1910 Penny Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1910 penny market demonstrates remarkably consistent collector demand, with values spanning from accessible entry points to significant investment territory.

Market trends reveal strong performance across all grades, with a standard 1910 Philadelphia mint penny valued at $3.51 in Good condition climbing to $226.17 in Mint State. The proof specimens command substantially higher premiums, reaching $3,961.43.

This broad value spectrum reflects sustained collector interest in early Lincoln wheat cents, making the 1910 issue particularly attractive for both beginning collectors and investors seeking historically significant American coinage.

 

1910 Penny Value By Variety

Understanding the current market values for 1910 pennies requires examining how condition and mint mark dramatically impact worth, as shown in the comprehensive value breakdown below.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1910 Penny Worth Money

The most valuable 1910 pennies illustrate how multiple factors converge to create exceptional collector value within this early Lincoln cent issue.

Proof specimens dominate the top tier, with a 1910 PR67+RD matte proof setting the benchmark at $52,875 — a result that highlights how extraordinarily rare fully red early proof coins have become. The semi-key 1910-S achieves $48,000 in MS67+RD condition, a price made more remarkable by the fact that PCGS has certified just one example at that level.

Minting errors add another dimension of value, as demonstrated by the 1910-S/S RPM FS-502 variant reaching $19,200 in MS67RD grade at Heritage Auctions in October 2018.

The chart encompasses auction results spanning two decades, revealing consistent demand for premium-grade early wheat cents, with values declining proportionally as grades decrease while still maintaining strong collector interest across all preservation levels.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of the 1910 Penny

The 1910 Lincoln cent marked a crucial stabilization period for America’s newest coin design. With the Philadelphia Mint producing 146,801,218 pieces compared to 1909, this represented nearly a 50% increase in production — a direct reflection of public enthusiasm for the new Lincoln portrait on America’s smallest coin.

The 1910 Lincoln wheat penny holds a special place in the series as the first coin struck during a complete calendar year of production. The 1909 series had only launched mid-year, so 1910 was when the U.S. Mint truly refined its manufacturing processes and settled into the rhythms of large-scale Lincoln cent production.

San Francisco contributed 6,045,000 pieces to the total 1910 output, while Denver did not participate in Lincoln cent production until 1911. The relatively modest San Francisco mintage compared to Philadelphia’s output is precisely why the 1910-S is classified today as a semi-key date by major grading services including PCGS and NGC.

An important but often overlooked detail: the proof coins struck in 1910 are matte proofs, not the brilliant mirror-surface proofs many collectors associate with the word “proof.” The U.S. Mint produced matte proofs for Lincoln cents from 1909 through 1916. Their surfaces have a dull, sandblasted texture with sharp, square edges on the devices — a production method borrowed from European mint traditions of the era.

The coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, had been introduced to President Theodore Roosevelt through a White House portrait commission. Roosevelt, who was on a personal mission to beautify American coinage, selected Brenner to design the Lincoln cent — originally released to coincide with the centennial of Lincoln’s birth in 1909. By 1910, Brenner’s design had already survived its first controversy (the removal of his “VDB” initials from the reverse after public complaints) and was firmly established as America’s most widely circulated coin.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1910 Penny Rare?

For detailed rarity assessments of your specific 1910 penny varieties, you can check their individual scarcity ratings using our CoinValueChecker App.

 

Key Features of the 1910 Penny

The 1910 penny marked the first complete production year for Lincoln cents, establishing the stable design standards that would define the wheat cent series through 1958 after resolving the 1909 VDB controversy. Understanding its physical characteristics helps collectors quickly identify genuine examples and distinguish them from later issues.

The Obverse of the 1910 Penny

The portrait of President Abraham Lincoln is the main feature of the obverse of the 1910 penny. This right-facing profile — the first time a real historical person appeared on a U.S. circulating coin — has remained essentially unchanged since its 1909 debut.

