1915 Penny Value
The 1915 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of just over 29 million which was significantly less than the roughly 75 million of the previous year from the Philadelphia Mint. The 1915 Wheat Penny is much less scarce even with its lower mintage and, therefore, is much more affordable, even in the highest grades. When searching for a 1915 Wheat Penny, look for one with a sharp strike and an attractive luster. Colors can range from brown to red with Full Reds in the highest grades commanding the highest prices. Continue reading to learn more about 1915 Wheat Penny Value.
Image Source: PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $960
History of the 1915 Wheat Penny
The 1915 Wheat Penny is a great coin to help fill out your Wheat Penny collection. Coming off the heels of the expensive 1914 minted Wheat Penny coins, the 1915 Wheat Penny provides value and worth, but for much less cost. 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. The Wheat Penny series is an affordable series for collectors looking to complete their project at a more accessible cost.
1915 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1915 Wheat Penny value ranges from under $1000 for Mint State coins with a lighter brown to upwards of $32,000 for Full Red versions. It is worthwhile to cherrypick your ideal 1915 Wheat Penny to ensure you find with a sharp strike and an attractive luster. This coin would make a great addition to any Wheat Penny series collection.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1915 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 29,090,970
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
1915 Wheat Penny For Sale
1915-D Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1915 Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1915-S Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1915 Wheat Pennies worth money (coin auctions data)
- 1915-S MS65 Red: Sold for around $5,000 at auctions.
- 1915-D MS65 Red: Seen sold for prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 in various high-profile auctions.
- 1915 MS65 Red: Philadelphia mint examples can fetch $500 to $1,000 in auctions.
FAQ
1. How much is a 1915 Wheat Penny worth?
The value of a 1915 Wheat Penny can vary significantly based on its condition and mint mark:
- 1915 (No Mint Mark, Philadelphia): Typically worth between $0.30 and $1.50 in average circulated condition, up to $35 to $150 in Mint State (MS). High-grade examples (MS65 and above) can be worth $500 to $1,000.
- 1915-D (Denver): Valued between $1 and $5 in average circulated condition, up to $100 to $600 in Mint State (MS). High-grade examples (MS65 and above) can be worth $2,000 to $4,000.
- 1915-S (San Francisco): Worth between $5 and $20 in average circulated condition, up to $150 to $500 in Mint State (MS). High-grade examples (MS65 and above) can be worth $3,000 to $7,000.
2. Why is the 1915-S Wheat Penny valuable?
The 1915-S Wheat Penny is valuable due to its lower mintage compared to the Philadelphia and Denver mint versions. Its scarcity, especially in higher grades, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
3. How can I tell if my 1915 Wheat Penny is real?
To determine the authenticity of a 1915 Wheat Penny:
- Check the Mint Mark: Ensure the mint mark (D or S) is consistent with authentic coins.
- Look for Wear Patterns: Consistent wear and no signs of tampering or alterations.
- Professional Grading: Have the coin graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity.
4. What are the key characteristics of a 1915 Wheat Penny?
- Obverse: Features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
- Reverse: Displays two wheat ears surrounding the words "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
- Mint Marks: "D" for Denver and "S" for San Francisco, located below the date on the obverse.
5. Where can I sell my 1915 Wheat Penny?
You can sell your 1915 Wheat Penny through various platforms:
- Coin Dealers: Specialists in rare coins who 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 1915 Wheat Penny?
High-grade 1915 Wheat Pennies, particularly the 1915-S, have sold for thousands of dollars. For example, a 1915-S MS65 Red has sold for around $5,000 at auction. Prices can go even higher for exceptionally well-preserved specimens.
7. How do I grade a 1915 Wheat Penny?
Grading a 1915 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 1915 Wheat Penny?
Common errors in 1915 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. How many 1915 Wheat Pennies were minted?
- 1915 (Philadelphia): Approximately 29,092,000.
- 1915-D (Denver): Approximately 22,050,000.
- 1915-S (San Francisco): Approximately 4,833,000.
10. Is it worth getting my 1915 Wheat Penny graded?
Yes, it is generally worth getting a 1915 Wheat Penny graded if it is in good condition or if it has a "D" or "S" mint mark. Grading provides a professional assessment of the coin's condition and authenticity, which can significantly increase its market value.
Learn more about: which quarters are worth money, how many nickels in a roll, 1953 wheat penny value, quarters worth money, pennies worth money, 1942 penny value, what are nickels made of, most valuable quarters, 1945 wheat penny value, Morgan silver dollars, silver American eagles, Franklin half dollars.