1931 Wheat Penny
The 1931 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 19 million from the Philadelphia Mint. This is a rather small mintage for Philadelphia compared to previous years, and although it is smaller, prices for this coin are still relatively affordable. The 1931 Wheat Penny can be found in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red, and the price rises as the coin gets closer to the red coloration.
History of the 1931 Wheat Penny
The 1931 Wheat Penny was a smaller mintage for Philadelphia, but still an accessible and affordable coin in circulated and some uncirculated Mint State grades. Philadelphia coins were typically well-struck with excellent craftsmanship, making this a great coin to fill out a Wheat Penny series collection. 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.
1931 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1931 Wheat Penny value ranges from around $200 to $12,000 for Mint State uncirculated coins. This is very affordable compared to some of the other coins in the series, as well as other types of American coins. The Wheat Penny series is great for those looking to build a coin collection without breaking the bank.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1931 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 19,396,000
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