The design is the work of sculptor Victor David Brenner, who based his portrait on a plaster cast derived from a Mathew Brady photograph of Lincoln taken in 1864. Brenner’s fine detail work is visible in Lincoln’s hair above the ear and along the jawline — precisely the areas graders examine most carefully when assessing strike quality.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches across the top of the coin, following the curve of the upper rim. “LIBERTY” appears to Lincoln’s left, and the date sits to his right. Coins struck in San Francisco carry a small “S” mint mark directly below the date — Philadelphia coins have no mint mark, as was standard practice for the main mint at the time.

The Reverse of the 1910 Penny

Brenner also designed the reverse, which features two ears of durum wheat flanking the central inscriptions. This wheat stalk design gave the series its beloved nickname — “wheat pennies” or “wheaties” — and remained in use from 1909 until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

“ONE CENT” dominates the central reverse field in bold lettering, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below it in smaller type. The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” — meaning “From many, one” — curves along the upper rim, referencing the union of individual states into one nation.

On well-struck examples, collectors look for sharp, clearly defined wheat stalks with full, crisp kernel lines. Weakly struck reverses show mushy or flat wheat stalk detail and are less desirable even at the same numerical grade.

Other Features of the 1910 Penny

The 1910 penny is made from a bronze alloy of 95% copper with the remaining 5% a mix of tin and zinc — the same composition used for Lincoln cents through 1942. The coin weighs 3.11 grams, measures 19 millimeters in diameter, and is 1.52 millimeters thick, with a plain (smooth) edge.

Being predominantly copper, individual coins vary dramatically in color depending on how much they’ve been handled or exposed to air and moisture over the past century. This color variation is so significant that professional grading services — PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) — assign separate color designations: RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown), each with its own price tier.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1910 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1910 penny mintage and survival data reveals striking patterns across the three varieties produced that year. Philadelphia dominated production with nearly 147 million coins, yet only an estimated 4,000 examples survive in collectible condition — a survival rate of just 0.0027%.

The San Francisco mint’s more modest 6.045 million coin production shows a slightly better survival rate of approximately 0.0496%, with around 3,000 specimens remaining in collectible grades. The rarity of the 1910-S in high grades is confirmed by PCGS population data, which shows fewer than 15 examples graded MS66 or above in RD designation.

Most remarkable are the proof coins, where approximately 250 of the original 2,405 pieces survive — an impressive 10.4% survival rate that reflects careful collector preservation from the very beginning. However, PCGS data shows extremely thin populations for matte proofs in PR66RD or above, with single-digit certified populations at the highest grades.

These survival statistics reveal an important truth: having a low mintage doesn’t automatically mean a coin is hard to find. The proof’s survival rate is actually far higher than the circulation strikes despite its tiny original production.

The data underscores why condition and color preservation matter so enormously in determining current market availability and collector value for 1910 pennies.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1910 Penny Value

Grading a 1910 penny accurately requires evaluating both physical condition and color preservation — two independent factors that together determine the coin’s grade designation. Collectors who understand both can quickly identify which pieces are worth a closer look.

For condition, the critical areas to examine are Lincoln’s hair detail above the ear, the sharpness of his cheekbone and jaw line, and the clarity of the wheat stalks on the reverse. On worn examples, the hair above the ear is the first area to flatten. On sharp Mint State (MS) examples — meaning coins that never entered circulation — every strand of hair should be crisp, and the wheat kernels on the reverse should be fully defined.

For color, the grading services use three designations: RD (Red) means the coin retains 85% or more of its original bright copper color. RB (Red-Brown) means the coin shows at least 15–85% red coloration mixed with brown toning. BN (Brown) means the coin has lost most of its original red and now shows primarily brown or dark toning. An RD-designated coin can be worth five to ten times more than the same coin in BN designation at identical grades — the difference is enormous.

For precise grade assessment of your 1910 penny, you can quickly check its condition using our CoinValueChecker App.

