detail sharpness. Some examples display complete wheat line separation and Lincoln portrait details, while others show slight weakness in hair details or wheat grain definition. Die variations exist within this mintage, including doubled die examples that command a significant premium.
Condition and Grading
Professional grading services evaluate the 867K Lincoln Wheat Penny specimen on the Sheldon 1-70 scale. Circulated grades range from Good-4 to About Uncirculated-58, while Mint State specimens range from MS-60 to MS-67. Red-brown and full-red designations significantly impact valuation. Coins with an MS-65 red grading are generally best for the serious collector, striking a balance between quality and accessibility compared to premium MS-66 and MS-67 specimens.
Market Value
The current market value of 867K circulated Lincoln Wheat Penny coins ranges from $0.15 to $3.00, depending on the grade. Uncirculated examples trade between $8.00 and $25.00. Mint State specimens graded MS-60 to MS-64 fetch $35.00 to $150.00. Premium MS-65 Red examples reach $250.00 to $500.00, while fine MS-66 and MS-67 pieces reach $800.00 to $2,000.00 at current price levels.
Investment Potential
867K Lincoln Wheat Penny coins offer entry-level investment opportunities for building a numismatic portfolio. These coins exhibit stable appreciation patterns over long periods of time with less volatility than precious metal bullion. Demand from registry set collectors supports price stability for high-grade examples. The affordable price point allows investors to purchase multiple specimens at different grade levels, allowing for strategic position-building within the Lincoln cent collecting specialty.
Conclusion: 867K Lincoln Wheat Penny
867K Lincoln Wheat Penny coins offer solid collector appeal due to their moderate scarcity, copper composition, and established market demand. Specifications remain consistent with Lincoln Cent standards, while condition grades are directly linked to market valuation. High-grade specimens with original red surfaces and sharp strikes have greater investment potential. These pennies represent easy entry points into American numismatics, with a proven track record of value retention and steady growth in the collectible coin marketplace.