The 1913 Wheat Penny is a highly sought-after coin among collectors of U.S. coins. While not exceedingly rare in terms of mintage, its value varies significantly based on its condition, mint location, and the presence of errors. This comprehensive guide explores the different factors that determine its worth, including its history, key characteristics, common errors, and updated market values.
History of the 1913 Wheat Penny
The Wheat Penny series was designed by Victor David Brenner and introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Before this, U.S. cents featured the image of Lady Liberty, but President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to incorporate a historical figure, leading to Lincoln’s depiction.
Brenner’s design features a profile portrait of Lincoln on the obverse (front), while the reverse (back) displays two wheat stalks surrounding the denomination (ONE CENT) and the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This design remained in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse.
In 1913, the U.S. Mint produced these pennies at three locations:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark)
- Denver Mint (D mintmark)
- San Francisco Mint (S mintmark)
Additionally, Matte Proof Lincoln Cents were struck exclusively in Philadelphia for collectors. These proof coins have a unique finish and sharper details, making them especially valuable.
Are 1913 Wheat Pennies Rare?
While finding a 1913 Wheat Penny in circulation today is rare, these coins are not necessarily scarce overall. Almost 100 million were minted across the three mint locations, making them relatively common in lower grades.
However, high-grade specimens, particularly those with full red (RD) luster, are rare and command premium prices. Proof versions and error coins are also considered rare and valuable.
Mintage Figures
Here’s how many 1913 Lincoln Cents were struck at each mint:
- 1913 (Philadelphia, no mintmark): 76,532,352
- 1913-D (Denver Mint): 15,804,000
- 1913-S (San Francisco Mint): 6,101,000
- 1913 Matte Proof (Philadelphia Mint): 2,848
Among these, the 1913-S is the scarcest business-strike penny, while matte proof cents are the rarest overall due to their low mintage.
1913 Wheat Penny Values
The value of a 1913 Wheat Penny depends on its condition and whether it has a mintmark. Below is a breakdown of values for different conditions:
1913 Penny (No Mintmark – Philadelphia)
- Circulated (G4 – VF20): $0.15 – $0.50
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $75+
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65 RD+): $1,000 – $10,000
1913-D Penny (Denver Mint)
- Circulated (G4 – VF20): $3 – $10
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $150+
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65 RD+): $3,000+
1913-S Penny (San Francisco Mint – Rarest Business Strike)
- Circulated (G4 – VF20): $10 – $25
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $200+
- Gem Uncirculated (MS66 RD+): $63,250 (Auction Record)
1913 Matte Proof Penny (Philadelphia – Extremely Rare)
- PR60+: $300+
- PR65+: $5,000+
- PR67 RD+: $30,000+
👉 Values are for problem-free coins with no damage (no cleaning, holes, bends, etc.)
Rare 1913 Penny Errors to Look For
While no major doubled die errors exist for the 1913 Wheat Penny, there are still several mint errors that can dramatically increase a coin’s value.
1. 1913 Off-Center Strike
- 5-10% Off-Center: $10 – $50
- 50% or More Off-Center (with full date visible): $100+
2. 1913 Wheat Penny with Die Cracks or Die Cuds
- Small die cracks: $3 – $10
- Large die cuds (rim breaks): $100 – $500
3. 1913 Repunched Mintmark (RPM)
- A repunched D or S mintmark occurs when the mintmark was accidentally struck twice.
- VF35 Example Sold for: $46 (2018)
- Higher grades can reach: $100+
4. 1913 Lincoln Penny with Weak Strike (LDS – Late Die State)
- Philadelphia & Denver coins show erosion around the right rim, Liberty, and ‘In God We Trust’
- San Francisco coins often have a weakly struck ‘2’ in 1913 and faded ‘Trust’
- Values range from: $25 – $200, depending on visibility
👉 Error coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on severity and overall coin condition.
Fun Facts About the 1913 Wheat Penny
Here are some interesting facts about the 1913 Lincoln Cent:
- Designed by Victor David Brenner: His initials (VDB) appeared on early 1909 cents but were later removed due to controversy. They returned in 1918 under Lincoln’s shoulder.
- The wheat stalks symbolize national prosperity and remained on the penny until 1958 when they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
- First Lincoln Cents Made Without “VDB” Initials: The 1913 penny lacks the designer’s initials, as they had been removed in 1909 and weren’t reinstated until 1918.
- Most Valuable 1913 Penny: A 1913-S MS66 RD sold for $63,250 at auction!
- Matte Proof Cents Were Sandblasted: The proof pennies from 1913 had a matte (satin) finish instead of the mirror-like proof finish we see today.
Should You Get Your 1913 Penny Graded?
If you think your 1913 Wheat Penny is in high condition (MS60+) or has a rare error, getting it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC could significantly increase its resale value.
A certified coin ensures authenticity and helps collectors determine its true worth in the market.
Where to sell your penny?
Now that you know the value of your penny, you might be wondering where to sell it. Don’t worry: here’s a guide to some of the best online platforms where you can easily sell your coins, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Discover the best platforms for selling coins online (pros and cons).
The 1913 Wheat Penny is a fascinating piece of American history with significant collector value. While circulated examples are common and inexpensive, uncirculated, full red, and error coins can command thousands of dollars.
Whether you’re a collector or investor, keeping an eye out for high-quality specimens, rare errors, and high-grade proof coins can lead to impressive profits.
