1917 Wheat Penny
The 1917 Wheat Penny was another one of the Philadelphia Mint mintages that had a massive number of total coins struck at over 196 million. The 1917 Wheat Penny is relatively affordable for a brown version in the highest Mint State grades, coming in under $1,000, and is an accessible one to purchase to fill out your Wheat Penny series collection without breaking the bank. Continue reading to learn more about 1917 wheat penny value.
AUCTION RECORD: $14,950 • MS65
Image source: PCGS
History of the 1917 Wheat Penny
The 1917 Wheat Penny is an attractive coin from the Philadelphia Mint. The mintage is massive, therefore, making the coin more affordable in most grades. With so many to choose from, it’s best to cherrypick to look for a sharp strike and an attractive luster. 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.
1917 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1917 Wheat Penny value ranges from under $1000 for high grade Mint State brown coins to upwards of $38,000 for the red versions of this penny. The 1917 Wheat Penny would make a valuable addition to any collection, and there are plenty to choose from to find one that fits your desires.
1917 Wheat Penny Value and Varieties
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1917 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
- Mintage: Over 196 million
- Value Range: In general circulation grades, it's worth about 15 cents to $3. Coins in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition can be worth $40 to $100 or more, depending on the quality.
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1917-D (Denver)
- Mintage: Approximately 55 million
- Value Range: Circulated coins are valued at around 75 cents to $20. Uncirculated examples can fetch $100 to $300+, with the price increasing significantly for coins in MS65 and above.
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1917-S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: About 32 million
- Value Range: This variant is slightly more valuable, with circulated examples worth $1 to $30. Uncirculated specimens can command $100 to $500+, especially in higher grades.
Special Considerations
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Errors and Varieties: While specific errors and varieties for the 1917 Wheat Penny are not as commonly noted as in other years, any coin with noticeable errors (e.g., double dies, off-center strikes) can be more valuable. However, no widely recognized major errors significantly increase the value for this year.
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Condition and Grading: The value of a 1917 Wheat Penny jumps significantly based on its condition. Collectors often seek coins in "Full Red" (FR) condition, which means the coin retains its original luster and copper color. A 1917 Wheat Penny in FR condition is much more valuable than its "Brown" (BN) or "Red-Brown" (RB) counterparts.
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Provenance: Occasionally, a 1917 Wheat Penny with a unique history or previous ownership by a notable collector can also fetch a higher price.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1917 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 196,429,785
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
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What is a 1917 Wheat Penny? A 1917 Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin produced by the United States Mint as part of the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, which ran from 1909 to 1958. The coin features President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse, symbolizing national prosperity.
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How much is a 1917 Wheat Penny worth? The value of a 1917 Wheat Penny can vary widely based on its condition and mint mark. In general, a coin in good condition might be worth around 15 cents to $3, while uncirculated examples can fetch $40 to $100 or more. Coins with a D or S mint mark are typically more valuable.
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Are there any rare 1917 Wheat Pennies? While the 1917 Wheat Penny itself is not considered rare due to its high mintage, certain conditions, such as uncirculated coins with a full original luster or those with specific mint marks (D or S), can be more valuable to collectors.
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What are the mint marks on a 1917 Wheat Penny? The 1917 Wheat Penny can come with three possible mint marks: none (Philadelphia), "D" (Denver), and "S" (San Francisco). The mint mark is located below the date on the obverse side of the coin.
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How can I tell if my 1917 Wheat Penny is valuable? To determine if your 1917 Wheat Penny is valuable, examine its condition, check for a mint mark, and consult a current price guide or a professional coin appraiser. Coins in higher grades or those with less common mint marks tend to be more valuable.
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What is the highest grade a 1917 Wheat Penny can have? The highest grade a 1917 Wheat Penny can have is MS 70 (Mint State Perfect), but such a grade is extremely rare for coins of this age. Most high-value 1917 pennies are found in lower uncirculated grades, such as MS 63 to MS 65.
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Can a 1917 Wheat Penny have errors? Yes, like any coin, the 1917 Wheat Penny can have minting errors, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or repunched mint marks. While not commonly reported for this year, errors can significantly increase a coin's value.
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How do I care for my 1917 Wheat Penny? To care for your 1917 Wheat Penny, handle it by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, store it in a cool, dry place, and use acid-free holders or albums designed for coin storage to protect its condition.
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Is it worth getting a 1917 Wheat Penny graded? If you believe your 1917 Wheat Penny is in exceptional condition or has a potential error, it may be worth getting it graded by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC. Grading can authenticate and assess the coin's condition, potentially increasing its value.
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Where can I sell my 1917 Wheat Penny? You can sell your 1917 Wheat Penny through coin dealers, auctions, online marketplaces, or numismatic shows. For valuable or rare examples, consider consulting with a professional numismatist to ensure you receive a fair price.
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.