Rare 1917 Lincoln Wheat Pennies Selling for Up to $38,000 – Here’s How to Spot Them
A single 1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny in pristine condition recently sold for $38,813 – proving that early 20th century coins can be worth a small fortune. Here’s everything you need to know about these valuable pennies.
Why 1917 Pennies Command Five Figures
Key Factors Driving Value:
- Low mintage years for some varieties
- Exceptional condition is critical (MS-65+)
- Strong collector demand for early Wheat Cents
- Historic significance from WWI era
1917 Penny Value Breakdown
| Variety | Grade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1917 (No Mintmark) | MS-68 | $38,813 |
| 1917 (No Mintmark) | MS-66 | $21,275 |
| 1917-S | MS-65 | $36,800 |
| 1917-D | AU-58 | $1,200-$2,500 |
How to Identify High-Value 1917 Pennies
Check the Mintmark:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
Examine Condition:
- Full red color (not brown)
- Sharp details in wheat stalks
- No wear on Lincoln’s cheek
Look for Errors:
- Doubled dies
- Off-center strikes
- Repunched mintmarks
Where to Find These Hidden Treasures
Inherited coin collections
Old bank rolls from the 1910s-30s
Antique store “junk bins”
Estate sales in older homes
What To Do If You Find One
Handle carefully (edges only)
Photograph both sides under good light
Get professionally graded (PCGS/NGC)
Consider auction (Heritage/Stack’s Bowers)
“A high-grade 1917 Wheat Penny is one of the crown jewels of any collection.”
- Sarah Miller, NGC Senior Grader
