1913 Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

Hidden within pocket change collections lies one of America’s most fascinating early Lincoln cents — the 1913 wheat penny. Struck just four years after Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait replaced the Indian Head design, this historic cent represents a pivotal moment in U.S. numismatic history.

The combination of historical significance, early Lincoln cent status, and varying mint marks from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco creates multiple collecting opportunities within this single vintage year. Values range from around $1 in worn condition to over $63,000 for top-grade San Francisco specimens, while matte proof coins command their own impressive premiums.

Whether you’ve discovered one in inherited change or are building a classic wheat cent collection, understanding the 1913 penny’s unique characteristics could reveal substantial hidden value.

 

1913 Penny Value By Variety

The worth of a 1913 penny varies significantly depending on its mint mark and grade. Pristine specimens from certain mints fetch considerably higher premiums, as the table below demonstrates. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price in the Value Guides section.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1913 Penny Worth Money

The Most Valuable 1913 Penny Chart reveals the dramatic premium structure separating exceptional preservation from typical specimens, with both condition and mint mark creating distinct value tiers across this historic wheat cent year.

Leading the rankings is the 1913-S MS66 RD, commanding an impressive $63,250 at auction — cementing San Francisco’s scarce mintage as the ultimate prize for serious collectors. Philadelphia specimens show remarkable strength in high grades as well, with 1913 MS67 RD examples reaching $47,150 at Heritage Auctions in 2008.

Denver Mint examples perform exceptionally too, with an MS67 RD specimen fetching $36,000 at auction on January 19, 2025. This result reflects the extreme technical difficulty of preserving full original Red color on early Denver cents over more than a century.

The chart illustrates a critical collecting principle: grade escalation produces exponential — not linear — value jumps. The gap between an MS65 and an MS67 specimen often represents tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting genuine scarcity at the top of the preservation spectrum.

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

 

History of the 1913 Penny

The 1913 penny is part of the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, struck by the United States Mint from 1909 through 1958. The Lincoln cent holds a special place in American history as the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s portrait on its obverse.

In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned sculptor August Saint-Gaudens to redesign the cent and three other gold coins, seeking designs with greater artistic merit. Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens passed away in 1907 before completing the cent redesign, so the Mint brought in Victor David Brenner to carry the project forward.

Brenner based his Lincoln portrait on a bronze plaque he had created years earlier bearing Lincoln’s likeness — and Roosevelt approved the design personally. The newly designed Lincoln Wheat Penny debuted in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birthday, featuring Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

When the first 1909 pennies rolled off the presses, Brenner’s initials “VDB” appeared on the reverse. Many felt his initials were too prominent, and the Mint removed them just weeks into production. The initials were quietly restored to the obverse — just below Lincoln’s shoulder — in 1918, where they remain to this day.

By 1913, the Lincoln cent design was well established at all three active mint facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The 1913 total mintage of approximately 98.4 million coins across all facilities ranks as the 13th lowest combined production year in the entire wheat cent series — a fact that sets this date apart as a relative scarcity by series standards.

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

 

Is Your 1913 Penny Rare?

Confirm the exact rarity tier and historical significance of your specific wheat penny using our Coin Value Checker App‘s specialized assessment for early Lincoln cents.

 

Key Features of the 1913 Penny

In this section, we’ll explore the physical features of a 1913 penny. Familiarizing yourself with these features will help you identify key grading points when evaluating a Lincoln wheat cent.

The Obverse Of The 1913 Penny

The obverse of the 1913 penny features Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing portrait. The inscription LIBERTY appears on the left while the date, 1913, is inscribed to the right of Lincoln’s profile. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is arched along the top edge of the coin.

The mint mark — “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco — appears on the obverse just below the date. Philadelphia-minted coins carry no mint mark at all. Graders pay close attention to Lincoln’s cheek, jaw, and bow tie details when assessing condition, as these high points show wear first.

The Reverse of The 1913 Penny

The reverse features two bold wheat stalks on either side of the coin — the design that gives this series its popular “Wheat Penny” or “Wheatie” nickname. The denomination ONE CENT is boldly inscribed at the center, followed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (meaning “Out of many, one”) arches along the top edge.

