Pronunciation: [wˈiːtbak] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wheatback" is relatively straightforward when broken down into its phonetic components. First, /wiːt/ represents the sound of "wheat," with the long "e" sound emphasized. Then, /bæk/ represents "back," with the "a" sound pronounced like "cat" rather than "cake." Together, the word is pronounced /wiːt.bæk/ and refers to the design of the reverse side of certain US pennies that feature two wheat stalks.
Wheatback is a term used to describe a type of coin design that prominently features an image of wheat on the reverse side. Specifically, it refers to the design used on the reverse side of the Lincoln cent, which was first introduced in 1909 and produced until 1958.
The term "wheatback" is derived from the fact that the reverse design of the coin features two sheaves of wheat with the words "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" inscribed around the perimeter. The wheatback design was created by Victor D. Brenner, an American sculptor and engraver, and it replaced the earlier Indian Head design that had been in use since 1859.
The wheatback design is significant because it represents an important period in American history. The years during which the design was in use encompassed both World Wars as well as the Great Depression, and the coin itself became a symbol of the resilience and productivity of American farmers during those challenging times.
Today, the term "wheatback" is primarily used by numismatists and coin collectors to distinguish the Lincoln cents with the wheat design from their successors. These coins are often sought after for their historical value and are still circulated in some instances. The wheatback Lincoln cents have also inspired various collector sets and commemorative editions, further contributing to their significance in the field of numismatics.
The term "wheatback" refers to the design on the reverse side of the United States penny coin, which prominently features two stalks of wheat. The etymology of "wheatback" is derived from the combination of the words "wheat" and "back".
The word "wheat" originated from the Old English word "hwǣte", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwaitiją". This ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root word "ḱweytós", meaning "wheat". "Wheat" refers to the cereal grain, which has been a vital staple food for thousands of years.
The word "back" is derived from the Old English word "bæc", which is related to the Proto-Germanic word "bakiz".
