1926 Wheat Penny
The 1926 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 157 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With such a large mintage, these coins are relatively available in circulated grades, as well as lower Mint State grades in uncirculated condition. The 1926 Wheat Penny is much more scarce in higher Mint State grades, and rare in Gem condition.
History of the 1926 Wheat Penny
The 1926 Wheat Penny is a plentiful coin. Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint were often well-struck and well-made making them a valuable coin to add to a Wheat Penny series collection, but at more affordable prices. Oftentimes, high mintage coins weren’t saved by collectors, instead being sent out into circulation, so it’s likely this is why the coin is rare in the highest grades. 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.
1926 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1926 Wheat Penny value ranges from just around $400 for Mint State brown varieties of the coin, and reaches upwards of $7,000 for higher grade Mint State red varieties. With the abundance of this coin, cherrypicking is advised. Look for coins that are well-struck with attractive surfaces.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1926 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 157,088,000
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