1949 Wheat Penny Value: How Much Is Your Lincoln Cent Worth?
1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent values range from $0.05 in circulated grades to $9,000 for top-grade specimens. Learn grading, varieties, and what makes these coins valuable.
The 1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent is worth $0.05 to $9,000 depending on mint mark, grade, and color designation.
- Circulated (G-4 to AU-50): $0.05 – $1.00
- Uncirculated (MS-63 to MS-66): $2 – $75
- Gem specimens (MS-67+ RD): $1,400 – $9,000
- Key varieties: 1949-S DDO ($75–$3,500), 1949-D RPM ($100–$525)
All three 1949 issues face unique grading challenges: Philadelphia coins suffer from cobwebbing stains, Denver pieces show contact marks on lustrous fields, and San Francisco cents typically exhibit weak strikes.
What's Your 1949 Cent Worth?
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1949 Wheat Penny Overview
The 1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent features Victor D. Brenner's iconic design
The 1949 Lincoln Wheat Cent represents a significant post-war production year, with coins struck at all three active U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While circulated examples remain common and affordable, the 1949 cent market is defined by extreme condition rarity—a pristine MS-67+ RD specimen can command $9,000, despite the coin's massive mintage. Each mint faced distinct quality control challenges that year, creating unique grading obstacles for collectors: Philadelphia coins were plagued by surface staining, Denver pieces exhibit highly visible contact marks on lustrous fields, and San Francisco cents typically suffer from weak, blurry strikes. This guide provides comprehensive pricing, grading diagnostics, and variety identification for all 1949 issues.
How to Identify Your 1949 Lincoln Cent
All 1949 Lincoln Cents share the same Wheat Reverse design used from 1909 to 1958. The obverse features Victor David Brenner's portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, with the designer's initials "V.D.B." in tiny letters on the truncation of Lincoln's shoulder. The reverse displays two wheat ears (sheaves) framing the denomination "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" inscribed at the top.
Mint marks appear on the obverse below the date: P (no mark), D, or S
Mint Mark Identification
Mint marks on the Wheat Cent series are located on the obverse, below the date. Three issues were produced in 1949:
- 1949 (Philadelphia): No mint mark appears. This is the highest-mintage issue at 217,775,000 pieces.
- 1949-D (Denver): A small "D" appears below the date. Mintage: 153,132,500.
- 1949-S (San Francisco): A small "S" appears below the date. This is the key date with the lowest mintage at 64,290,000.
The mint mark location remains consistent across all business strikes. No Proof strikes were produced in 1949, as the U.S. Mint suspended Proof production after 1942 and did not resume until 1950.
Design Features
Authentic 1949 cents exhibit sharp details in Lincoln's hair and beard when well-struck, though strike quality varies significantly by mint. The wheat ears on the reverse should show clear definition in the individual grains when the strike is strong. Look for the designer's "V.D.B." initials on the shoulder truncation—these are tiny but visible under magnification. The edge is plain (no reeding), and the bronze composition gives the coin a distinctive copper color when uncirculated, though circulated examples typically appear brown from oxidation.
1949 Lincoln Cent Price Guide
Values for Lincoln Cents depend on three critical factors: grade (condition), mint mark, and color designation. For uncirculated coins, color designations are paramount: RD (Red) indicates 95% or more original mint luster, RB (Red-Brown) shows 5-95% red luster, and BN (Brown) indicates less than 5% red luster with full oxidation. RD coins command the highest premiums.
