1913 Wheat Penny
The 1913 Wheat Penny had a massive mintage of over 76 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This is a Wheat Penny key date due to its rarity. The 1913 Wheat Penny is the second scarcest of all of the Philadelphia Wheat Pennies to find in higher Mint State grades. It’s possible to find these coins with a sharp strike and a beautiful luster, especially in the Full Red versions. The higher the grade and more proof-like the details, the higher the price the 1913 Wheat Penny goes. It’s also possible to find very affordable lower grade coins as well, depending on what you are looking for in a collection. Continue reading to learn more about 1913 Wheat penny value.
AUCTION RECORD: $47,150 • MS67
Image source: PCGS
History of the 1913 Wheat Penny
The 1913 Wheat Penny is an attractive coin that would make a great addition to any Wheat Penny series collection. Cherrypicking is advised with most coins, but if you come across a high Mint State grade 1913 Wheat Penny, it is worthwhile to hold onto it due to its scarcity. The Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to prepare new coin designs that had more artistic merit. He chose Brenner based on a plaque he created with Lincoln’s profile. The Wheat Penny depicts a bust and profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.
1913 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1913 Wheat Penny value can range from dollars to hundreds of dollars to upwards of $50,000 for the highest grade coins available. Cultivating a Wheat Penny series collection is very accessible, especially if you are building it with circulated coins. It is also more affordable in higher grade coins than some of the other American coin series collections. This is a beautiful coin that can be found with almost proof-like details. The 1913 Wheat Penny is a valuable one to collect.
The value of a 1913 Wheat Penny can vary significantly based on its condition, mint mark, and other factors. Here's a general overview:
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Condition: The value of a coin is heavily influenced by its condition. Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (PR) to Perfect Mint State (MS). A 1913 Wheat Penny in a higher grade (e.g., MS-60 and above) can be worth significantly more than one in lower grades (e.g., G-4, VG-8).
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Mint Marks: The 1913 Wheat Penny was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Coins from different mints can have different values, with those from San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) often being more valuable due to lower mintages.
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Varieties: There are no widely recognized major varieties for the 1913 Wheat Penny, unlike some other years where double dies or other mint errors can significantly increase the coin's value.
Estimated Values
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No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): In good condition, a 1913 Wheat Penny from Philadelphia might be worth a few dollars. In uncirculated conditions (MS-60 or better), it could be worth $15 to $50 or more.
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D Mint Mark (Denver): The Denver mint version is more valuable. In good condition, it might fetch $5 to $10. In uncirculated conditions, the value can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the grade.
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S Mint Mark (San Francisco): Similar to the Denver mint, but slightly less valuable. In good condition, it's worth around $5 to $10. In uncirculated condition, prices can range from $40 to $200 or more.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1913 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 76,529,504
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Face value: 1 cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
FAQ
What is the value of a 1913 Wheat Penny?
The value of a 1913 Wheat Penny can range from a few cents for coins in poor condition to several thousand dollars for those in near-perfect condition. Factors such as mint mark (D, S, or none for Philadelphia) and the coin's grade significantly affect its value.
How does the mint mark affect the 1913 Wheat Penny value?
The mint mark on a 1913 Wheat Penny (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia) greatly affects its value. Generally, coins from the Denver and San Francisco mints are more valuable than those from Philadelphia, with the 1913-S being particularly sought after due to its lower mintage.
What is the highest value ever recorded for a 1913 Wheat Penny?
The highest values for a 1913 Wheat Penny are typically seen in coins graded MS-66 or higher, especially those from the San Francisco mint (1913-S). These can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars at auction, depending on the coin's condition and rarity.
Are there any rare errors found in 1913 Wheat Pennies that increase their value?
While the 1913 Wheat Penny is not known for significant errors, minor errors such as off-center strikes or repunched mint marks can increase the coin's value. However, major errors are extremely rare for this year.
What is the average value of a 1913 Wheat Penny in good condition?
A 1913 Wheat Penny in good condition (grade G-4) typically values around a few dollars for coins without a mint mark. Coins with the D or S mint marks in good condition can fetch slightly higher prices due to their lower mintages.
How much is a 1913 Wheat Penny worth with no mint mark?
A 1913 Wheat Penny with no mint mark, indicating it was minted in Philadelphia, is generally the most common and can be worth a few dollars in good condition. In uncirculated conditions (MS-60 and above), its value can range from $15 to $50 or more.
Can the condition of a 1913 Wheat Penny significantly change its value?
Yes, the condition of a 1913 Wheat Penny significantly impacts its value. Coins in higher grades (uncirculated conditions) are worth considerably more than those in lower grades (circulated conditions).
What is the value of a 1913-D Wheat Penny?
The 1913-D Wheat Penny is more valuable than its Philadelphia counterpart due to its lower mintage. In good condition, it might be worth $5 to $10, while in uncirculated condition, its value can range from $50 to several hundred dollars.
Is a 1913 Wheat Penny valuable to collectors?
Yes, a 1913 Wheat Penny is valuable to collectors, especially those in higher grades or with mint marks from Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). Its age, historical significance, and the series' popularity contribute to its collectibility.
How can I find out the exact value of my 1913 Wheat Penny?
To find out the exact value of your 1913 Wheat Penny, consider having it graded by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. The grade will provide a good indication of its value, which you can then compare with recent auction sales or price guides for the most accurate assessment.
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