Lincoln pennies are historically significant as one of the longest-standing US coins, making them highly popular among collectors. Be prepared that the 1926 Penny value directly depends on its condition. Since it doesn’t contain precious materials, badly damaged coins will be worth almost nothing.
Interestingly, this one-century-old coin hasn’t changed design much, and you can find only minor differences between old and modern pieces. However, specimens struck 100 years ago are worth more and are collectible, unlike new ones. Plus, rare red pennies minted in San Francisco can be worth a small fortune. Let’s see.
1926 Lincoln Penny History
President Theodore Roosevelt’s idea was to commemorate Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary and redesign American coinage. An ideal option was to create the first coin with a real person, and a beloved President was an excellent choice.
1926 Lincoln penny |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1926 | 157,088,000 |
| San Francisco | 1926 S | 4,550,000 |
| Denver | 1926 D | 28,020,000 |
| Total | / | 189,658,000 |
Sculptor Victor Brenner designed the Lincoln penny (Wheatie), and the US Mint started production in 1909. The first problem was a sculptor’s idea to add his full initials on the coin reverse, unlike the previous practice to engrave only the initial letter from the last name.
As a result, chief engraver Charles Barber ordered remaking dies and removing initials. However, several coins were already minted and released into circulation. Since initials were restored in 1918, you can see them on your 1926 Lincoln penny under Lincoln’s shoulder.
1926 Lincoln penny |
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| Face value | $0.01 (one cent) |
| Compound | 95% copper – 5% tin and zinc |
| Coin weight | 0.10970 ounces (3.11 g) |
| Coin diameter | 0.74803Â inches (19 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.05984Â inches (1.52 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Besides the central Lincoln image, you can see inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY on the obverse. The date is struck in front of the President’s bust.
1926 Lincoln penny value |
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| Quality | 1926 | 1926 S | 1926 D |
| Good | $0.22 | $10 | $1.54 |
| Very good | $0.28 | $11 | $2 |
| Fine | $0.33 | $14 | $3.89 |
| Very fine | $0.56 | $19 | $5.96 |
| Extra fine | $2.28 | $39 | $16 |
| AU | $4.52 | $83 | $36 |
| MS 60 | $9.13 | $176 | $94 |
| MS 65 | $20 | $371 | $140 |
(USA Coin book)
The simple coin reverse includes the denomination ONE CENT and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, positioned in the center. They are surrounded by two stalks of wheat, with a Latin saying E PLURIBUS UNUM along the top coin rim.
1926 Lincoln Penny Types
1926 Lincoln penny
Many of the 157,088,000 Lincoln pennies struck in the Philadelphia mint have survived, affecting their price on the current coin market. Most pieces in low grades cost only $0.10 to $6, while even those in perfect condition are worth no more than $24.
1926 Lincoln penny value |
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| Quality | 1926 BN | 1926 RB | 1926 RD |
| Good | $0.10 to $0.14 | / | / |
| Very good | $015 to $0.24 | / | / |
| Fine | $0.20 to $0.24 | / | / |
| Very fine | $0.30 to $0.96 | / | / |
| Extra fine | $1 to $2.40 | / | / |
| AU | $4 to $6 | / | / |
| MS 60 | $6 to $7.20 | / | / |
| MS 61 | $6.70 to $8.04 | / | / |
| MS 62 | $7.10 to $8.52 | / | / |
| MS 63 | $8 to $9.60 | $9 to $10.80 | $18 to $21.60 |
| MS 64 | $10 to $12 | $20 to $30 | $30 to $36 |
| MS 65 | $20 to $24 | $30 to $45 | $90 to $110 |
| MS 66 | / | / | $190 to $220 |
| MS 67 | / | / | $650 to $747.50 |
(Greysheet)
On the other hand, you need to pay at least double for a red-brown piece of the same condition. The most expensive are red specimens, and you should set aside $750 for those with the highest rating.
An auction record goes to the 1926 MS 63 Lincoln penny with the wheat reverse. It reached $7,475 at Heritage auctions in 2010.
1926 proof Lincoln penny
The Philadelphia mint didn’t produce proof Lincoln pennies during the 1920s, so there are no these beautiful pieces struck in 1926.
1926 S Lincoln penny
As expected, the less expensive pieces of 4,550,000 Lincoln pennies struck in San Francisco are those in good grade. You can find such coins for $8 to $10, while those in about circulated condition can be worth $60 to $155.