Grade comparison: G-4 (heavy wear), VF-20 (moderate wear), MS-65 RD (full luster)
1949 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
The Philadelphia issue represents the most common 1949 cent by mintage, with over 217 million struck. Production quality was generally sharp and well-struck, but a critical flaw severely limits high-grade populations: "cobwebbing" surface stains. This staining phenomenon, believed to result from chemical treatment applied to blank planchets before striking, acted as a massive filter that damaged countless uncirculated coins. This production flaw directly explains the exponential price jump from common MS-63 coins to the rarified MS-67+ grade.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 – $0.15 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.15 – $0.35 | — | — |
| EF-40 | $0.20 – $0.50 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.50 – $1.00 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $2 – $5 | $3 – $6 | $8 – $10 |
| MS-65 | $8 – $12 | $10 – $15 | $22 – $35 |
| MS-66 | $10 – $15 | $15 – $20 | $13 – $77 |
| MS-67 | $30 – $50 | $100 – $150 | $1,400 – $2,350 |
| MS-67+ RD | — | — | $9,000 |
Auction Record: A PCGS MS-67+ RD specimen sold for $9,000(Heritage Auctions, October 2021). A PCGS MS-67 RD with CAC approval realized $1,440.
1949-D Denver
The Denver issue presents a different grading challenge. These coins are typically well-struck from dies showing no more than moderate wear, resulting in sharp details and lustrous, flat fields. Paradoxically, this high production quality makes it harder to find in top grades—the mirror-like fields make contact marks far more obvious. While the Philadelphia issue is graded down for surface staining, the 1949-D is graded down for bag marks. This explains why the issue is rarely seen in grades higher than MS-66 RD and why pristine MS-67+ examples can command nearly $8,000.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 – $0.15 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.15 – $0.35 | — | — |
| EF-40 | $0.20 – $0.50 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.50 – $1.00 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $2 – $6 | $4 – $8 | $10 – $15 |
| MS-65 | $10 – $15 | $15 – $25 | $30 – $50 |
| MS-66 | $15 – $20 | $20 – $35 | $70 – $265 |
| MS-67 | $40 – $60 | $150 – $250 | $850 – $2,300 |
| MS-67+ RD | — | — | $7,800 |
Auction Records: A PCGS MS-67+ RD sold for $7,800(Heritage Auctions, January 2025). An MS-67 RD realized $2,280(December 2022), and an MS-66 RD brought $264(June 2024).
1949-S San Francisco
The San Francisco issue has the lowest mintage of the year at 64,290,000, making it the key date for collectors building circulated sets. However, in uncirculated grades, it faces a unique problem: strike quality. Most 1949-S cents exhibit blurry dies with varying degrees of erosion from overuse, resulting in diffused luster and soft strikes. This ironically tends to hide contact marks, creating a generous supply of top-grade gems in standard populations. The true challenge for discriminating collectors is finding a coin with both high grade and a sharp strike—a combination that is quite rare.
| Grade | BN (Brown) | RB (Red-Brown) | RD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.05 – $0.15 | — | — |
| VF-20 | $0.15 – $0.35 | — | — |
| EF-40 | $0.20 – $0.50 | — | — |
| AU-50 | $0.50 – $1.00 | — | — |
| MS-63 | $3 – $7 | $5 – $9 | $6 – $12 |
| MS-65 | $10 – $20 | $20 – $780 | $14 – $400 |
| MS-66 | $15 – $30 | $30 – $50 | $27 – $75 |
| MS-67 | $50 – $75 | $150 – $250 | $200 – $3,500 |
Notable Auction: An MS-65 RB specimen with an exceptionally sharp strike sold for $780(Stack's Bowers, June 2024)—far exceeding typical guides, demonstrating the significant premium for well-struck examples.
💡 Melt Value Note
Based on current copper prices, the intrinsic metal value of a 1949 cent is approximately $0.032. This is negligible compared to even heavily worn circulated examples, meaning numismatic value is based entirely on collectibility rather than metal content.
Grading Your 1949 Lincoln Cent
Understanding the grade of your 1949 cent is essential to determining its value. Each mint faced unique production challenges that year, requiring different grading approaches. The key to accurate evaluation is recognizing these mint-specific issues and understanding how copper coins change over time.
Color affects value: RD (Red) commands highest premiums, followed by RB and BN
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58)
Good-4 (G-4): Heavy wear throughout. The date must be readable, but Lincoln's portrait shows significant flattening. Wheat ears are barely distinguishable on the reverse. Rim may be worn into lettering in spots.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20): Moderate wear visible. Lincoln's hair shows some detail, particularly in the waves above his ear. Cheekbone is worn but distinct. Wheat ears show clear separation with some individual grain detail visible.
Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): Light wear on high points. Most of Lincoln's hair detail remains, with only the highest waves showing smoothness. Wheat ears show sharp definition with clear individual grains.
About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Slight wear on highest points: Lincoln's cheekbone, hair waves, and jaw. Traces of mint luster visible in protected areas. The coin retains sharp overall detail.
Uncirculated Grades (MS-60 through MS-67+)
Uncirculated 1949 cents show no wear from circulation but are graded based on the quality of strike, presence of contact marks, luster quality, and—critically—color preservation. Understanding mint-specific challenges is essential:
1949 Philadelphia: The primary grading filter is surface quality. Look for "cobwebbing" stains—web-like discoloration patterns caused by chemical treatment during the minting process. Coins free from these stains are exponentially rarer in high grades.
1949-D Denver: Focus on contact marks. The lustrous, flat fields make every bag mark or tick highly visible. Examine under magnification for small marks in the fields and on Lincoln's cheek.
The 1949-S often exhibits blurry strikes; sharp strikes command premiums
1949-S San Francisco: The key distinction is strike quality. Most examples show blurry, indistinct details from overused dies. A sharply struck specimen—with crisp wheat grain definition and strong hair detail—is the true rarity, regardless of technical grade. Compare the sharpness of design elements rather than just counting marks.
Color Designations for Copper
Color designations apply only to uncirculated (Mint State) copper coins and significantly affect value:
- RD (Red): 95% or more of the original mint red luster remains. The coin appears bright copper-red with minimal oxidation.
- RB (Red-Brown): 5% to 95% red luster remains. The coin shows mixed red and brown coloration from partial oxidation.
- BN (Brown): Less than 5% red luster remains. The coin is fully oxidized and appears brown.
Oxidation is a natural, irreversible process. Copper cannot be restored from Brown to Red through any legitimate conservation method. Coins that appear unnaturally bright orange or show scorched, splotchy coloring may have been chemically altered—a form of damage that destroys numismatic value.
⚠️ Grading Challenges by Mint
Each 1949 mint requires a different evaluation approach: Philadelphia issues must be free of cobwebbing stains, Denver pieces need clean fields despite lustrous surfaces that highlight every mark, and San Francisco coins command premiums only when both grade and strike quality are exceptional.
Authentication and Detecting Problem Coins
While 1949 cents are not high-value enough to attract sophisticated counterfeiting operations, collectors should remain vigilant for common alterations and problem coins that can destroy value. The most prevalent issues involve added mint marks, cleaning, and artificial color manipulation.
Added mint marks represent the most common alteration. Unscrupulous individuals sometimes add a fraudulent "S" mint mark to common 1949 Philadelphia cents to pass them off as the lower-mintage San Francisco issue. These fakes typically appear as blob-like impressions or show tool marks around the mint mark from engraving. Compare the shape, depth, and position of any suspect mint mark to a known genuine example. Authentic mint marks are punched into the die and show consistent depth and sharp edges.
Cleaned coins show telltale hairline scratches and lack original luster
Cleaning destroys numismatic value. The most obvious sign is a field of fine, parallel hairline scratches visible under magnification, caused by abrasive polishing or brushing. Cleaned coins may appear unnaturally bright or shiny but lack the original rotating "cartwheel" effect of mint luster. Professional grading services will not assign straight grades to cleaned coins, significantly reducing their market value to a small fraction of a problem-free example.
Color manipulation on copper coins has become increasingly sophisticated. Some individuals use chemicals or heat to strip toning or induce artificial coloration. These coins often appear scorched, splotchy, or exhibit an unnatural bright orange color. Genuine Red (RD) coins display a natural, even copper-red luster. Any coin with suspicious coloring should be examined by an expert before purchase.