Collectors examine the wheat stalk sharpness and the definition of individual wheat grains when distinguishing between MS63 and higher Mint State grades. Bold, separated grain lines are a hallmark of a well-struck, higher-grade example.

Other Features of the 1913 Penny

The 1913 penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. It weighs 3.11 grams, measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter, and has a plain (smooth) edge.

Color designation is a critical grading factor for copper coins like this one. A coin graded Red (RD) retains 95% or more of its original mint luster and commands the highest premiums. Red-Brown (RB) shows between 5% and 95% original color, while Brown (BN) displays less than 5% of its original copper brilliance. Never clean a 1913 penny — even gentle cleaning creates microscopic scratches that permanently reduce its value and cause grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to label it as “Details” rather than awarding a numerical grade.

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

 

1913 Penny Value Mintage & Survival Data

The 1913 penny production data reveals stark contrasts between original mintage volumes and current survival rates that fundamentally shape today’s collecting landscape.

Philadelphia dominated with 76,532,352 business strikes while Denver produced 15,804,000 pieces — yet both show remarkably low survival rates in Mint State after more than a century of circulation exposure. PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez has noted that the 1913 Philadelphia issue is “one of the most difficult coins” from that mint to find in full Mint State Red condition, estimating that no more than 500 such examples survive across all grades.

San Francisco’s limited 6,101,000 mintage created the foundation for today’s most coveted business-strike variety. The dramatic contrast emerges with matte proof specimens: despite a production total of just 2,848 coins, a high percentage survives today because collectors preserved them from the moment of issue — a stark contrast to business strikes that circulated heavily in daily commerce.

The survival data directly influences collecting strategy. Philadelphia coins dominate available supply through sheer original numbers, Denver examples represent a smaller market segment, and San Francisco pieces command semi-key status with premium pricing even in worn grades.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1913 Penny Value

Determining whether your 1913 wheat penny is worth a few dollars or hundreds depends on precise grading. These copper coins show value fluctuations based on color retention — full Red versus Brown patina — and condition levels ranging from heavily circulated to gem Mint State preservation.

Lincoln’s cheek and jaw details, wheat stalk sharpness, and rim quality reveal grade distinctions between MS63 and MS65 examples and superior specimens. For instant grade assessment of your 1913 wheat pennies, use our Coin Value Checker App to quickly evaluate condition and potential value without the guesswork.

 

1913 Penny Value Guides

The 1913 wheat penny series encompasses four distinct varieties representing the early years of Lincoln cent production. Unlike later wheat cents with more complex variety structures, 1913 pennies offer a focused collecting approach across three mint facilities plus matte proof specimens from Philadelphia.

1913 Penny Types:

• 1913 No Mint Mark Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1913-D Penny (Denver)
• 1913-S Penny (San Francisco)
• 1913 Proof Penny (Philadelphia — Matte Proof)

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

 

1913 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1913 no mint mark penny from Philadelphia represents the most common variety in the series, with 76,532,352 pieces struck. Despite its high original mintage, this coin qualifies as a genuine condition rarity — meaning examples in top Mint State grades are genuinely scarce even though worn examples are relatively easy to find.

Color designation is absolutely critical for value assessment. Red (RD) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original mint copper color. Red-Brown (RB) shows between 5% and 95% original color, and Brown (BN) displays less than 5%. According to PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez, no more than 500 examples of the 1913 Philadelphia cent are estimated to survive in Mint State Red condition — a strikingly low number for a coin with over 76 million originally struck.

PCGS population data from a Heritage Auctions listing confirms that only 85 examples had been graded MS66 Red at that time, with just 13 graded finer. This extreme top-grade scarcity explains why an MS67 RD example achieved $47,150 at Heritage Auctions in 2008, making that result one of the most dramatic auction outcomes for any supposedly common early wheat cent.

Professional auction records demonstrate strong recognition for this foundational wheat cent variety across all preservation levels.

Market engagement remains steady with ongoing collector interest reflecting the enduring appeal of this historic wheat cent.

