Coin collectors continue to be drawn to the 1941 Lincoln cent, popularly known as the wheat penny. This specific penny, produced between 1909 and 1958 as part of the Lincoln Wheat series, is prized for its high mintage and reasonable price.
However, the 1941 Lincoln cent can be worth a lot more than its face value under specific circumstances and variants. To assist collectors in understanding this intriguing coin, we will examine the 1941 Lincoln cent’s history, characteristics, prices, and noteworthy variations in this guide.
Rare 1941 Lincoln Cent
The 1941 Lincoln Cent was struck in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. It is the record for one of the highest mintages of the wheat penny series, especially from the Philadelphia mint, with over 1.1 billion coins minted in 1941.
Victor David Brenner created the coin with the famous image of Abraham Lincoln on the front and the series’ signature wheat ears on the reverse.
The 1941 Lincoln penny’s unique reddish-brown color in uncirculated form results from its composition: 95% copper, 5% tin, and 3% zinc. The coin has a diameter of 19.05 mm and weighs 3.11 grams.
Mint Marks and Mintage Numbers
There are three primary versions of the 1941 Lincoln penny, each from different minting facilities:
| Mint | Mintmark | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 887,093,100 |
| Denver | “D” | 128,700,000 |
| San Francisco | “S” | 92,360,000 |
While these coins are relatively common in circulated condition, their value can rise significantly in higher grades, such as Mint State (MS).
Values of the 1941 Lincoln Cent
The value of the 1941 Lincoln penny largely depends on its condition, mintmark, and any errors or varieties. Circulated pennies typically have low value, ranging from $0.02 to $0.10, while uncirculated examples can fetch much higher prices. Here’s a breakdown of values based on the coin’s grade:
| Grade | Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.02 – $0.04 | $0.03 – $0.05 | $0.03 – $0.06 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $0.20 | $0.30 | $0.40 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $0.50 | $0.60 | $0.75 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $1.00 – $1.50 | $1.50 – $2.50 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $6.00 – $25.00 | $10.00 – $50.00 | $20.00 – $75.00 |
Some of the rarest coins, particularly those with mint errors or in exceptional grades, can reach much higher values. For example, a 1941-S Lincoln penny in MS-67 Red sold for $7,800 at auction in 2019, reflecting the significant premium placed on top-quality examples.
Key Varieties and Errors
The 1941 Lincoln dime is very interesting to collectors because there are different types and mistakes:
- Doubled Die (DDO): This variation has a doubled image on the obverse, especially noticeable in the initials, date, and profile of Abraham Lincoln. Doubled die faults are extremely uncommon and prized by collectors. If they are in excellent shape, these pennies can fetch hundreds of dollars.
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs): Pennies with repunched mint marks (where remnants of a second “D” or “S” are discernible under magnification) were struck by the Denver and San Francisco mints. The 1941 series gains complexity and desirability from these RPM variations.
- Lamination errors: These occur when the coin’s surface flakes off because the metals weren’t properly bonded together. While twofold die variations are more desirable, coins with lamination flaws can still increase in value.
Grading the 1941 Lincoln Cent
Collectors use the Sheldon Scale to evaluate coins because a coin’s condition greatly influences its worth. Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70) is the range of grades, and coins in better grades fetch significantly greater values. 1941 pennies usually have marks on Abraham Lincoln’s face and hair, less detail on the wheat stems, and not as shiny.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, with few details remaining, though the date is still visible. |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear with sharp details visible on the obverse and reverse. |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Minor wear on the highest points, with strong detail and some original luster. |
| Mint State (MS-60) | No wear, but may have marks or blemishes. Complete luster and sharp details. |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Virtually no marks, full luster, and excellent eye appeal. |
Collectors find the 1941 Lincoln cent an intriguing coin since it has a range of mintmarks, faults, and conditions that affect its value. There are many options to find these pennies in good condition at reasonable costs, regardless of your level of experience as a numismatist or collection starter.
For serious collectors, obtaining rare variations like doubled die, or repunched mint marks can greatly increase the value of the 1941 penny.
The 1941 Lincoln Dime is a staple of every wheat penny collection because of its historical relevance, affordability, and excitement of discovering uncommon variants.