1949-D Wheat Penny

The 1949-D Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 153 million coins struck at the Denver Mint. The brown varieties of this coin can be difficult to find in higher Mint State grades, while it’s very possible to find Full Red Mint State versions of the 1949-D Wheat Penny. This coin can be found in most circulated and lower uncirculated grades and it’s worth the effort to find one with a sharp strike and attractive surfaces. 

 

History of the 1949-D Wheat Penny

The 1949-D Wheat Penny would make a great addition to any Lincoln Cent series collection. It’s typically well-struck and well-made. Cherrypicking is advised. 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.

 

1949-D Wheat Penny Worth

The 1949-D Wheat Penny value ranges from a little over one thousand dollars to just below six thousand dollars for some of the highest grade coins available on the market today. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red, with the full red versions typically commanding higher prices than the other colors. The Wheat Penny series is an affordable series for those looking to build a circulated grade coin collection for only a few hundred dollars.

 

Type of coin: Penny

Year: 1949-D Wheat Penny

Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Denver

Total mintage: 153,132,500

Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin

Face value: 1 cent

Weight: 3.11 grams

Edge: Plain

Designer: Victor David Brenner

Diameter: 19.00 millimeters