 

1913-D Penny Value

Denver Mint operations in 1913 produced 15,804,000 wheat cents bearing the distinctive “D” mint mark below the date on the obverse. While the output is substantial, this variety ranks as the 10th lowest year of Denver production across the entire wheat cent series — making it genuinely scarcer than its raw numbers suggest.

Color designation significantly impacts valuation at all grade levels, with Red (RD) specimens commanding the highest premiums. MS60 through MS67 Red examples trade between roughly $165 and $36,000 depending on their precise grade and color. Collectors also watch for a documented mild Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) variety on 1913-D cents, where subtle doubling appears on the date and LIBERTY under magnification — though this variety carries only a modest market premium.

The 1913-D current auction benchmark stands at $36,000 for an MS67 RD specimen sold at auction on January 19, 2025. This remarkable result reflects both the rarity of full Red preservation on early Denver cents and the overall condition scarcity of this issue in gem grades.

Certified auction results showcase the strong market appreciation Denver’s 1913 Lincoln cent production has earned among serious collectors.

Collector enthusiasm continues strong with market patterns reflecting sustained demand for this milestone Denver Mint variety.

 

1913-S Penny Value

The 1913-S penny was struck during the early years of the series when San Francisco production remained limited. An “S” mint mark found just below the date on the obverse confirms the coin originated at the San Francisco Mint.

A total of 6,101,000 pieces were minted — less than 10% of the Philadelphia total and roughly 38% of the Denver output. This limited mintage makes the 1913-S a recognized semi-key date in the Lincoln cent series, with collector demand pushing premiums even for heavily circulated examples. The 1913-S is considered a rare coin in Mint State and an exceptionally rare coin in Gem Full Red condition.

Market premiums reflect the coin’s scarcity across all grades, with examples worth $10 or more even in well-worn condition and premium specimens commanding exponentially higher values. The all-time auction record stands at $63,250 for an MS66 RD specimen sold on January 5, 2006 — establishing this variety as the single most valuable regular-issue 1913 Lincoln cent. Auction houses including Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections have all handled high-grade 1913-S examples.

Auction venues have consistently recognized the scarcity premium and historical significance this low-mintage variety represents.

Market dynamics show reliable collector engagement with specimens demonstrating the appeal of San Francisco’s limited wheat cent production.

 

1913 Proof Penny Value

Philadelphia Mint’s 1913 matte proof cents represent one of the most fascinating chapters in early 20th-century numismatic history. Exactly 2,848 matte proof 1913 pennies were struck — an important detail, as some earlier sources cited slightly different numbers. These special collector pieces featured a distinctive pebbled or grainy matte surface rather than the brilliant mirror-like finish associated with modern proofs.

Identifying a matte proof from a high-grade uncirculated business strike requires careful examination of the squared-off rims and the overall sharpness of striking details. The matte finish actually mutes the Red (RD) color designation, which means eye appeal and toning quality play an unusually important role in determining price — sometimes making an attractively toned Red-Brown example more desirable than a dull, fully Red coin.

Auction results illustrate this nuance perfectly. A PR-67 RB example achieved $11,162 at auction, while a PR-67 BN sold for $4,818. The all-time record for a proof specimen stands at $32,700 for a PR-67 example sold in March 2009. Even entry-level proof examples in PR-63 grade are worth approximately $675 according to current market data — making these specialist coins accessible at multiple price points.

Professional auction platforms confirm consistent market appreciation for the superior craftsmanship and distinctive surfaces of these matte proof specimens.

Market activity reflects collectors who value both technical excellence and the historic significance of early Lincoln cent matte proofs.

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

 

Rare 1913 Penny Error List

Although 1913 pennies in typical circulated condition are worth modest premiums, certain error coins can command substantial premiums — making careful examination worthwhile. Here are the known errors for this series.

1. 1913 No Mint Mark Penny With UNUM On The Rim Error

Die misalignment errors occur when the coin dies are slightly off-center, pushing design elements toward the rim. On some 1913 Philadelphia cents, this misalignment causes the word UNUM from the reverse Latin motto to be struck so close to the rim that the letters nearly disappear into the edge.

One such example sold at auction for $1,800, making this the highest-documented single-coin error sale in the 1913 series. Examples of this error are rare and worth examining carefully if you notice crowded lettering near the coin’s edge.

