1913 Penny Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The 1913 Lincoln Wheat penny is not particularly rare despite being over a century old. This coin continues to captivate collectors and investors alike, with its fascinating story, exquisite design, and exceptional value. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious about the world of coins, in this article we will delve into all you need to know about the 1913 penny, from its humble origin to its current status, grading, errors, and other interesting facts about this American coin.
1913 Penny Details
The 1913 penny, also known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny, is a small cent with a plain edge that was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. It is made up of 95% copper, with the remaining 5% consisting of zinc and tin. The coin weighs 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 mm.
The coin designed by Victor David Brenner shows a bust of Lincoln facing to the right, with the word “Liberty” inscribed above his head and the date of mintage below on the obverse. The reverse features two wheat stalks flanking the words “One Cent” and “United States of America.”
Between 1909 and 1958, the Lincoln Wheat penny was the mainstay of small change in the United States. The 1913 penny, in particular, had a total mintage of around 98 million, making it one of the more common coins in the series. However, the 1913-D (Denver) and the 1913-S (San Francisco) issues are considered to be semi-key dates due to their lower mintage.
1913 Penny Value Chart
| Mint | Good | Fine | Extra Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1913 No Mint Mark Penny Value | $1.16 | $3.38 | $28 | $46 |
| 1913 – D Penny Value | $3.38 | $5.84 | $68 | $134 |
| 1913 – S Penny Value | $11 | $21 | $75 | $233 |
1913 No Mint Mark Penny
The 1913 penny with no mint mark is a unique and intriguing piece of American history. Minted over a century ago, this penny holds a special place in the hearts of coin collectors and history buffs alike. While there were only three mints that produced pennies in 1913, the ones produced in the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark are the most common.
During this time, the Philadelphia Mint hadn’t yet begun using mint marks, which is why the 1913 penny from this mint lacks any distinguishing mark. This makes it an interesting piece for collectors who appreciate its uniqueness. With a face value of just one cent, it’s astonishing to see how much some collectors are willing to pay for a single coin.
The quantity of 1913 pennies produced by the Philadelphia Mint was staggering, with a total of 76,532,000 coins made. This is why the coin is considered common, with many examples still circulating in good condition. However, the value of the coin is determined by its condition, rarity, and unique features. For example, a 1913 penny in poor condition may only fetch a couple of dollars, while a penny in pristine condition with special errors can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Unique errors like double strikes or uneven stamping can greatly increase the value of a 1913 penny with no mint mark, in addition to its condition and rarity. If you find a 1913 penny in a high-grade MS condition, it could be worth thousands of dollars. However, finding such a coin is extremely rare, and it’s important to have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service to confirm its genuineness and value.
The 1913 penny with no mint mark is not just a piece of currency, it is a unique piece of American history, coveted by collectors and enthusiasts for its significance and beauty, regardless of its varying value based on condition and rarity.
Additionally, the Philadelphia Mint produced a limited number of matte-proof pennies exclusively for coin collectors in 1913. These special Lincoln cents were meticulously crafted with sharp strikes and matte surfaces, resulting in exceptional quality. Only a few thousand of these proof pennies were manufactured, making them highly sought after by collectors today. Their current value is estimated to be $300 or more, depending on their condition.
1913 – D Penny
The 1913 D Penny is distinguished from its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts by the letter “D” mint mark on the obverse side of the coin, just to the right of Lincoln’s portrait. While the coin’s face value is only one cent, its value among numismatists can range from a few dollars, depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors.
In general, as with other coins, the value of the 1913-D penny increases with its level of preservation. Uncirculated or mint-state coins in pristine condition are the most valuable, with prices ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on their certification and grading. On the other hand, damaged or heavily circulated coins are worth significantly less, sometimes just a few dollars or even less than their face value.
One of the reasons for the 1913-D penny’s high value is its relatively low mintage, with only 15,804,000 coins produced. Another factor is its unique place in history, as it was minted during a time of great change in the United States, just before the outbreak of World War 1.
Despite its relatively low mintage and historical significance, the 1913-D penny was not valued for years, until coin collecting grew more popular. Now it is highly sought-after and valuable to collectors.
1913 – S Penny
The 1913-S penny minted in San Francisco is considered to be the rarest of the three varieties. The production quantity of this particular penny was only 6,101,000 coins which makes it relatively uncommon. If you happen to come across this coin, its worth can range from a few dollars to over a thousand dollars if it is in excellent condition.
The value of the 1913-S penny is determined by its condition. If it’s in mint state or uncirculated, it could be worth around $460.00 on average. However, in poor condition, the value would be around $1.50. It’s important to note that if the coin has any errors or has been certified by a reputable grading service, its value will increase even more.
If there is a 1913-S penny in your possession, it’s essential to take good care of it to maintain its value. storing it in a protective holder or casing and avoiding any damage to the coin’s surface will help preserve its worth. Overall, the 1913-S penny is a valuable and prized possession for collectors and numismatists alike.
