ABOUT THE 1945 WHEAT PENNY
The 1945 Wheat Penny is a beloved classic among coin collectors, featuring the iconic “wheat ears” reverse design that graced Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1958. While most are common, certain varieties and conditions can make this wartime-era penny surprisingly valuable.
HISTORY & KEY FACTS
- Mintage: Over 1 billion struck across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc/tin (same as pre-war pennies).
- Wartime Significance: Minted during WWII’s final year, making it part of numismatic history.
- Design:
- Obverse: Victor D. Brenner’s Lincoln portrait with “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
- Reverse: Two wheat stalks flanking “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
HOW TO SPOT VALUABLE 1945 PENNIES
- Mint Marks Matter:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia): Most common.
- “D” (Denver): Slightly scarcer.
- “S” (San Francisco): Lowest mintage (only ~181,770,000 made).
- Error Coins to Hunt:
- Repunched Mint Marks (“D/D” or “S/S”): Look for overlapping letters under magnification.
- Double Dies: Check for doubling in “LIBERTY” or the date.
- Off-Center Strikes: Misaligned designs can fetch 20–20–200.
- Condition Is Key:
- Red (RD): Uncirculated coins with full copper luster (worth 5–5–50+).
- Red-Brown (RB): Lightly circulated (1–1–10).
- Brown (BN): Heavily worn (face value to $1).
1945 WHEAT PENNY VALUE CHART
| Mint | Circulated | Uncirculated (MS-63+) | Proof (San Francisco Only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P (No mark) | 0.05–0.05–1 | 5–5–50 | N/A |
| D | 0.10–0.10–2 | 10–10–75 | N/A |
| S | 0.25–0.25–5 | 20–20–100+ | 15–15–300 (Cameo Proofs) |
Note: Errors or high-grade examples (MS-65+ Red) can exceed $500.
HOW TO SELL YOUR 1945 WHEAT PENNY
- Grade It: Submit to PCGS or NGC if uncirculated (30–30–50 fee).
- Sell Online:
- eBay: Use keywords like “1945 Wheat Penny UNC Red” or *”1945-S Proof.”*
- Etsy: Ideal for vintage coin collectors.
- Local Options: Coin shops or shows often pay 50–70% of retail value.
WHY COLLECTORS LOVE THIS COIN
- Nostalgia: The last WWII-era wheat penny.
- Affordability: Most are inexpensive, making it perfect for new collectors.
- Hidden Gems: Errors or high-grade coins offer big payouts.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Visit PennyVerse.info for:
🔍 FREE Wheat Penny Checklist (download now!).
💰 Live Price Tools (track your coin’s value).
🎥 Video Guides (spot errors like a pro).
👉 Start your collection today—click here to explore!
Tags: 1945 penny, wheat penny, Lincoln cent, coin collecting, U.S. coins
Categories: Classic Coins, U.S. Currency, Numismatics
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