1942 D Wheat Penny value
1934 wheat penny value in 2026 is usually about $0.20 to $2 for a circulated coin, while a 1934-D wheat penny can range from about $0.30 to $5 in circulated condition. Common uncirculated 1934 wheat pennies typically sell for about $8 to $30+, depending on mint mark, color, and grade. The highest auction sale found is $20,350 for a 1934-D Lincoln wheat penny graded PCGS MS67+RD, sold in 2018. Continue reading to learn more about 1942 D penny value.
Image credit: PCGS
History of the 1942-D Wheat Penny
The 1942-D Wheat Penny is known for being very well-struck and it can be found in the highest uncirculated grades. The 1942-D Wheat Penny is a great coin to add to a Lincoln Cent 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, with the D mint mark under the date. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.
1942-D Wheat Penny Worth
The 1942-D Wheat Penny value ranges from around a hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars depending on the color and the grade. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red varieties, with the full red versions typically commanding the highest prices. The Wheat Penny series is an accessible one for those looking to complete a coin collection at more affordable prices.
1942 D Wheat Penny value in 2026
As of 2026, a 1934-D Lincoln Wheat penny is usually worth more than the no-mint-mark 1934 penny, but most circulated examples are still modest-value coins.
| Coin | Average 2026 value range | Highest auction sale to date |
|---|---|---|
| 1934-D wheat penny | about $0.30–$5 circulated; roughly $25–$100+ in uncirculated grades, depending on color and grade | $20,350 for a 1934-D Lincoln cent graded PCGS MS67+RD |
USA Coin Book lists the 1934-D at about $0.30 in average condition and about $25+ in uncirculated condition. Greysheet notes that the 1934-D is widely available in circulated grades but becomes difficult in Red Mint State, especially MS64RD and higher, which explains the large premium for top certified examples.
Most 1934-D wheat pennies are worth about 30 cents to $5 in circulated condition. Nice uncirculated red examples can sell for $25 to $100+, while elite certified red coins can reach thousands.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1942-D Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 206,698,000
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