1941 Wheat Penny Value: are “D”, “S”, No mint mark worth money?

The 1941 Wheat Penny, also known as the Lincoln Wheat Cent, is one of the most popular coins every antique coin collector wants to add to their collection. This coin’s popularity is due to its rarity and historical connection to the pre-WWII era. It also has a striking resemblance with the current Lincoln penny, which makes it even more remarkable.

This guide offers an in-depth analysis of the 1941 Wheat Penny and its value in 2023. We’ll also examine its history, varieties, key features, error, and grading to comprehensively understand why the 1941 Wheat Penny is valuable.

1941 Wheat Penny Details

Here’s a rundown of the 1941 Wheat Penny details:

• Category: Wheat Penny
• Mints: Philaphedia, Denver, and San Francisco.
• Mintage: 887,018,000
• Obverse designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Reverse designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc and tin
• Fineness: Not specified
• Weight: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm

The 1941 Wheat Penny was produced at three United States Mint facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). This intriguing coin had a mintage of over 887 million coins, each comprising 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.

The obverse of the 1941 penny features a left-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed above. On the portrait’s left, the word “LIBERTY” is inscribed, while the year “1941” sits in the opposite direction.

The mastermind behind this design is Victor David Brenner, who may have been awarded the job after President Roosevelt sat for him in 1909. The penny design is based on a 1907 plaque created by Brenner, which depicts Lincoln as if he were reading to a child.

In 1916, the design underwent minor changes when the Mint’s chief engraver reduced the wrinkling on Lincoln’s coat and cheeks. This helped extend the lifespan of the dies employed in manufacturing the coins.

Victor Brenner also designed the reverse of the 1941 Lincoln penny. He initially submitted a tree branch design, but it was rejected as it was similar to a design used on French coins. He was asked to create a new, simple design that incorporated the country’s name and the coin’s denomination.

Brenner came up with a design featuring two durum wheat ears, which was used for almost 50 years. Brenner’s full name on the design caused controversy, with some viewing it as self-advertisement, leading to the initials being used instead.

However, even initials were deemed too large and were removed before being reinstated in 1918 on the obverse, near the lower edge of Lincoln’s bust. As a result, all 1941 pennies bear Brenner’s initials.

Now, let’s outline a pictorial representation of the 1941 Wheat Penny’s reverse. You’ll find the inscription “ONE CENT” sitting boldly on the reverse’s center and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” just below it. To the right and left of the coin’s reverse are two wheat stalks pointed towards each other, while the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is positioned above.

1941 Wheat Penny Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1941 “No Mint Mark” Wheat Penny Value	$0.02	$0.06	$0.40	$1.71
1941 “D” Wheat Penny Value	$0.02	$0.16	$0.32	$1.64
1941 “S” Wheat Penny Value	$0.03	$0.40	$0.40	$2.30

1941 Wheat Penny Value and Varieties Guides

Different mints in the US were tasked with striking the 1941 Lincoln Penny, each having different values, as we’ll observe below.

1941 “No Mint Mark” Wheat Penny Value

• Type: Wheat Penny
• Edge: Smooth
• Mint Mark: Nil
• Place of minting: Philaphedia
• Year of minting: 1941
• Face Value: $1
• $ Price: $0.15 (if the coin is in good condition)
• Quantity produced: Not specified
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obverse and reverse)
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm

The 1941 “No Mint Mark” Wheat Penny isn’t considered a rare coin and typically has a low value, only a few cents each. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition and well-preserved, it may fetch a slightly higher price. However, it still has less value than other rare coin types.

In an MS-60 and MS-63 state, collectors value this coin for $2.28 and $4.52, respectively. However, proof coins of PR-63 grade may be worth as much as $45. Surprisingly, there’s no record of any high-priced variants of the 1941 “No Mint Mark” Wheat Penny selling at auction.

1941 “D” Wheat Penny Value

 

• Type: Wheat Penny
• Edge: Smooth
• Mint Mark: Nil
• Place of minting: Denver
• Year of minting: 1941
• Face Value: $1
• $ Price: $0.20 (if the coin is in good condition)
• Quantity produced: Not specified
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner (obverse and reverse)
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm

The 1941 “D” Wheat Penny, minted in Denver, has a large coinage number, making it an affordable and desirable coin for young collectors. Its value as a coin may be enhanced if it’s in good condition without any distracting marks. If you lay your hands on the MS-63 variant of this coin, you may sell it for a handsome $6.65. AU-50 and MS-60 copies may go for $3.30 and $4.52, respectively.

1941 “S” Wheat Penny Value

 

• Type: Wheat Penny
• Edge: Smooth
• Mint Mark: Nil
• Place of minting: Denver
• Year of minting: 1941
• Face Value: $1
• $ Price: $0.20 (if the coin is in good condition)
• Quantity produced: Not specified 
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner (Obverse and Reverse)
• Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 g
• Diameter: 19 mm

1941 Wealth Pennies minted in San Francisco are generally valued higher as a rarity. Despite being considered “abundant” on the rarity scale, their popularity and condition contribute to their value to collectors.

