The 1912 Lincoln Wheat Penny series contains some of the most valuable coins in U.S. numismatics. At PennyVerse.info, we’ve compiled this expert guide to help you identify and value these historic pennies, with some varieties reaching $70,000 or more at auction.
1912 Penny Value Chart (Updated 2024)
| Variety | Mintage | Circulated Value | Mint State Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1912 (Philadelphia) | 68,153,060 | 10−10−500 | 1,000−1,000−35,000 |
| 1912-D (Denver) | 10,411,000 | 50−50−2,000 | 5,000−5,000−70,000 |
| 1912-S (San Francisco) | 4,431,000 | 75−75−3,000 | 8,000−8,000−18,000 |
Key Factors Affecting Value
1. Mint Mark Rarity
- 1912-D: Denver mint (Key date) – $70,000 in MS-67+
- 1912-S: San Francisco mint (Semi-key date) – $18,000 in MS-65
- 1912 (No mint): Philadelphia – $35,000 in MS-67+
2. Condition/Grade
- Red (RD): Full original luster (10x more valuable than brown)
- Red-Brown (RB): Partial luster
- Brown (BN): No remaining luster
3. Notable Varieties
- Doubled Die Obverse: Shows doubling in date/LIBERTY (+50% value)
- Repunched Mint Marks: Visible doubling in “D” or “S” (+30% value)
- Full Steps: Clear separation on wheat stalks (MS coins only)
How to Authenticate Your 1912 Penny
Step 1: Magnification Check
- Use 10x loupe to examine:
- Date and LIBERTY for doubling
- Mint mark position and repunching
- Wheat stalk details
Step 2: Weight & Composition
- Correct: 3.11g (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc)
- Warning: Any deviation suggests alteration
Step 3: Professional Grading
For potential high-value coins:
- PCGS/NGC grading (50−50−150 service)
- ANACS for budget authentication
Market Trends for 1912 Pennies
- 1912-D demand increasing among type set collectors
- High-grade RB examples gaining popularity
- Certified coins selling for 2-3x raw coin values
Where to Sell Your 1912 Penny
Best Options by Value:
- Under $1,000: Local coin shop or eBay
- 1,000−1,000−10,000: Heritage Auctions
- $10,000+: Private treaty sales through specialists
Selling Tips:
- Always get certification for coins over $1,000
- High-resolution photos essential for online sales
- Consider registry sets for maximum exposure
FAQs About 1912 Pennies
Q: How many 1912-D pennies exist today?
A: Estimates suggest 50,000-100,000 survive across all grades.
Q: What’s the most expensive 1912 penny sold?
A: A 1912-D MS-67+ Red sold for $72,000 in 2021.
Q: Are cleaned 1912 pennies valuable?
A: Cleaning reduces value by 50-90% – never clean old coins!
