The U.S. 1945 Cent, part of the Lincoln Wheat series, was struck in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc). Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it features Abraham Lincoln’s profile, first introduced in 1909. This coin marks the end of World War II, a time when copper, vital for wartime industries, had been diverted for ammunition and shell casings. The return to traditional bronze in the U.S. 1945 Cent symbolized economic recovery, as wartime steel cents (1943) were discontinued. Lincoln’s image reinforced national unity, aligning with America’s post-war leadership.
Politically, the U.S. 1945 Cent reflects wartime sacrifices and victory. President Harry Truman, succeeding Roosevelt, led the nation through major transitions, including the atomic bombings and post-war economic planning. The war’s end restored metal availability, stabilizing coin compositions. Brenner’s Lincoln design remained unchanged, symbolizing continuity amid global shifts. The U.S. 1945 Cent, though common, embodies a historic period when America emerged as a superpower, linking its copper content to the nation’s economic strength and industrial dominance.