1952 S Wheat Penny Value
The 1952-S Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 137 million coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. The 1952-S Wheat Penny is possible to find with a sharp strike and keen eye for details, but it will require careful consideration and searching to find just the right one. This coin can be a little more difficult to find in some of the highest Mint State grades, but, otherwise, it is relatively easy to locate in many circulated and uncirculated grades. Continue reading to learn more about 1952 S wheat penny value.
AUCTION RECORD: $431 • XF40
Image source: PCGS
History of the 1952-S Wheat Penny
The 1952-S Wheat Penny would make a great addition to any Lincoln Cent series collection. Cherrypicking is advised to ensure a well-struck coin with attractive surfaces. 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, with the S mint mark under the date. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.
1952-S Wheat Penny Worth
The 1952-S Wheat Penny value ranges from a few hundred dollars to upwards of four thousand dollars for some of the higher graded coins available on the market today. It’s possible to find this coin in some of the higher grades, and requires careful searching. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red, with the Full Red versions typically commanding a higher price compared to 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, and is also a steal for serious collectors as well.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1952-S Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 137,800,004
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
The 1952 S Wheat Penny, minted in San Francisco, is a sought-after coin among collectors, especially when it comes to finding examples with errors or in high-grade condition. While the 1952 S Wheat Penny in standard condition might not fetch a high price, certain errors can significantly increase its value. Here are some notable errors associated with the 1952 S Wheat Penny and their potential impact on value:
1. Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Description: This error is characterized by doubling of the letters and numbers on the coin's obverse. It's caused by a misalignment during the minting process.
- Value: A 1952 S Wheat Penny with a double die obverse can significantly increase in value, often reaching several hundred dollars depending on the coin's condition and the market demand.
2. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)
- Description: This occurs when the "S" mint mark is struck more than once by the minting machine, causing overlapping or misaligned impressions.
- Value: Coins with a clear RPM can fetch a premium, with prices varying from $10 to $50 or more, depending on the visibility of the repunching and the overall condition of the coin.
3. Off-center Strike
- Description: An off-center strike happens when the coin blank is not properly aligned in the press, resulting in a coin that is partially missing its design.
- Value: The value of an off-center 1952 S Wheat Penny can range from $10 to over $100, significantly influenced by the degree of misalignment and the coin's condition.
4. Die Cracks and Cuds
- Description: Die cracks appear as raised, irregular lines on the coin's surface, resulting from cracks in the die. A cud is a more significant error, appearing as a raised, unstruck area on the coin's edge or surface, caused by a broken die.
- Value: Minor die cracks might add a small premium to the coin's value, while significant cuds can increase the value to $20 or more, depending on the size and location of the cud.
FAQ
What is the value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny in good condition?
A 1952 S Wheat Penny in good condition is generally worth around 15 cents to a few dollars. Its value can increase significantly if the coin is in a higher grade or has rare errors.
How much is a 1952 S Wheat Penny worth with no errors?
Without any errors, a 1952 S Wheat Penny's value ranges from about 15 cents for coins in lower grades to over $10 for those in mint state condition (MS-65 or higher).
Are there any known errors for the 1952 S Wheat Penny that increase its value?
Yes, errors such as double die obverse, repunched mint marks, off-center strikes, and die cracks can increase the value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny, sometimes significantly depending on the rarity and severity of the error.
What is the highest value ever recorded for a 1952 S Wheat Penny?
The highest values for a 1952 S Wheat Penny are typically for coins in exceptional condition (MS-67 or higher) or those featuring significant errors. Such coins can reach several hundred dollars at auction.
Can the condition of a 1952 S Wheat Penny significantly affect its value?
Absolutely, the condition or grade of a 1952 S Wheat Penny greatly influences its value. Coins in uncirculated condition are much more valuable than those in circulated grades.
What factors determine the value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny?
The value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny is determined by its condition, any present errors, and the current market demand. Rare errors and higher grades can significantly increase its value.
How can I find out the exact value of my 1952 S Wheat Penny?
To determine the exact value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny, consider having it appraised by a professional coin dealer or submitting it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for an accurate assessment.
Is a 1952 S Wheat Penny rare?
While the 1952 S Wheat Penny is not considered rare in circulated conditions, uncirculated examples, especially those in higher grades or with errors, can be considered rare and valuable.
What is the average value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny in uncirculated condition?
The average value of a 1952 S Wheat Penny in uncirculated condition can range from $1 to over $10, with the price increasing significantly for coins in higher uncirculated grades.
Are 1952 S Wheat Pennies with errors worth collecting?
Yes, 1952 S Wheat Pennies with errors are worth collecting and can be highly sought after by collectors. Errors such as double dies, repunched mint marks, and off-center strikes can add significant value and interest to the coin.
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