The Small Cent, or pennies as they are commonly called today, have been minted in their present size since 1856, given its name from the reduction in size, as earlier cents.. Large Cents nearly as big as our present day half dollar were also in circulation in that year.

There have been three major design types of small cents. The Flying Eagle, Indian Head and Lincoln.

The Flying Eagle cent, on the obverse portrays an eagle in flight, on the reverse a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton and tobacco.

The Indian Head cent, which looks like an Indian on the obverse is really a representation of Liberty wearing an Indian headdress. The first year reverse featured a Laurel wreath, this was changed in 1860 to an oak wreath with a small shield.

185? Flying Eagle Cent, Grades Fair, Problem partial date.
This coin has Good details on obverse but only the first two numbers of the date are visible, the reverse has Very Good details, the wreath has only a little flatting and is completely outlined, with only part of the word CENT worn away. This Problem partial date coin also has several scratches on both sides making this coin nothing more then a conversation piece.
Less then 43 million made total for this short lived coin, usually quite expensive. I wouldn't put this in my collection, but its something to talk about in the break room.
$2.00   Item Number RCF11856

Controversy arose over the prominence of designer Victor D. Brenner's "VDB" initials on the bottom reverse of the first year issue Lincoln Cent. In response to public outcry, the Mint removed the initials shortly into 1909. About 28 million were minted with the "VDB" initials, by comparison over 74 million were minted without them.

 
1909 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades About Good. The first year issue, Light brown at least part of wheat stalk visible, a few light scratches.
$1.00   Item Number RCL11909

1909 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Choice Extremely Fine. Red brown color. Some might call this Uncirculated and try to charge $10.00 for it, get it here for half that.
$5.00   Item Number RCL21909

1909 VDB Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Choice Extremely Fine. Light brown color. Very nice example, the VDB initials can be seen on the bottom of the reverse, though you may need a magnifying glass to see it. Every Lincoln Cent collection should have one of these.
$7.00   Item Number RCL31909

1910 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible, no damage. 3 Available.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCLM1910

1912-S Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Very Good. Light brown, very small rim ding at 7 O'clock not bad.
$10.00   Item Number RCL11912

1914 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible no damage.
$0.50 Each  Item Number RCL11914

1916 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible, 2 Available.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCLM1916

1917 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible, no damage. 3 Available.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCLM1917

1918 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible, no damage. 2 Available.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCLM1918

1919 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent in good or better. Light brown, at least part of wheat stalk visible, no damage. 3 Available.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCLM1919

1921 Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Very Good. Light brown, no damage.
$0.25 Each  Item Number RCL11921

As America entered World War II, the government needed copper for armaments and artillery. The U.S. Mints had large quantities of copper used for cent production.

On December 10, 1942, the Mints stopped producing copper Lincoln Cents to use its copper reserves for the war effort.

A week later, Congress authorized the substitution of steel for copper. Production of the wartime steel cents began in February of 1943.

Issued in 1943 only, although not very expensive.. because they are not very rare.. hundreds of millions were made. Still every cent collection should have at least one.

1943 Steel Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Extremely Fine. Shiny silver color, some small faint brown areas, no damage.
Sold   Item Number RCL11943

1943-D Steel Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Extremely Fine. Shiny silver color, has some brown areas, one tiny bump on left Wheat stock.
$1.25   Item Number RCL21943

1943-S Steel Lincoln Wheat Back Cent, grades Very Fine. Shiny silver color on obverse, silver/blue brown on reverse, rim on obverse is a little rough, one small light scratch next to the word "ONE" on the reverse.
Sold   Item Number RCL31943

1960 Large Date Lincoln Memorial Cent, grades AU. Looks like the day it was minted, nice red color, no damage.
$0.25   Item Number RCL11960

1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent, grades Fine. Brown color, no damage.
$0.25   Item Number RCL11964

1979 Lincoln Memorial Cent, grades AU. Looks like the day it was minted, nice red color, no damage.
$0.25   Item Number RCL11979

All coins are scanned in gray scale, like a black and white TV, unfortunately copper a dark color doesn't come out to good so until I get a digital camera I won't be able to provide pictures of copper coins.