1939-D Wheat Penny
The 1939-D Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 15 million coins struck at the Denver Mint. This was on the lower side for coins minted at Denver during this time. While it was a lower mintage, the 1939-D Wheat Penny is still an affordable coin within the series, even in higher Mint State grades. The Denver Mint was notorious for producing a weaker strike in earlier years, but it’s possible to find a beautifully struck coin to add to your Wheat Penny series collection.
History of the 1939-D Wheat Penny
The 1939-D Wheat Penny is relatively easy to find in circulated and uncirculated grades. Cherrypicking is advised with this one to ensure you find a decent strike. If you’re looking for red varieties, look for ones without spotting. 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, with the D mint mark under the date. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.
1939-D Wheat Penny Worth
The 1939-D Wheat Penny value ranges from around five hundred dollars to upwards of eleven thousand dollars depending on the coloring and the grade. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to full red versions that oftentimes command a higher price. The Wheat Penny series is an accessible series. Those who are looking to complete a collection could do so for only a few hundred dollars for circulated coins.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1939-D Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 15,160,000
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