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
1️⃣ Check the Mintmark:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
2️⃣ Examine Condition:
- Full red color (not brown)
- Sharp details in wheat stalks
- No wear on Lincoln’s cheek
3️⃣ 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
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