1938 1C Lincoln Cent - Type 1 Wheat Reverse PCGS PR67RD (CAC)

A sharply preserved Gem Proof with full Red designation and CAC approval, this 1938 Lincoln Cent offers the combination of technical quality, originality, and visual appeal that advanced Lincoln specialists actively pursue. Struck at Philadelphia in 1938, this proof cent represents the classic Wheat Reverse type of the long-running Lincoln series. The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, framed by the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST above, LIBERTY at left, and the date 1938 at right. The reverse displays the bold denomination ONE CENT centered within a pair of stylized wheat ears, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA below. The design remains one of the most familiar and beloved in all of American numismatics, linking early 20th-century artistry with the enduring popularity of the Lincoln cent series. Certified PCGS PR67RD and further endorsed by CAC, this piece stands securely in the upper echelon of surviving proofs for the issue. The strike is crisp throughout, with strong definition on Lincoln’s portrait and sharp lettering on both sides. Surfaces are notably reflective, retaining the bright orange-red to golden-red color expected of a fully Red proof example. The fields show the mirrored character associated with the format, while the devices present pleasing contrast and strong eye appeal. Minor hairlines and faint contact traces are consistent with the assigned grade, but the overall presentation remains highly attractive and premium in quality. Proof Lincoln cents of the prewar era enjoy sustained collector demand, particularly among buyers assembling high-grade date runs or registry-caliber sets. The 1938 proof issue belongs to a small and desirable group of Philadelphia proofs struck before the interruption of proof coinage during World War II. These coins were produced with greater care than their circulation-strike counterparts and today are appreciated not only for their limited production format but also for their distinctive mirrored finish and strong historical connection to the classic Wheat Cent era. With a proof mintage of 14,734 pieces, the issue is collectible but always in demand in superior Red grades with elite certification. PCGS reports a population of 72 in PR67RD, with just 17 finer, confirming the coin’s solid condition scarcity at this level. The added CAC approval further enhances its desirability, signaling quality within the grade and strengthening its appeal to discerning collectors who seek premium-certified examples. An attractive, upper-tier 1938 proof cent, this CAC-approved PR67RD is a compelling acquisition for the advanced Lincoln cent collector or for any cabinet focused on high-grade classic U.S. proofs.