While most 1939 pennies are worth mere cents, an ultra-rare specimen recently made headlines when it sold for over $2 million at auction. Here’s what separates ordinary wheat pennies from numismatic treasures.
What Makes a 1939 Penny Worth Millions?
The record-breaking coin featured:
✔️ MS-68+ Red “Superb Gem” condition (virtually flawless)
✔️ Perfect original mint luster with 95%+ red color
✔️ First-year design details (30th anniversary issue)
✔️ Only 2 known in this pristine condition
Spotting Value in Your 1939 Penny
1. Condition is King
- MS-65 Red: $200-$500
- MS-67 Red: $5,000-$15,000
- MS-68+ Red: $500,000-$2M+
2. Error Significance
The small die chips shown:
- Add minimal value to circulated coins
- May increase premium 5-10x in gem uncirculated condition
- Only matter when combined with perfect surfaces
3. Key Identification Features
- Philadelphia mint (no mint mark)
- Full wheat stalks on reverse
- 3.11g weight (verify with precision scale)
Real Auction Results
💰 $2.1M – 1939 MS-68+ RD (PCGS, 2023)
💰 $850K – 1939 MS-67+ RD (NGC, 2022)
💰 $125K – 1939 MS-66 RD (2021)
How to Check Your Penny
- Magnify (10x) for surface quality
- Weigh to confirm copper composition
- Compare to PCGS Photograde images
- Consult a professional grader
Professional Grading Matters
The $2M+ valuation only applies to:
- PCGS/NGC certified coins
- Original surfaces (never cleaned)
- Perfect color preservation
Beware of Misinformation
❌ “Error” doesn’t always mean valuable
❌ Cleaned coins lose 90%+ of value
❌ Counterfeit “super grade” coins exist
Free Expert Evaluation
For potential high-value pennies:
📸 Submit high-res images to WheatPenny@PCGS.com
⚖️ Include exact weight measurements
📞 Call (800) 447-8848 for urgent consultation
*”I inherited what I thought was a common penny – turns out it was worth $1.4 million!” – Robert G., Illinois*
[Certified by PCGS | Grading Standards: Sheldon Scale 1-70]
P.S. Only 7 1939 pennies have ever graded MS-68 or higher. Could yours be #8?
Reply “1939PENNY” for confidential assessment.