1926 S Lincoln penny value |
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| Quality | 1926 S | 1926 S RB | 1926 S RD |
| Good | $8 to $9.60 | / | / |
| Very good | $9 to $10.80 | / | / |
| Fine | $10 to $13.20 | / | / |
| Very fine | $13 to $26.40 | / | / |
| Extra fine | $30 to $43.20 | / | / |
| AU | $60 to $156 | / | / |
| MS 60 | $200 to $230 | / | / |
| MS 61 | $260 to $299 | / | / |
| MS 62 | $330 to $396 | $460 to $529 | / |
| MS 63 | $425 to $488,75 | $800 to $960 | $2,250 to $3,000 |
| MS 64 | $530 to $610 | $1,100 to $1,320 | $3,100 to $3,600 |
| MS 65 | $2,500 to $3,000 | $8,500 to $10,500 | $100,000 to $115,000 |
| MS 66 | / | $25,000 to $30,000 | / |
(Greysheet)
Lincoln pennies with the S mint mark in the mint state are among the most expensive in the series. You can buy one for $200, but those with an MS 65 rating can reach $2,500 to $3,000 on the current market.
Experts estimate that red pieces in the highest grades are worth $100,000 to $115,000. The most costly specimen is the 1926 S MS 65 Lincoln penny with the wheat reverse paid $149,500 in 2006. It still holds the auction record.
1926 D Lincoln penny
Any of 28,020,000 Lincoln pennies from Denver that have survived until these days will cost you at least $1. Pieces in the mint state are more pricey, and you should pay $85 to $575 for one, depending on the preservation level.
1926 D penny value |
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| Quality | 1926 D | 1926 D RB | 1926 D RD |
| Good | $1 to $1.2 | / | / |
| Very good | $1 to $1.8 | / | / |
| Fine | $2.25 to $3.6 | / | / |
| Very fine | $4.5 to $10.8 | / | / |
| Extra fine | $12 to $19.2 | / | / |
| AU | $26 to $66 | / | / |
| MS 60 | $85 to $102 | / | / |
| MS 61 | $95 to $114 | / | / |
| MS 62 | $105 to $126 | $126 to $151.2 | $250 to $287.5 |
| MS 63 | $130 to $156 | $180 to $207 | $335 to $385.75 |
| MS 64 | $160 to $192 | $360 to $425 | $550 to $700 |
| MS 65 | $500 to $575 | $750 to $840 | $2,150 to $3,000 |
| MS 66 | / | / | $10,500 to $12,000 |
(Greysheet)
On the other hand, red-brown specimens are more expensive, and a coin with an MS 65 rating will cost you $750 to $840. The most costly are red pieces wort $10,500 to $12,000 in an MS 66 grade.
The auction record goes to the 1926 D MS 66+ Lincoln penny with the wheat reverse. One collector paid $38,400 for it at auction in 2021.
1926 Lincoln Penny Errors
The 1926 Lincoln penny errors are rare and challenging to find. Sometimes, you can come across:
- The rare 1926 doubled die Lincoln penny with an extra President’s eyelid is worth $75 to $150
- The 1926 Lincoln penny with off-center costs a few dollars when mis-stamping is 5% to 10%. You should potentially pay hundreds of dollars for a piece with a 75% off-center error
- 1926 D and 1926 S Lincoln pennies with re-punched mintmarks are typically worth $7 to $15
- The 1926 Lincoln penny with BIE error typically costs $5 to $15
1926 Lincoln Penny GradingÂ
Uncirculated – The 1926 Lincoln penny that never spent a minute on the open market is in this grade. Besides the expected color change, it is almost perfect without visible imperfections.
While rotating it under a light, you can notice the original mint luster. As you can expect, such a piece is highly collectible, and most collectors prefer paying for it.
1926 penny value |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1926 | $0.20 | $0.30 | $2 | $4 |
| 1926 S | $9 | $13 | $35 | $75 |
| 1926 D | $1.35 | $3.50 | $14 | $32 |
(JM Bullion)
Extra fine – This coin shows the absence of wear when observed with the naked eye. Only under a magnifying glass is it possible to notice a slight flattening of the highest image points while the date and inscriptions are almost intact. You can see a rich brown toning highlighted with lighter shades over the most prominent details.
Fine – This coin spent a long time circulating, but it avoids significant wear. However, you can see most details flattered and numerous scratches and visible discolorations on both surfaces. Lincoln’s forehead and hair have started merging, but his jaw is still well-defined.
1926 Lincoln penny value |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1926 | $0.08 | $0.4 | $1.3 | $9 |
| 1926 S | $5.13 | $8.23 | $32 | $160 |
| 1926 D | $0.7 | $2 | $13 | $50 |
(CoinStudy)
Good – Even though this penny is still a collectible piece, not many collectors will choose such a worn-out piece. Its surface is smooth and scratched, and you can sometimes find a bent piece, even the one with chipped edges. It is crucial to see the legible date and as many readable letters as possible. Otherwise, this coin is worth nothing.
Summary
Lincoln wheat pennies are widely popular American coins, and many collectors appreciate their historical significance. Most pieces are not worth much, but a few rare specimens in excellent condition can be pretty pricey. The best option is to find a red coin struck in San Francisco since it is the most valuable in the series.
