1927 Wheat Penny
The 1927 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 144 million from the Philadelphia Mint. Although this isn’t the largest mintage that came out of Philadelphia for the Wheat Penny series, it is a plentiful coin with lower prices than many others in the series. You can come across Mint State, uncirculated 1927 Wheat Pennies for less than $200 which is a steal of a deal for building this penny collection. Continue reading to learn more about 1927 wheat penny value.
AUCTION RECORD: $175 • MS64
Image source: PCGS
History of the 1927 Wheat Penny
The 1927 Wheat Penny is possible to find in higher Mint State grades, although it can be a little more difficult to find in the highest grades. Many of the coins that came out of the Philadelphia Mint were well-struck and attractive coins. It should be relatively easy to cherrypick for your ideal coin with this larger mintage. 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.
1927 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1927 Wheat Penny value ranges from just over one hundred dollars to around $7,000 for higher grade red varieties of the coin. Compared to many others in the series prior to this date, the 1927 is one of the most affordable in Mint State while still adding value to a collection with its excellent craftsmanship. The Wheat Penny series is an affordable collection for novice and experienced collectors alike.
The 1927 Wheat Penny is a common coin within the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, but like all coins in this series, its value can significantly vary based on condition, mint mark, and rarity of specific varieties. Here's an overview of the most valuable 1927 Wheat Pennies, categorized by their mint marks and condition:
1. 1927-S Wheat Penny
- Mintage: 14,276,000
- Value Range: Circulated coins can range from a few dollars to about $50, depending on the condition. In uncirculated conditions, especially in grades MS-63 and higher, the value can jump significantly, with prices ranging from $100 to over $10,000 for coins in MS-65 or better condition, due to the rarity of finding this coin in high-grade uncirculated condition.
2. 1927-D Wheat Penny
- Mintage: 27,170,000
- Value Range: This variant, while more common than the S mint mark, still holds value in higher conditions. Circulated examples might fetch from a few dollars up to $20, while uncirculated grades, particularly those in MS-63 and above, can range from $100 to several thousand dollars for top-grade specimens.
3. 1927 Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark - Philadelphia)
- Mintage: 144,440,000
- Value Range: Given its high mintage, the Philadelphia minted 1927 Wheat Penny is quite common. Circulated coins are typically worth only a few cents to a couple of dollars. However, uncirculated examples in pristine condition (MS-63 and higher) can command $10 to $100+, with premiums for coins in MS-65 or higher grades.
Special Considerations for Value
- Condition and Grade: The value of a 1927 Wheat Penny escalates with its condition. Uncirculated coins with high grades and original mint luster are particularly sought after by collectors.
- Full Red (RD) Designation: Coins that have retained their original copper luster (referred to as "Red" or "RD") are more valuable. The grading scale includes designations such as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN), with "Red" coins being the most desirable.
- Errors and Varieties: Specific errors or varieties on a 1927 Wheat Penny can increase its value. However, widely recognized errors for this year are not commonly noted, unlike other years in the series.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1927 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 144,440,000
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
FAQ
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What is a 1927 Wheat Penny? A 1927 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. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, symbolizing national prosperity.
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How much is a 1927 Wheat Penny worth? The value of a 1927 Wheat Penny varies based on its condition and mint mark. Circulated coins are generally worth a few cents to a few dollars, while uncirculated coins in pristine condition can fetch $10 to over $100. Coins with the "S" or "D" mint marks, especially in higher grades, can be more valuable.
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Are there any rare 1927 Wheat Pennies? While the 1927 Wheat Penny itself is not considered rare due to its relatively high mintage, certain conditions, such as uncirculated coins with full original luster or those with specific mint marks ("S" and "D"), can be more valuable to collectors.
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What are the mint marks on a 1927 Wheat Penny? The 1927 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 1927 Wheat Penny is valuable? To determine if your 1927 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 1927 Wheat Penny can have? The highest grade a 1927 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 1927 pennies are found in lower uncirculated grades, such as MS 63 to MS 65.
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Can a 1927 Wheat Penny have errors? Yes, like any coin, the 1927 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 1927 Wheat Penny? To care for your 1927 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 1927 Wheat Penny graded? If you believe your 1927 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 1927 Wheat Penny? You can sell your 1927 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, 1920 wheat penny, 1919 wheat penny.