If you have a 1915 Wheat Penny, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. The good news is that these coins are often more valuable than their face value, with prices ranging from just a few cents to thousands of dollars! In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the 1915 Wheat Penny, including its varieties, errors, and record-breaking auction prices.
Is a 1915 Wheat Penny Rare?
While 1915 Wheat Pennies are not necessarily rare, they are certainly harder to find in circulation today. Millions were minted, and many have been preserved in collections. However, high-grade versions and certain mint varieties can be considered scarce and extremely valuable.
What Determines the Value of a 1915 Wheat Penny?
Several factors influence the value of a 1915 Wheat Penny:
- Mintmark – The mint where the coin was produced greatly affects its value.
- Condition – The better the condition, the more valuable the coin.
- Color – Coins with a natural reddish luster (known as “Red” coins) are worth significantly more.
- Errors & Varieties – Rare errors can boost a coin’s price tremendously.
1915 Wheat Penny Varieties and Their Values
1915 (No Mintmark) Penny
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 29,092,120
- Value:
- Worn condition: $0.10 – $0.50
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $70 – $5,000
1915-D Penny
- Minted in: Denver
- Mintage: 22,050,000
- Value:
- Worn condition: $0.50 – $5
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $85 – $10,000+
1915-S Penny
- Minted in: San Francisco
- Mintage: 4,833,000
- Value:
- Worn condition: $15 – $25
- Uncirculated (MS60+): $100 – $10,000+
1915 Proof Penny
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 1,050
- Value:
- Starting at $400, reaching up to $10,000 for top-grade specimens
Record-Breaking 1915 Wheat Penny Sales
- The highest price ever paid for a 1915-S Wheat Penny was $48,300 for an MS66 Red coin.
- A stunning 1915 Proof Penny graded PR68 sold for over $10,000.
Rare 1915 Wheat Penny Errors & Their Values
While error coins from 1915 are not extremely common, a few notable ones exist:
- 1915-D Doubled Die Penny – Rare and highly valuable, typically selling for $50 to $100+.
- Off-Center 1915 Pennies – Prices range from $10 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the degree of misalignment.
- Die Cracks & Die Cuds – Coins with minor cracks may be worth $3 to $5, while larger die cuds can fetch $100 to $200.
- Repunched Mintmarks – Some 1915 pennies have been struck with multiple impressions of the mintmark, increasing their value to $5 to $20.
Where to Sell Your 1915 Wheat Penny
If you own a valuable 1915 Wheat Penny, you may want to sell it to a reputable dealer or auction house. Here are some great places to consider:
- eBay – A convenient platform to sell rare coins.
- Heritage Auctions – Specializes in high-value coin sales.
- PCGS or NGC Certified Dealers – Professional coin grading services that also facilitate sales.
- Local Coin Shops – A good option for quick cash but may not offer the highest price.
Fun Facts About the 1915 Wheat Penny
- The Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, and his initials “VDB” were reintroduced under Lincoln’s shoulder in 1918.
- The wheat ears on the reverse symbolize national prosperity and remained on the penny until 1959.
- While Philadelphia produced the most 1915 pennies, San Francisco-minted coins are the scarcest.
The 1915 Wheat Penny is an exciting coin to own, and its value depends largely on condition, mintmark, and errors. While most circulated 1915 pennies are not worth a fortune, high-grade examples and error coins can be worth thousands. If you think you have a rare or valuable coin, consider having it professionally graded to maximize its worth!