For valuable specimens, particularly high-grade examples, die varieties, or sharply struck 1949-S cents, professional authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended. The certification process not only confirms authenticity but also establishes grade consensus and color designation, critical factors for insurance and resale purposes. The cost of certification (typically $20-$50) is worthwhile for coins valued above $100.
Preserving Your 1949 Lincoln Cent
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintaining the value of your 1949 cents, especially uncirculated specimens where color preservation directly impacts value. Copper is particularly susceptible to environmental damage, making protective measures critical.
Never clean your coins. Cleaning removes the original surfaces and creates hairline scratches that destroy numismatic value. Even gentle wiping with a soft cloth can cause microscopic damage. If your coin appears dirty, consult a professional conservator—do not attempt cleaning yourself. Professional conservation can sometimes improve appearance by removing surface contaminants, but it cannot reverse oxidation or restore original color.
Store coins in a stable environment with low humidity and consistent temperature. Avoid basements, attics, or other areas with temperature fluctuations. Copper is particularly vulnerable to sulfur compounds found in many storage materials, including certain papers, cardboard, and PVC-based plastic flips. Use only archival-quality, inert storage holders. Professional grading company slabs (PCGS, NGC) provide excellent long-term protection by sealing the coin in a stable, inert atmosphere.
Handle coins by their edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Oils and acids from fingerprints can cause permanent discoloration on copper. For uncirculated Red (RD) specimens, even brief exposure to contaminants can begin the oxidation process that converts red to red-brown or brown, significantly reducing value. When examining coins, work over a soft surface to prevent damage from accidental drops.
For high-value specimens, particularly MS-67+ examples or rare sharply struck 1949-S cents, professional grading and encapsulation provides the best long-term protection. The investment in certification not only authenticates and establishes grade but also provides museum-quality storage that prevents future deterioration. Insurance documentation should include certification numbers and high-resolution photographs.
1949 Lincoln Cent Die Varieties
Die varieties occur when imperfections or doubling during the die-making process create distinctive diagnostic features on coins. Two major collectible varieties exist for 1949 cents, both commanding significant premiums when properly attributed and graded.
The 1949-S DDO FS-101 shows clear doubling on '194' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'
1949-S Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 (DDO-001)
This is the most dramatic and valuable variety for the 1949 series. The doubled die obverse shows clear, medium-spread doubling on several design elements, making it readily identifiable even without magnification in higher grades.
Diagnostic Features:
- Strong doubling on the date, particularly visible on "194" where secondary impressions create a distinct shadow effect
- Extra thickness on the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," with letters appearing bold and slightly blurred from doubling
- Minor doubling visible on "LIBERTY" when examined under magnification
Market Values: The 1949-S DDO is recognized by both major grading services (PCGS #569300, #569301). Values vary considerably based on grade and color:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| AU-58 | $75 – $85 |
| MS-64 RB | $105 – $130 |
| MS-64 RD | $150 – $175 |
| MS-66 RB | $210 |
| MS-66 RD | $350 – $400 |
| MS-67+ RD | $1,530 – $3,500 |
An NGC MS-67+ RD (top population) was recently offered for $1,529.99. An MS-66 RB example sold at auction for $210(May 2022).
1949-D Repunched Mint Mark FS-501 (RPM-001)
This variety shows a clear "D" mint mark punched over another "D," with the underlying impression visible to the Northeast and South of the primary mint mark. This is the best and most valuable RPM for the 1949-D issue.
Diagnostic Features:
- Primary "D" mint mark shows secondary "D" impression to the Northeast and South
- Best viewed under magnification at the edges of the mint mark where the repunching creates doubled outlines
- Most easily identified on higher-grade specimens with sharp strikes
Market Values: Recognized by PCGS (#37859), the 1949-D RPM FS-501 commands solid premiums:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| AU-55 BN | $100 |
| MS-63 RD | $175 – $250 |
| MS-65 RD | $525 |
An AU-55 BN specimen sold for $100(March 2022), while an MS-65 RD was listed for $524.50.
Minor RPMs: At least nine additional minor repunched mint mark varieties exist for the 1949-D (RPM-002 through RPM-010), suggesting quality control issues in the Denver Mint's die preparation room that year. These minor varieties carry modest premiums of $10-$20 above standard values in uncirculated grades.