 

1910 Penny Value Guides

The 1910 penny was produced in three distinct varieties across U.S. Mint facilities, each serving a specific role in the early Lincoln cent series:

• 1910 No Mint Mark Penny — Philadelphia Mint, circulation strike production
• 1910-S Penny — San Francisco Mint, semi-key circulation strike
• 1910 Proof Penny — Philadelphia Mint, matte proof collector production

Each variety carries its own value profile based on mintage, survival rates, and collector demand. Philadelphia handled the overwhelming majority of circulation strikes, San Francisco contributed a scarcer but significant batch, and Philadelphia also produced a very limited run of matte proof specimens sold directly to collectors at the time.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1910 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1910 No Mint Mark penny represents Philadelphia’s massive production response to nationwide Lincoln cent demand, with nearly 147 million pieces struck to meet circulation needs. Despite the enormous mintage, coins in premium Mint State grades with original red color are genuinely rare — PCGS and NGC combined have certified fewer than 20 examples in MS67RD or above, making top-grade examples legitimate condition rarities.

Auction records from Heritage Auctions confirm the dramatic impact of color preservation across all three designations. The BN (Brown) variety achieved $1,234 in MS66BN condition in a 2017 Heritage sale, while the RB (Red-Brown) variety reached $2,530 in MS65RB at a 2010 auction. Most remarkably, the RD (Red) designation commanded $10,869 for an MS67+RD example at Heritage Auctions in 2018 — a result driven by the extreme rarity of a fully red example at that grade level.

The comprehensive auction record data below tracks the complete pricing history and market performance of this Philadelphia variety.

Current market activity indicators reveal sustained collector interest and trading volume patterns that reflect the coin’s position within the early Lincoln cent series.

 

1910-S Penny Value

The 1910-S penny stands as a recognized semi-key date within the early Lincoln cent series, with only 6,045,000 pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint compared to Philadelphia’s massive output. That production gap — roughly 24-to-1 in Philadelphia’s favor — is the core reason for the 1910-S premium across all grades.

PCGS population data confirms the extreme scarcity in top condition: only one example has been certified MS67+RD, making the $48,000 result achieved at Heritage Auctions in January 2025 entirely understandable for a single-pop coin. The combination of low original mintage, over 100 years of circulation losses, and the difficulty of preserving original red color has created a genuine rarity at the summit of the grade scale.

Auction records across all three color designations tell the full story of this coin’s value spread. The BN (Brown) variety achieved $1,200 for an MS66BN example in a 2021 auction, the RB (Red-Brown) variety reached $1,100 for an MS67 specimen in 1996, and the coveted RD (Red) designation commanded the extraordinary $48,000 for its MS67+RD specimen in January 2025.

Historical auction performance reveals the complete trading patterns and price evolution for this semi-key San Francisco issue.

Market activity metrics indicate sustained collector demand that reflects this coin’s established position among early S-mint Lincoln cents.

 

1910 Proof Penny Value

The 1910 proof Lincoln penny represents one of the earliest matte proof productions in the Lincoln cent series, with only 2,405 specimens struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint for sale to collectors. It is critical to understand that these are matte proofs — not the brilliant, mirror-like proofs produced in later decades. Their surfaces have a distinctive satiny, granular texture created by sandblasting the dies before striking, giving the coins a dull but extremely sharp appearance quite different from regular circulation strikes.

These early matte proofs were sold by the U.S. Mint directly to collectors at the time for a small premium over face value. Because collectors recognized their significance from the start, survival rates are far higher than for circulation strikes — but finding examples with fully preserved original red color is exceptionally difficult after more than a century of storage and environmental exposure.

Auction records document the premium that original color commands at every level. The BN (Brown) variety achieved $9,000 for a PR67BN example at Heritage Auctions in January 2024. The RB (Red-Brown) designation reached $7,638 for a PR67RB specimen in 2014. The RD (Red) variety soared to $52,875 for a PR67+RD example in December 2019 at Heritage Auctions — one of the highest prices ever realized for a single Lincoln wheat cent.

