Pennies with a D mint mark can have significant value to coin collectors, depending on the specific date and condition. Here’s a quick overview of what to look for with D pennies:
What does the D mint mark mean?
The D mint mark indicates that the penny was struck at the Denver Mint. Pennies minted in Denver began in 1911 when the Denver Mint opened. Prior to that, all pennies were minted in Philadelphia and did not have a mint mark.
Key dates for valuable D pennies
These are some of the key dates for higher value D pennies:
- 1909-S VDB – The rarest Lincoln Wheat penny, worth over $1,000 even in well-circulated condition.
- 1914-D – Worth $100+ in circulated grades, over $1,000 in Mint State.
- 1922 No D – A rare error coin with no mint mark, valued at $500-$1,000+.
- 1931-S – The lowest mintage Lincoln Wheat cent from San Francisco, worth $100+.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – One of the most famous error coins, can be worth thousands.
Evaluating condition
With collectible pennies, condition is very important. Pennies grading Extremely Fine or higher can be worth significant premiums. Important factors are luster, marks, and wear. Circulated pennies with heavy wear or damage are usually only worth a small premium above face value.
Certified coins
Having rare pennies certified and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC can significantly increase their market value and liquidity. Certified coins are placed in sonically sealed holders with the coin details and grade listed.
What to look for in wheat pennies
Wheat pennies were minted between 1909 and 1958. Here are some things to look for:
- Mint marks – D and S mint marks are more rare and valuable for many dates.
- Condition – Well-struck wheat pennies with no major marks or wear are most valuable.
- Key dates – Particularly the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S, and 1955 Doubled Die.
- Varieties – Coins with repunched mint marks, doubled dies, and other errors.
Value of circulated wheat pennies
For wheat pennies that have wear and are not uncirculated, here are typical value ranges:
| Grade | Value |
| Good | $0.02 – $0.05 |
| Very Good | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| Fine | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Very Fine | $0.25 – $1 |
| Extremely Fine | $1 – $5 |
| About Uncirculated | $5 – $50 |
Rarer dates and mint marked coins can be worth much more even in circulated condition. But common wheat pennies in lower grades are usually only worth a small amount over face value.
Uncirculated wheat penny values
For uncirculated wheat pennies showing no wear, these are typical value ranges:
| Grade | Value |
| MS-60 | $1 – $10 |
| MS-63 | $3 – $15 |
| MS-65 | $10 – $50 |
| MS-67 | $25 – $150 |
| MS-68 | $50 – $500 |
| MS-70 | $200 – $5,000+ |
Gem uncirculated examples graded MS-65 and higher can be worth very significant premiums. But most uncirculated wheat cents without visible wear are worth at least a dollar or more.
Special mint sets
Some uncirculated wheat pennies were sold in special mint sets starting in 1947. These coins feature brilliantMirror-like fields and frosty devices. They can be worth $5-20+ over normal uncirculated values.
Proof coins
Proof wheat pennies were struck for collectors starting in 1909. Proofs have mirrored, polished fields and frosted devices. Proof examples can be worth $30 to $3,000+ depending on date, with key dates worth most.
Value of Memorial Pennies
Memorial pennies were introduced in 1959, replacing wheat ears with an image of the Lincoln Memorial. Here are some notable varieties and values for Memorial cents.
Memorial penny varieties
- Small date, large date – The font size changed in the 1960s, with larger dates from 1962-67.
- Doubled dies – Particularly on 1969-S and 1995-P issues.
- Close AM/Wide AM – Spacing between AM in AMERICA varies on some issues.
- Wide rim/narrow rim – Rim around the edge comes in different widths.
- D mint mark types – Different shaped D mint marks were used.
Key Memorial penny dates
While most Memorial cents only have small premiums, these dates are more notable:
- 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse – Up to $1,000+ in mint state.
- 1970-S Small Date, struck only for mint sets – $5-$20.
- 1983 Doubled Die Reverse – $50-$100+ in AU/UNC.
- 1984 Doubled Ear – $5-$10 in mint state.
- 1995 Doubled Die Obverse – $50-$300 depending on grade.
Zinc Pennies
Pennies were minted in 95% copper until 1982. But newer pennies contain mostly zinc with only a thin copper plating. This has made many pennies disappear from circulation because the copper ones were worth more melted down.
While circulating zinc cents have very minimal value, uncirculated specimens can be worth a small premium over face value.
| Year | Uncirculated Value |
| 1982-1983 | $0.05-$0.25 |
| 1984-1989 | $0.10-$0.50 |
| 1990-present | $0.25-$1 |
The longer ago the penny was minted, the more desirable uncirculated examples become to collectors and investors assembling date sets.
Popular penny collections
Building a complete collection of pennies by date and mint mark is a popular pursuit. Here are some popular ways to collect pennies:
Lincoln Memorial penny set
This involves getting one example of every date and mint mark issued since 1959. With no key rare issues, such sets in circulated grades can readily be assembled for face value.
Lincoln wheat penny set
Filling all the holes in a wheat penny album can be challenging but rewarding. Expect the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S, and other better dates to be quite costly.
Lincoln cent type set
This collection includes just one example of each major variety, like individual small and large dates from the Memorial series. Much more affordable than assembling all dates and mints.
20th century Lincoln penny set
Spanning just wheat and Memorial cents from the 1900s through the 1990s, this is a popular intermediate size set with reasonable completeness.
Circulation finds penny set
Seeking out unmodified circulation strike coins without buying graded examples provides a fun treasure hunt challenge.
Penny collecting tips
Building the penny collection of your dreams takes knowledge, patience, and strategy. Here are some helpful tips:
Know your dates
Not all pennies are rare, but certain dates and varieties are valuable keys worth knowing. Study price guides to identify which pennies to look for in circulation or buying.
Examine carefully
Glance through penny rolls or bins carefully, not just hunting for older dates. Varieties like doubled dies can appear on newer issues too.
Consider toning
Colorful natural toning on copper and zinc cents can increase eye appeal. A lightly toned 1909 VDB penny may draw higher bids than an untoned one when auctioned.
Save wheat pennies
Most wheat cents are worth around 3-5 cents, even in heavily circulated grades. So consider saving any wheat cents you receive in change.
Upgrade over time
Don’t worry about every coin being gem quality right away. You can improve a collection over many years by trading up for nicer examples of key dates.
Buy certified for rarities
For expensive pennies like the 1909-S VDB, certified MS or proof examples provide assurance when buying sight unseen.
Consider mint sets
Pennies in older U.S. Mint sets can be a nice way to quickly acquire brilliant uncirculated examples from the 1950s-60s.
Store carefully
Use non-PVC coin holders or albums to preserve your collection. Handle coins by the rims to avoid fingerprints.
Bottom Line
While most old pennies in circulation are worth only a few cents, important varieties and condition rarities can be enormously valuable. By knowing key dates, mint marks, and details like doubled dies, lucky collectors still have a chance of finding treasure in pennies.