1949 Wheat Penny
The 1949 Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 217 million coins at the Philadelphia Mint. Oftentimes with a higher mintage, many of the coins are released immediately into circulation. This could be the reason that the 1949 Wheat Penny is very difficult to find in the highest Mint State grades. When they are found in some of the higher grades, they will usually command premium prices. The 1949 Lincoln Cent prices are a little higher compared to some of the others in the series.
AUCTION RECORD: $881 • NG0
Image source: PCGS
History of the 1949 Wheat Penny
The 1949 Wheat Penny is an attractive coin that is worth the effort to find a well-struck coin. It’s possible to find this coin in most circulated and uncirculated grades, although more difficult the higher the grade goes. The Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. At the time, 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. The Wheat Penny series is an affordable series for those looking to build a circulated grade coin collection for only a few hundred dollars.
1949 Wheat Penny Worth
The 1949 Wheat Penny value ranges from a little over one thousand dollars to upwards of twelve thousand dollars for some of the higher grades available on the market today. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red, with the red varieties commanding higher prices than some of the other colors. The 1949 Wheat Penny would make a great addition to any Lincoln Cent series collection.
As of my last update in April 2023, the 1950 Wheat Penny, while common in circulation, can vary in value based on its condition, mint mark, and any unique characteristics. Here's a breakdown of the most valuable 1950 Wheat Pennies:
1. 1950-S Wheat Penny
- Mintage: 118,505,000
- Notable Value: In uncirculated condition with a full red (RD) color, a 1950-S Wheat Penny can be worth around $10 to $40. Exceptionally high-grade examples (MS-67 or higher) have sold for over $100, with the top specimens reaching up to $300 or more.
2. 1950-D Wheat Penny
- Mintage: 334,950,000
- Notable Value: Similar to the 1950-S, uncirculated 1950-D pennies with full red luster can fetch between $10 and $30. Coins in premium uncirculated conditions (MS-67 or higher) might command prices of $100 to $200+.
3. 1950 (No Mint Mark) Wheat Penny
- Mintage: 272,635,000
- Notable Value: Circulated coins are generally worth only a few cents. However, uncirculated examples, particularly those in higher grades (MS-65 and above), can be worth $1 to $20. Exceptionally well-preserved coins graded MS-67 or higher can fetch up to $100 or more.
Special Considerations
- Condition and Grade: The value of a 1950 Wheat Penny increases significantly with its condition. Coins in uncirculated condition 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 1950 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: 1949 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 217,775,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% 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 1949 Wheat Penny? A 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny worth? The value of a 1949 Wheat Penny varies based on its condition and mint mark. Circulated coins are generally worth a few cents to a few dollars. Uncirculated coins in pristine condition can fetch $1 to $20, with premium grades (MS-67 or higher) potentially reaching $100 or more.
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Are there any rare 1949 Wheat Pennies? While the 1949 Wheat Penny itself is not considered rare due to its high mintage, coins in uncirculated condition with full original luster or those with specific mint marks ("D" for Denver and "S" for San Francisco) in high grades can be more valuable to collectors.
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What are the mint marks on a 1949 Wheat Penny? The 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny is valuable? To determine if your 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny can have? The highest grade a 1949 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 1949 pennies are found in lower uncirculated grades, such as MS 63 to MS 65.
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Can a 1949 Wheat Penny have errors? Yes, like any coin, the 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny? To care for your 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny graded? If you believe your 1949 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 1949 Wheat Penny? You can sell your 1949 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.