The comprehensive auction performance history demonstrates the complete market trajectory for these early proof Lincoln cents.

Market activity indicators reflect the collector pursuit of these rare Philadelphia proof strikes.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1910 Penny Error List

Despite generally sharp strikes at both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints, 1910 pennies include several collectible minting errors that command strong premiums in today’s market. The most important varieties are the repunched mintmarks (RPM) from San Francisco, catalogued in the authoritative Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton — the standard reference for Lincoln cent varieties.

1910-S/S RPM (FS-501 And FS-502)

The 1910-S/S RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) varieties are minting errors where the San Francisco “S” mint mark was punched into the die more than once in slightly different positions, creating visible doubling or shadowing of the “S” that can be seen under magnification. These errors occurred during die preparation, not during the actual coin striking, making them consistent across all coins struck from that particular die.

The FS-501 and FS-502 designations come from the Cherrypickers’ Guide “Fivaz-Stanton” numbering system, with each number representing a distinctly different RPM position. The FS-502 shows the secondary “S” shifted to the south of the primary impression, while FS-501 shows a northerly displacement — differences visible under a 5x to 10x loupe. Collectors who carefully examine 1910-S pennies with magnification sometimes find these varieties in dealer stock or inherited collections priced as ordinary 1910-S coins, making them rewarding “cherrypicks.”

Auction records confirm significant premiums for the FS-502 variety in particular. Heritage Auctions realized $19,200 for an MS67RD FS-502 example in October 2018 — more than triple the value of a non-error 1910-S at the same grade. The RB (Red-Brown) version sold for $1,087 in MS66RB at a September 2019 Heritage sale, and the BN (Brown) FS-502 specimen fetched $260 in MS63BN condition in 2022. The FS-501 variety shows no documented Heritage auction results in RD designation, suggesting extreme scarcity for top-color examples.

PCGS population data for the RPM varieties is notably thin, with total certified populations in the single digits for MS66RD and above — confirming that most surviving examples of these errors are in lower circulated grades.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where to Sell Your 1910 Penny?

Now that you understand the potential value of your 1910 pennies, are you wondering how to authenticate and sell these vintage coins safely? Don’t worry, I’ve researched the best coin selling platforms, including their authentication processes, fees, and buyer protection policies.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1910 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About the 1910 Penny Value

1. How much is a 1910 penny worth?

A 1910 penny’s value ranges from about $2–$4 in heavily worn Good condition up to $10,869 for a Philadelphia MS67+RD, $48,000 for a 1910-S MS67+RD, and $52,875 for a PR67+RD matte proof. The single most important factors are grade, mint mark, and color designation — an RD coin can be worth five to ten times more than the same coin in BN at an identical numerical grade. Even circulated 1910 pennies are worth well above face value, typically $3–$15 depending on condition.

2. What makes a 1910 penny rare?

Several factors create rarity in 1910 pennies. The 1910-S has only 6,045,000 examples struck versus Philadelphia’s 147 million, making it a certified semi-key date. Proof specimens total just 2,405 pieces. Minting errors like the RPM FS-501 and FS-502 varieties add further scarcity. Most critically, survival data shows only 0.0027% of Philadelphia pennies exist in collectible condition, and maintaining original red (RD) copper color after more than a century is extremely difficult — fewer than 20 examples of the Philadelphia issue have been certified MS67RD or above combined by PCGS and NGC.

3. Are there any 1910 pennies worth money?

Yes — 1910 pennies can be extremely valuable depending on variety and condition. The proof leads at $52,875 (PR67+RD, Heritage Auctions, December 2019), followed by the 1910-S at $48,000 (MS67+RD, Heritage Auctions, January 2025), and the 1910-S/S RPM FS-502 error at $19,200 (MS67RD, Heritage Auctions, October 2018). Even standard Philadelphia examples reach $10,869 in top MS grades. Most heavily circulated examples are worth $2–$10, so condition is the deciding factor.