ℹ️ Attribution Services
Both major varieties are fully recognized by PCGS and NGC. When submitting varieties for certification, specify the variety designation (FS-101 or FS-501) on your submission form to ensure proper attribution and maximize value.
1949 Lincoln Cent Mint Errors
While 1949 is not known for famous dramatic errors like the 1955 Doubled Die, various minting process errors do occur and can command significant premiums when they are visually dramatic or affect key design elements.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during striking, resulting in a design that is partially missing. Value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date and mint mark remain visible.
Value Factors:
- Percentage off-center: Greater displacement commands higher premiums
- Date visibility: Errors showing the full date are more valuable
- Mint mark presence: Visible mint marks add to collectibility
- Grade: Higher grades with clean surfaces bring premium prices
A dramatic example: A 1949-S struck 50% off-center and graded MS-65 RB by NGC sold for $780(Stack's Bowers, June 2024). This price exceeds many major die varieties in comparable grades, demonstrating strong market demand for visually dramatic errors.
Lamination Errors
Lamination errors occur when pieces of the metal blank (planchet) flake or peel due to impurities in the bronze alloy. This was a common error type for the 1949 era when quality control standards were less rigorous than modern production.
Value Guide:
- Minor lamination (small flaw or peel): $5 – $15
- Significant lamination (large, prominent peel): $15 – $75+
Value depends on the size and location of the flaw. Laminations affecting key design elements like Lincoln's portrait or the date command higher premiums than edge peels.
Die Cracks and Cuds
Die cracks appear as raised, jagged lines on the coin surface, caused by fractures in the die metal. A "cud" is a more dramatic error where a piece of the die has completely broken away, appearing as a raised blob of metal on the coin (typically at the rim).
Value Guide:
- Minor die crack: $1 – $5
- Prominent die crack: $5 – $20
- Small cud: $20 – $75
- Large/significant cud: $75 – $200+
Cuds that obliterate portions of the date or major design elements are particularly collectible. The size, location, and dramatic visual impact of the error drive values.
💡 Error Authentication
For valuable errors, particularly off-center strikes worth hundreds of dollars, professional certification by PCGS or NGC is essential. Certification authenticates the error, establishes grade, and provides protection against counterfeits or artificially created damage being misrepresented as mint errors.
Recent Auction Results
Public auction records provide crucial market insights for 1949 Lincoln Cents, particularly at the highest grade levels where price guide estimates often lag actual realized prices. The following certified auction results from 2021-2025 demonstrate current market strength:
| Date | Description | Price | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2021 | 1949 PCGS MS-67+ RD | $9,000 | Heritage Auctions |
| Jan 2025 | 1949-D PCGS MS-67+ RD | $7,800 | Heritage Auctions |
| Dec 2022 | 1949-D PCGS MS-67 RD | $2,280 | Auction |
| N/A | 1949 PCGS MS-67 RD (CAC) | $1,440 | Auction |
| Jun 2024 | 1949-S NGC MS-65 RB (sharply struck) | $780 | Stack's Bowers |
| Jun 2024 | 1949-S NGC MS-65 RB (50% Off-Center) | $780 | Stack's Bowers |
| Jun 2024 | 1949-D PCGS MS-66 RD | $264 | Auction |
| May 2022 | 1949-S DDO FS-101 MS-66 RB | $210 | Auction |
| Mar 2022 | 1949-D RPM FS-501 PCGS AU-55 BN | $100 | Auction |
These results confirm several key market trends: Top-population MS-67+ examples command exponential premiums over MS-66 coins, regardless of mint. The $780 result for a sharply struck 1949-S MS-65 RB demonstrates that strike quality can override technical grade for this issue. Die varieties and dramatic mint errors show strong collector demand across all grade levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1949 Wheat Penny worth?