History of the 1913 Penny
The United States has a rich history of celebrating significant figures on its coins. One such example is the Lincoln Cent, which has been in circulation for over a century since it was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of the esteemed President Abraham Lincoln.
The US Mint commissioned Victor D. Brenner, a Lithuanian sculptor, to design the coin. Brenner’s design featured a portrait of Lincoln on the Obverse, which has remained unchanged for over 110 years. Despite various modifications to the reverse of the coin, Lincoln’s portrait has stood the test of time, and millions of people have held this iconic coin in their hands.
The Indian Head penny, which featured a beautiful design celebrating Native American culture, was used in the United States for 50 years before being replaced by the Lincoln Cent. The decision to replace the Indian Head penny with the Lincoln cent was a tribute to Lincoln’s significance in American history, particularly his role in abolishing slavery during his presidency.
it is fascinating to reflect on the fact that our predecessors, from grandparents to great-great-grandparents, would have held the same coin in their hands. The 1913 Lincoln Cent has become a symbol of American heritage, embodying the country’s rich history and the legacy of one of its most prominent presidents.
1913 Penny Grading
Grading a 1913 Lincoln penny is crucial for collectors. the coin is rated on a 70-point scale, with a higher grade indicating a higher value. An uncirculated penny kept in pristine condition is the most desirable. An extremely fine penny has minor imperfections, while a fine penny shows some signs of damage. The worst grade is “good,” indicating significant wear and tear. Achieving a perfect score of 70 is rare and highly valuable.
To learn more about the value of a 1913 coin, see this video.
Rare 1913 Penny Error Lists
When it comes to coin collecting, rarity, and uniqueness are two factors that often determine a coin’s value. and in the case of the 1913 penny, errors that occurred during its production can make it one of the most valuable coins in the world. While some errors can reduce their worth, others can skyrocket their value. In this section, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of 1913 penny errors and discover what makes them so sought-after by collectors.
1. 1913 Penny-Clipped Planchet
The clipped planchet error is a captivating and unique phenomenon that can occur during the minting process of a coin. Specifically, in the case of the 1913 penny, this error can create a highly desirable and special appearance that coin collectors covet. This error is caused by the accidental removal of a part of the coin’s blank metal disc during production. Identifying this error is relatively easy, as a portion of the coin will be missing. Finding a clipped planchet 1913 penny is a rare and valuable discovery, as collectors are always on the lookout for these prized coins.
2. 1913 – S Lincoln Penny With a Weak Strike
The 1913 Lincoln penny error coin with a weak strike and a missing part of “OF AMERICA” is unique and valuable that stands out in the world of coin collecting. During its production, a weak strike occurred on the “OF AMERICA” inscription, causing a portion of it to be missing. This error has made the coin sought-after among collectors. Identifying this error is relatively easy, as a careful examination of the coin’s inscriptions will reveal the missing letters. Possessing this error coin is a thrilling discovery, as it represents a piece of history with a distinctive appearance.
3. 1913 – D Lincoln Penny With Error RPM
The 1913 D Lincoln penny with an RPM (Repunched Mintmark) error is highly valued by collectors, this error occurred during the minting process when the Denver mint accidentally stamped the mintmark multiple times. This error is visible on the coin’s surface, making it easily identifiable. While this particular coin is circulated, its error and rarity make it more valuable than a regular 1913-D penny. Although scarce, 1913 Repunched mintmark pennies can sell for $24 to $50, making them worth seeking out.
4. 1913 Penny Off-Center Error
The 1913 Penny Off Center is an error that can be easily recognized by its unique features. When a planchet, a circular blank piece of metal used for coins, is not precisely positioned in the machine during the minting process, this error occurs. When the dies strike the planchet, they do not completely engrave the design, resulting in an off-center error. Collectors value this error for its rarity, which adds to its desirability and increases its value. An off-center 1913 can fetch $9 to $22, with more significant strikes selling for hundreds of dollars.
Watch the video below, and check out other 1913 penny errors.
1913 Penny FAQs
1. Is A 1913 Penny Rare?
No, it’s quite common. The 1913 San Francisco penny is the scarcest of the three, with only around 6 million made, and it’s worth more than others, but only in better condition.
2. Which 1913 Penny Is The Most Valuable?
By obtaining an MS66 grading from the Professional Coin Grading Service, a “Red” 1913 penny from the San Francisco Mint was sold for $63,250, making it the most expensive 1913 Lincoln cent ever sold.
3. Were Proof Pennies Minted In 1913?
Yes, 2,848 matte-proof pennies were minted by the Philadelphia Mint.
Conclusion
Finally, the 1913 Lincoln penny’s distinctive features and historical significance have captivated the attention of coin collectors for over a century. Its value is determined by several factors, including its condition, rarity, and provenance, making it a well-loved item. This coin serves as a valuable artifact of American numismatic history and a symbol of the timeless human desire to collect and safeguard physical remnants of the past.