4. What is a 1910 matte proof penny and how do I identify one?

A 1910 matte proof is a specially made collector coin struck with sandblasted dies that produce a dull, grainy surface texture — completely unlike the brilliant mirror-like proofs made in later years. To identify one, look for extremely sharp, square-edged design details (especially on Lincoln’s portrait), a uniform satiny or granular surface on both sides, and a lack of any cartwheel luster. Only 2,405 were made, all at Philadelphia (no mint mark). If you think you have one, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before attempting to sell, as authentic examples command $500–$52,875 depending on grade and color.

5. What do BN, RB, and RD mean on a 1910 penny?

These are color designations assigned by grading services PCGS and NGC to copper coins. RD (Red) means the coin retains 85% or more of its original bright copper color — the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) means the coin shows between 15% and 85% original red color mixed with brown toning. BN (Brown) means less than 15% of the original red remains and the coin is primarily brown or darkened. For a 1910 Philadelphia penny, for example, MS66RD might sell for $500–$1,000 while the same coin in MS66BN might bring only $100–$200.

6. What is the 1910-S/S RPM error and how do I spot it?

The 1910-S/S RPM (Repunched Mint Mark) is an error where the “S” mint mark was punched into the working die twice in slightly different positions during die preparation. The result is a visible doubling or shadow of the “S” mint mark on the finished coin. Two varieties exist: FS-501 and FS-502, catalogued in the Cherrypickers’ Guide by Fivaz and Stanton. To spot one, use a 5x–10x loupe and examine the “S” mint mark below the date carefully for a secondary “S” impression. An MS67RD FS-502 sold for $19,200 at Heritage Auctions in October 2018.

7. How does the 1910-S compare to other early S-mint Lincoln cents?

The 1910-S is generally ranked as a mid-level semi-key date in the early Lincoln cent series. It is more available than the true key dates like the 1909-S VDB (mintage: 484,000) and 1914-D (mintage: 1,193,000), but considerably scarcer than most Philadelphia issues from the same era. Its 6,045,000 mintage and limited high-grade survivors — particularly in RD designation — place it solidly in the premium tier for type collectors building complete early Lincoln cent sets. Values in circulated grades (VG through EF) typically range from $15 to $80.

8. Should I clean my 1910 penny before selling it?

Never clean a 1910 penny — or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the natural surface patina and microscopic layers of metal, leaving behind hairline scratches visible under magnification. Cleaned coins are designated “details” grades by PCGS and NGC (e.g., “MS63 Details — Cleaned”) and can lose 50–90% of their potential value compared to an unclean example at the same grade. A naturally toned 1910 penny in BN designation is always preferable to a bright but cleaned coin. Leave it exactly as you found it and let a professional grader assess its condition.

9. How do I tell if my 1910 penny is Philadelphia or San Francisco?

Look directly below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. A small “S” beneath the date means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint — this is your 1910-S, which commands a premium at every grade level. No letter below the date means it was struck at Philadelphia. In 1910, the Denver Mint did not produce Lincoln cents, so there is no “D” mint mark for this year. The “S” on circulated coins can sometimes be worn and difficult to read — use a magnifying glass and look carefully, as finding an “S” on what seemed like a plain coin can significantly increase its value.

10. What is the highest grade ever certified for a 1910 penny?

For the 1910 No Mint Mark, PCGS has certified examples in MS67+RD — an extremely rare designation with a population of just one or two coins at that level, one of which sold for $10,869 at Heritage Auctions in 2018. For the 1910-S, PCGS has certified a single MS67+RD example, which achieved $48,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. For the proof, the top-certified PCGS grade is PR67+RD, with the finest known example selling for $52,875 at Heritage Auctions in December 2019. At all three varieties, the MS67+ or PR67+ level represents a genuine condition rarity with populations in the single digits.