Collectors consider the 1913 Lincoln wheat penny a small but meaningful piece of early-twentieth-century American history. It was struck merely four years after Victor David Brenner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln replaced the Indian Head design. Differences in mint mark, quality, and preservation (or lack thereof) can affect a coin’s value.
However, even poorly preserved pennies can command a premium if they are of a rare variety. In this article, we’ll cover where and how 1913 pennies were produced, how they are valued, how collectors can confidently navigate the market, and how American Hartford Gold can help you acquire precious metals.
Where Did the 1913 Penny Originate?
Mint records show that 1913 pennies originally rolled off the presses in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, each rollout impacting today’s supply. Philadelphia produced over 76 million coins, making “no mint mark” pieces widely accessible.
Denver added nearly 16 million pieces, easily identified by a small letter “D” beneath the date on the front of the coin. San Francisco produced just over six million, so the “S” mint variety ranks as the rarest of that year.
Since Philadelphia produced large quantities of coins, only high-grade Philadelphia pennies (mint state 65 and above) tend to attract high bids. These are not rare, so they must be unique to capture attention on the market.
Denver pennies manage to balance being rare and affordable, especially if the luster remains intact and there are minimal contact marks on their surfaces. Additionally, San Francisco coins often suffer from weaker strikes, so well-defined wheat lines and clear lettering are highly sought after.
What Affects the Value of 1913 Wheat Pennies?
Several factors can influence a buyer’s willingness to pay for a 1913 wheat penny. Condition is at the top of the list. A lightly circulated coin with crisp details and minimal wear can easily exceed the price of a dull penny covered with spots or scratches.
Supply also matters. With millions still around, common grades won’t be worth much.
Lastly, unique details like doubled dies can push a coin into a higher price bracket, even if it only carries an average grade.
Grading and Collector Interest
Professional grading services assess strike, luster, and color before assigning a numeric grade. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. For example, an “S” mint cent graded MS-66 Red could command several thousand dollars since few retain their copper brilliance after a century.
Collectors also look for varieties like the mild 1913-D doubled die obverse, where doubling appears on the date and LIBERTY. That said, although these errors are subtle, coin authentication provides peace of mind to buyers and offers a reasonable explanation for the price tag.
Acquire Precious Metals With AHG
Copper pennies like the 1913 wheat penny demonstrate how something so small and often overlooked can make it exciting to learn more about history. Precious metals like silver and gold add yet another layer of intrigue, securing wealth while acting as stunning display pieces.
Many American Hartford Gold clients enjoy diversifying their collections with new pieces to admire or rolling them into their Gold IRA for additional security. No matter your goals, learning about the history of everyday currency can foster a deeper appreciation for the craft and set you up for a more comfortable future.
Sources:
Victor David Brenner (Lithuanian, 1871-1924) | Bates Museum of Art
Denver Mint | U.S. Department of the Treasury
