1921 Penny Value
The 1921 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of just over 39 million from the Philadelphia Mint. While this coin had a lower mintage than some of the previous Philadelphia-minted coins that were in the two and three-hundred millions, this is still an affordable and accessible coin, especially in lower Mint State grades. It appears to be more scarce in higher grades, and can command a higher price for the full red varieties, and it’s well worth the effort to find this one to add to your Wheat Penny series collection. Continue reading to learn more about 1921 wheat penny value.
Image source: PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $443
History of the 1921 Wheat Penny
The 1921 Wheat Penny can be found in colors ranging from browns to beautiful reds. It appears more difficult to find this one in higher Mint State grades, which could be attributed to issues like a weaker strike, or just a lack of abundance of the coin. Cherrypicking is advised with the 1921 Wheat Penny to ensure a sharp strike and overall attractive appearance. 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.
1921 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1921 Wheat Penny value ranges towards $500 for lower uncirculated grades, and reaches as high as the fifty thousands for higher grade red varieties. Like many of the coins in the series, the higher the grade, the higher the cost. Overall, the Wheat Penny series is an affordable series for collectors looking to complete their project at a more accessible cost.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1921 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 39,157,000
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
1921 Wheat Penny For Sale
1921 Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1921-S Penny - Wheat Penny - Circulated VG Lincoln Cent
1921 Wheat Pennies worth money (coin auctions data)
- 1921 MS66 Red: Sold for over $3,000 at Auctions.
- 1921-S MS65 Red: Realized prices of around $5,000 to $7,000 in various high-profile auctions.
- 1921-S MS66 Red: Fetching over $10,000, showcasing the high value of top-grade coins from this year.
FAQ
1. How much is a 1921 Wheat Penny worth?
The value of a 1921 Wheat Penny can vary significantly based on its condition and mint mark:
- 1921 (No Mint Mark, Philadelphia): Typically worth between $0.50 and $2 in average circulated condition, up to $50 to $200 in Mint State (MS). High-grade examples (MS65 and above) can be worth $1,000 to $3,000.
- 1921-S (San Francisco): Valued between $5 and $20 in average circulated condition, up to $150 to $800 in Mint State (MS). High-grade examples (MS65 and above) can be worth $4,000 to $7,000, with some exceptional examples reaching upwards of $10,000.
2. Why is the 1921-S Wheat Penny valuable?
The 1921-S Wheat Penny is valuable due to its lower mintage compared to the Philadelphia mint version. Its scarcity, especially in higher grades, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
3. How can I tell if my 1921 Wheat Penny is real?
To determine the authenticity of a 1921 Wheat Penny:
- Check the Mint Mark: Ensure the mint mark (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 1921 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: "S" for San Francisco, located below the date on the obverse.
5. Where can I sell my 1921 Wheat Penny?
You can sell your 1921 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 1921 Wheat Penny?
High-grade 1921 Wheat Pennies, particularly the 1921-S, have sold for thousands of dollars. For example, a 1921-S MS66 Red (RD) has sold for over $10,000 at auction. Prices can go even higher for exceptionally well-preserved specimens.
7. How do I grade a 1921 Wheat Penny?
Grading a 1921 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 1921 Wheat Penny?
Common errors in 1921 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 1921 Wheat Pennies were minted?
- 1921 (Philadelphia): Approximately 39,157,000.
- 1921-S (San Francisco): Approximately 15,274,000.
10. Is it worth getting my 1921 Wheat Penny graded?
Yes, it is generally worth getting a 1921 Wheat Penny graded if it is in good condition or if it has an "S" mint mark. Grading provides a professional assessment of the coin's condition and authenticity, which can significantly increase its market value.
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