Collectors look for coins that have a nice appearance, with fields and designs free of major marks and damage. Additionally, it’s crucial to inspect the coin’s rim for any subtle but noticeable damage.

For an AU-50 grade coin, collectors are willing to pay up to $3.30, while MS-60 and MS-63 copies sell for a decent $4.52 and $6.65, respectively.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)

The 1941 Wheat Penny History

 

The 1941 Wheat Penny was produced 32 years into the series of Lincoln Pennies, which started in 1909 to commemorate 100 years since the former president’s birth.

The first release of the coins generated significant public interest and even sparked a price surge, although this later stabilized. However, the design faced some initial challenges, including complaints from vending machine companies and controversy over the inclusion of the coin designer’s name.

During the Second World War, the penny design was altered due to a metal shortage for military purposes. The minting of the 1941 Wheat Pennies started after the Great Depression when the US economy had just begun to recover.

Even though Europe was being affected by World War II, the financial situation in the United States was improving, including the production of coinage.

In 1941, the US mint increased its production, leading to the manufacture of nearly 900 million Lincoln Wheat Pennies by the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia mints. In fact, the 1941 Wheat Penny denotes the 6th highest coin mintage from the Philadelphia mint.

The coin was designed by Victor D Brenner and is composed of 5% zinc and tin and 95% copper, giving it a reddish-brown color. It measured 19mm in diameter and weighed approximately 3.11 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry and store.

Copper was once again used in 1943, but with a different composition. From 1909 to 1958, the penny’s design remained largely unchanged, with the reverse design changing in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

1941 Wheat Penny Grading 

A 1941 Wheat Penny’s worth is primarily influenced by its grading — a system collectors and dealers use to evaluate coin condition. The grades professional collectors and dealers typically use to determine the worth of 1941 Wheat Pennies includes uncirculated, extremely fine, fine, and good.

If you want to know more about the 1941 Wheat Penny grading, here’s a YouTube video worth watching.

Lists of 1941 Wheat Penny Errors

Some errors abound in the 1941 Wheat Penny coin mintage, boasting a higher value. Here are the most common ones:

1. 1941 Wheat Penny Double Die Obverse

The 1941 penny can have a double die error, which happens when a misaligned strike during the production process. This results in the die having an illusory double image and, by extension, the coins. This type of error is common and can sometimes be visible on the coin’s two sides, although it’s most frequently seen on either side.

To check for the error, one can look for a doubling in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the coin’s edges. A 1941 penny with this error can have a value of around $120 in XF45 (extremely fine circulated) condition, which increases as the coin’s condition improves.

Some other error coin with a less evident doubling in the “IN GOD WE TRUST” phrase also exists. In yet, another case of this error is a doubling in the letters and figures of the “LIBERTY” and “1941” inscriptions, respectively.

2. 1941 Wheat Penny Experimental Planchet

 

During World War II, the clamor for tin and copper created a need to slash the metal content in coinage. To address this issue, the Mint explored and experimented with different materials.

One of the resulting coins, made of 90% copper and 5% zinc, was sold at a 2005 auction as a rare experimental coin. The coin was in MS64 red-brown condition and sold for over $600.

1941 Wheat Penny Value FAQ

What makes the 1941 Wheat Penny valuable?

The value of the 1941 Wheat Penny is primarily determined by its rarity and condition/grading. Uncirculated examples in good condition, as well as error variants, can fetch a slightly higher price.

Where can I find the mint mark on the 1941 Wheat Penny?

The mint mark on the 1941 Wheat Penny sits on the obverse side of the coin, just below the date “1941”. The “D” mint mark indicates that the coin was produced at the Denver Mint, while the “S” mint mark denotes one struck at the San Francisco Mint.

What is a Double Die Error on the 1941 Wheat Penny?

A double die error occurs when a die used to strike coins is misaligned, resulting in a ghostly double image on the coin. On the 1941 Wheat Penny, it can often be seen on the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” If your 1941 Wheat Penny has this error, it could be worth more than the average value.

Is there a difference between the value of an uncirculated 1941 Wheat Penny and a circulated one?

Yes, the value of a 1941 Wheat Penny can be affected by whether it’s been circulated or not. On the one hand, uncirculated coins that haven’t been used and have been stored in their original condition can fetch a higher price. On the other hand, circulated coins that have been used and show signs of wear are valued lower.

What is the highest value a 1941 Wheat Penny has sold for at auction?

Surprisingly, there haven’t been any exceptionally high-priced variants of the 1941 Wheat Penny sold at auction. However, if it’s in excellent condition and has a rare error, such as a double die, it could fetch a higher price. Generally, the value of the 1941 Wheat Penny is determined by its rarity and condition.

Conclusion

The 1941 Wheat Penny has become a valuable piece of American coinage due to its rarity and historical significance. Since it was minted during WWII, the coin is a major attraction for antique coin collectors.

Before you decide to sell or add a 1941 Wheat Penny to your collection, you should understand the factors that influence its value. As of 2023, its value can range from a few cents to several hundred dollars, depending on its condition and rarity. In addition, 1941 Wheat Penny error varieties are also considered high value in the series because of their rarity.