At Pennyverse.info, we’ve analyzed every mint variety and condition level to help you identify if your 1919 penny is a rare treasure hiding in plain sight.
1919 Wheat Penny Value Chart
| Variety | Circulated Value | MS-63 (Mint State) | MS-67+ (Gem Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1919 (No Mintmark, Philadelphia) | $0.50 – $5 | $50 – $200 | $5,000 – $18,000 |
| 1919-D (Denver) | $1 – $10 | $100 – $500 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| 1919-S (San Francisco) | $2 – $20 | $200 – $1,000 |  $15,000 – $55,000 |
Collector’s Tip: The 1919-S Gem Red is the king of the series, with prices reaching over $55,000 at major auctions! 
Key Factors That Determine Value
Mintmark Rarity
- 1919 (Philadelphia) – 392,021,000 minted
- 1919-D (Denver) – 57,154,000 minted
- 1919-S (San Francisco) – 139,760,000 minted
Even though more were minted in San Francisco, fewer survived in pristine condition, making the 1919-S far more valuable.
Condition & Color (Biggest Price Driver)
- RD (Red): Full mint luster – highest value
- RB (Red-Brown): Loses about 30–50% of top value
- BN (Brown): Can lose up to 90% of top value
The redder the coin, the rarer (and more expensive) it becomes!
Error Varieties Worth Hunting For
Doubled Dies: $500 – $5,000+
Repunched Mintmarks (RPM): $300 – $3,000- ↔ Off-Center Strikes: $100 – $1,000
Always check your coin with a magnifier — even a small mint error can multiply its value.
How to Grade Your 1919 Wheat Penny
- Find the Mintmark: Just below the wheat stalks on the reverse side.
- Check for Wear: Focus on Lincoln’s cheek, jawline, and the wheat ears.
- Assess Color: Use natural light to tell RD, RB, or BN apart.
- Look for Errors: A 10x loupe is perfect for spotting doubled dies or RPMs.
Where to Find 1919 Wheat Pennies
Bank-wrapped or customer coin rolls
Estate sales & flea markets
Inherited family coin jars (often overlooked!)
You never know — one forgotten penny could change your fortune! 
Best Places to Sell Your Coins
Top-Grade Coins: Heritage Auctions (best for certified gems)
Mid-Tier Coins: eBay (make sure it’s certified)
Circulated Grades: Local coin shops
Avoid pawn shops or “cash-for-coins” kiosks — they usually pay well below market value.
Preservation & Storage Tips
- Handle coins by the edges only (cotton gloves recommended)
- Store in archival-safe holders
Avoid PVC flips — they can cause damage- Keep in a cool, dry environment to prevent toning or corrosion
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the 1919-S the most valuable?
Because very few high-grade red examples survived, making them extremely scarce.
Q: Are full red (RD) coins rare?
Yes! Most 1919 Wheat Pennies have naturally toned to brown over 100+ years.
Q: Where is the mintmark located?
Look below the wheat stalks on the reverse side of the coin.
Why Collectors Love the 1919 Wheat Penny
Historic post-WWI coinage
Last year of the high-relief Lincoln design
Extremely rare in full red gem condition
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a 1919 Wheat Penny lying around, take a closer look — it might just be a $55,000 treasure! 
Always have it professionally graded before selling, and remember: every coin tells a story of America’s past.
Explore more rare penny values at— your trusted source for coin facts, history, and market updates!
