1914 Penny Value
The 1914 Wheat Penny had a large mintage compared to the San Francisco and Denver Mint, with a total over 75 million from the Philadelphia Mint. The 1914 is a Wheat Penny key date because it is the scarcest and toughest to find of all of the Philadelphia Minted Wheat Pennies in the entire series. When searching for a 1914 Wheat Penny for your own collection, look for a sharp strike and attractive surfaces, although finding any coin on this date is worth the investment for your collection. Continue reading to learn more about 1914 Wheat Penny value.
Image Source: PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $3,200
History of the 1914 Wheat Penny
The 1914 Wheat Penny is a valuable coin within the series due to it being the most difficult to find in higher Mint State grades out of all of the Philadelphia Mint Wheat Penny coins. Even though it is harder to find, the price is still relatively affordable, and comparable to others in the series, making Wheat Penny coins accessible for the novice collector. 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 wheat.
1914 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1914 Wheat Penny value ranges from just over a thousand for a higher grade brown coin to upwards of $50,000 for a Full Red. The 1914 Wheat Penny is a beautiful coin, even in its brown versions. It is worthwhile to seek out one of these elusive coins to add to your Wheat Penny series collection.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1914 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 75,237,067
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
Rare 1914 Pennies For Sale
1914-D Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1914-S Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1914 Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
Most Valuable 1914 Pennies Recorded
- 1914-D MS66+ Red: Sold for $158,625 at an Auctions event in August 2018.
- 1914-D MS65 Red: Can be seen sold for prices ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 in various high-profile auctions.
- 1914-D VF35: Sold for around $1,500 at auctions, showing the value even in lower grades.
FAQ
How much is a 1914 Wheat Penny worth?
The value of a 1914 Wheat Penny can vary greatly based on its condition and mint mark, these pennies often valued more than their face value on one cent. For the Philadelphia mint (no mint mark), values range from $20 to $100 in average circulated condition and up to $1,500 in mint state. For the Denver mint (1914-D), values can range from $200 in Good (G) condition to over $50,000 in high mint state grades. The San Francisco mint (1914-S) versions can range from $20 to $50 in average circulated condition to $3,000 to $5,000 in mint state.
2. Why is the 1914-D Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1914-D Wheat Penny is valuable due to its low mintage and rarity. Only 1,193,000 were minted, making it one of the key dates in the Lincoln Wheat Penny series. Its high demand among collectors significantly increases its value, especially in higher grades.
3. How can I tell if my 1914 Wheat Penny is real?
To determine the authenticity of a 1914 Wheat Penny, especially the 1914-D, look for the following:
- Mint Mark: Ensure the mint mark (D or S) is consistent with authentic coins. Fake coins often have altered mint marks.
- Wear and Tear: Consistent wear patterns and no signs of tampering.
- Professional Grading: Having the coin graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity.
4. What are the key characteristics of a 1914-D Wheat Penny?
- Mint Mark: Located below the date, the "D" mint mark indicates it was minted in Denver.
- Lincoln Portrait: The obverse features Abraham Lincoln.
- Wheat Ears: The reverse shows two wheat ears surrounding the words "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
5. Where can I sell my 1914 Wheat Penny?
You can sell your 1914 Wheat Penny through various platforms, including:
- Coin Dealers: Specialized in rare coins and often offer fair market value.
- Auctions: High-profile auctions, especially for higher-grade coins.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Heritage Auctions, and other numismatic websites.
- Coin Shows: Events where collectors and dealers gather.
6. What is the highest price ever paid for a 1914-D Wheat Penny?
The highest price ever paid for a 1914-D Wheat Penny was over $158,000 for an MS66+ Red (RD) graded by PCGS, sold at Auctions event in August 2018.
7. How do I grade a 1914 Wheat Penny?
Grading a 1914 Wheat Penny involves evaluating its condition based on factors like wear, luster, and strike quality. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC use a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better preservation and condition.
8. What are common errors to look for in a 1914 Wheat Penny?
Common errors in 1914 Wheat Pennies include:
- Die Cracks: Cracks on the coin’s surface caused by a damaged die.
- Double Die: Doubling of images or letters due to misalignment during striking.
- Off-Center Strikes: Coins that are not centered properly during minting.
9. What does the “VDB” on a 1914 Wheat Penny stand for?
The "VDB" initials on the obverse of some early Lincoln Wheat Pennies (including 1909) stand for Victor David Brenner, the coin's designer. However, the 1914 Wheat Penny typically does not feature these initials.
10. Is it worth getting my 1914 Wheat Penny graded?
Yes, it is generally worth getting a 1914 Wheat Penny graded if it is in good condition or if it has a "D" mint mark. Grading provides a professional assessment of the coin's condition and authenticity, which can significantly increase its market value.
Learn more about 1941 Wheat Penny, 1942 Wheat Penny, 1944 Wheat Penny, 1945 Wheat Penny, 1946 Wheat Penny, 1952 Wheat Penny, 1953 Wheat Penny, 1953-D Wheat Penny, 1955 Wheat Penny, 1956 Wheat Penny, 1956 D Wheat Penny, 1957 Wheat Penny, 1957 D Wheat Penny, 1958 Wheat Penny, 1958 D Wheat Penny.