Introduction to 1942 Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1942 penny series includes some of the most valuable regular-issue Lincoln cents, with certain mint marks and conditions commanding five-figure prices. This was the last full year of copper pennies before WWII metal restrictions, making high-grade examples exceptionally rare.
1942 Penny Varieties & Values
1. 1942 Proof (Cameo) – $17,625 Gem
- Mint: Philadelphia (No mint mark)
- Grade: PR67 (PCGS)
- Key Features:
- Mirror-like fields with frosted devices
- 90% copper composition (pre-war standard)
- Only 32,600 proof sets originally minted
- Survivors in gem condition extremely rare
- Recent Sale: $17,625 (Heritage Auctions 2023)
- Circulated Proof Value: $500-$1,200
![1942 Proof Cameo close-up showing mirror surfaces]
2. 1942-D (Denver) – $12,650 Superb Gem
- Grade: MS68 (PCGS/NGC)
- Why Valuable:
- Denver mint produced weaker strikes
- Full red (RD) color preservation is rare
- Only 5 known in MS68 condition
- Weighs 3.11g (pure copper planchet)
- Population:
- PCGS MS68 RD: 3 coins
- NGC MS68 RD: 2 coins
- AU55 Value: $75-$100
3. 1942-S (San Francisco) – $12,650 Condition Rarity
- Grade: MS68 (PCGS)
- Market Insight:
- San Francisco coins typically softer strikes
- Vibrant red (RD) examples are museum-quality
- Last year before zinc-coated steel cents
- Circulated Value:
- RB (Red-Brown): $1-$5
- RD (Full Red): $10-$50
Why 1942 Pennies Are Valuable
The Three Value Drivers:
- Historical Significance
- Final pre-war copper pennies
- Last year before steel cents (1943)
- Condition Rarity
- MS68 examples represent top 0.01% of survivors
- Full red (RD) color adds 500%+ premium
- Proof Rarity
- Wartime proof sets were often broken up
- Cameo contrast proofs are ultra-scarce
Grading Standards for Maximum Value
For Circulation Strikes:
- MS68 RD: Perfect surfaces, zero marks under 5x
- MS67 RD: 1-2 tiny contact marks
- MS65 RD: Light bag marks, strong luster
For Proofs:
- PR67 CAM: Strong mirror/frost contrast
- PR65 DCAM: Some toning allowed
Authentication Tip: Copper coins are often doctored – only trust PCGS/NGC holders.
Where to Find These Rare Pennies
Best Sources:
- Old Proof Sets (Original cellophane packaging)
- Bank Rolls (Search 1940s/50s wheat cent rolls)
- Estate Sales (Look for coin boards/albums)
Pro Hunting Tip:
Weigh all 1942 pennies – authentic coins must be 3.11g. Counterfeits often underweight.
Market Trends (2024)
- Proofs up 22% since 2020
- Denver/San Francisco gems breaking records
- Registry Set Demand pushing prices higher
FAQ
Q: Are all 1942 pennies valuable?
A: Only in high grades (MS65+/PR65+). Worn examples are worth 3-10¢.
Q: How to spot a proof vs business strike?
A: Proofs have:
✓ Mirror fields
✓ Frosted devices
✓ Sharper details
Q: What’s the rarest 1942 penny?
A: The 1942 Proof in PR68+ (only 2 known, worth $25,000+).
“I Found a 1942 Penny – Now What?”
- Don’t Clean It!
- Weigh It (Must be 3.11g)
- Check Color (RD = Most valuable)
- Get It Graded if MS65+/PR65+
Grading Cost: $50-$150 (worth it for potential $10,000+ coins)
Want More? Download our FREE Wheat Penny Grading Guide at [WheatPennySecrets.com]
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PS: That jar of old pennies could hold a $17,625 surprise!
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