A typical circulated 1949 cent is worth $0.05 to $1.00 depending on condition. Uncirculated examples range from $2 to $75 for standard grades, while pristine MS-67+ RD specimens have sold for $7,800 to $9,000. Value depends on mint mark, grade, and color designation (RD, RB, or BN).
How do I identify the mint mark on my 1949 cent?
Look on the obverse (front) below the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, Denver coins show a small "D," and San Francisco coins display a small "S." The mint mark appears as a single letter punched into the coin during die preparation.
What makes a 1949 penny valuable?
High-grade specimens are valuable due to condition rarity—each mint faced unique production challenges that limit top-grade populations. Philadelphia coins often have cobwebbing stains, Denver pieces show visible contact marks on lustrous fields, and San Francisco cents typically exhibit weak strikes. Coins that escaped these problems are exponentially rarer and more valuable.
Are there any rare 1949 penny varieties?
Yes. The 1949-S Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) shows dramatic doubling on the date and motto, valued from $75 to $3,500 depending on grade. The 1949-D Repunched Mint Mark (FS-501) shows a "D" punched over another "D," worth $100 to $525. Both varieties are recognized by major grading services.
What's the difference between RD, RB, and BN designations?
These color designations apply only to uncirculated copper coins. RD (Red) means 95%+ original mint luster remains and commands highest premiums. RB (Red-Brown) indicates 5-95% red luster with partial oxidation. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red luster with full oxidation. Color directly affects value—RD coins are worth significantly more than BN examples in the same grade.
Should I get my 1949 cent professionally graded?
Professional grading is recommended for coins potentially worth $100 or more, including high-grade uncirculated specimens (MS-65+), die varieties (1949-S DDO, 1949-D RPM), sharply struck 1949-S cents, and dramatic mint errors. Certification authenticates the coin, establishes consensus grade, and provides long-term protection in an inert holder.
Were any Proof 1949 cents made?
No. The U.S. Mint suspended Proof production after 1942 and did not resume until 1950. Any coin represented as a "Proof" 1949 cent is either a high-grade business strike or has been altered. However, 5,000 special U.S. Mint Sets were issued in 1949, which contained carefully selected coins that often display attractive toning.
How should I store my 1949 Wheat Penny?
Store in a stable environment with low humidity and consistent temperature. Use only archival-quality, inert holders—avoid PVC-based flips and sulfur-containing materials. Never clean your coins. For valuable specimens, professional grading company slabs (PCGS, NGC) provide optimal long-term protection. Handle coins by edges only to prevent fingerprint damage.
Why are 1949-S cents with weak strikes common in high grades?
Most 1949-S cents were struck from overused, worn dies that produced blurry details and diffused luster. This weak strike ironically tends to hide contact marks, allowing more coins to achieve high numerical grades. However, sharply struck examples are rare and command significant premiums, as demonstrated by the $780 auction result for an MS-65 RB with exceptional strike quality.
What is the 1949 cent's melt value?
The intrinsic metal value is approximately $0.032 based on current copper prices. This is negligible compared to numismatic value, meaning even heavily worn circulated examples are worth more to collectors than their metal content. All 1949 cent value is derived from collectibility rather than bullion content.
Price Guide Methodology
This price guide synthesizes data from multiple authoritative sources to provide comprehensive, current market valuations. Primary sources include the PCGS Price Guide, NGC Coin Explorer, and documented public auction results from major numismatic auction houses including Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers. Values represent the range of prices realized for certified, problem-free coins in the current market (2022-2025).
Pricing discrepancies between guides and realized auction prices are noted where significant, particularly for high-grade specimens where population reports and market activity create rapid price movements. All auction records cited include dates and sources for verification. Market values fluctuate based on precious metal prices, population reports, collector demand, and economic conditions. This guide reflects market conditions as of late 2024/early 2025.
Variety attributions follow the Fivaz-Stanton (FS) numbering system as recognized by PCGS and NGC. Mint error classifications follow industry-standard terminology. Readers should consult current population reports and recent auction archives for the most up-to-date market information on specific coins, particularly for condition rarities in MS-67+ grades where populations are extremely limited.