2. 1913-D Penny Struck-Through Error

A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object — such as a scrap of cloth, wood, or accumulated grease — gets trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The object leaves its impression on the coin’s surface, creating a distinct indentation or textured void.

Some struck-through errors are dramatically visible and can fetch meaningful premiums. A 1913-D penny with a struck-through error sold on eBay for $50 — a modest example, but more dramatic strikes on high-grade pieces can bring considerably more. The 1913-D’s documented mild Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) variety, showing subtle doubling on the date and LIBERTY under magnification, is also worth checking for.

3. 1913-S Lincoln Penny Missing “L” in LIBERTY Error

One of the more dramatic errors found on 1913 pennies involves the complete absence of the letter “L” from the word LIBERTY on the obverse. This is typically caused by grease or debris filling that portion of the die during striking, preventing the metal from fully forming the letter.

The absence of a key letter from a major inscription makes this error immediately noticeable without magnification. One documented example sold for $497 — a solid premium for a single letter missing from an otherwise common-date coin.

4. 1913 Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes happen when the coin blank (planchet) is not properly centered within the retaining collar during striking, leaving a blank crescent on one side of the finished coin. These errors occur on all 1913 mint mark varieties.

Minor off-center strikes (around 5% off) on 1913 cents are worth roughly $10 to $20. More dramatic examples — 50% or more off-center with the date still clearly visible — can sell for hundreds of dollars at specialist auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers.

5. 1913 Die Cud and Die Crack Errors

As coin dies age from repeated use, small cracks and chips develop on their surfaces. These flaws transfer directly onto struck coins as raised lines (die cracks) or raised blobs of metal (die cuds, where part of the die has broken away completely).

Small die cracks on 1913 Lincoln cents add $3 to $5 in value over typical circulated examples. Larger, dramatic die cracks in prominent locations — especially near the coin’s rim or across Lincoln’s portrait — can bring $30 to $100 or more. Die cuds, the most dramatic form of this error, are estimated to be worth $100 to $200 or more on 1913 cents, depending on the cud’s size and location on the coin.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1913 Penny

With a solid understanding of 1913 wheat penny varieties and their market potential, choosing the right selling platform is your next step. Major auction houses including Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections regularly handle certified early Lincoln cents and attract serious collector competition that can drive strong results for high-grade specimens.

For mid-range coins, eBay and collector forums like Reddit’s r/Coins4Sale offer broad audiences where you control the listing price. Local coin dealers provide quick cash — typically 60% to 80% of market value — and are best suited for lower-grade circulated examples.

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

 

1913 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1913 Penny Value

1. Are 1913 Pennies Rare?

The 1913 penny is not rare in absolute terms — nearly 98.4 million were struck across three mints. However, the 1913-S with just 6.1 million minted qualifies as a semi-key date. All three business-strike varieties are genuine condition rarities in Mint State Red grades, meaning examples with full original copper luster are genuinely scarce despite the large original mintages.

2. How Much Is A 1913 Penny Worth Today?

A circulated 1913 Philadelphia penny (no mint mark) in Good condition is worth roughly $0.80 to $3.70. A 1913-D in comparable worn condition trades for $5 to $10, while a worn 1913-S is worth $10 to $25. Uncirculated MS65 RD examples range from approximately $165 (Denver) to over $1,200 (San Francisco), and the highest-grade gems have sold for $47,150 (Philadelphia MS67 RD) and $63,250 (San Francisco MS66 RD).

3. How Many 1913 Pennies Were Minted?

The total 1913 production across all facilities was 98,434,500 coins. Philadelphia struck 76,532,352 (the most common variety), Denver produced 15,804,000, and San Francisco contributed just 6,101,000. The Philadelphia Mint also struck 2,848 matte proof specimens exclusively for collectors.

4. What Is a 1913 Matte Proof Penny?

The 1913 matte proof is a special collector-only strike produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a production total of just 2,848 coins. Unlike the brilliant mirror-like proofs made today, these early proofs feature a distinctive pebbled or grainy matte surface created by lightly etched dies. The squared-off rims and unusually sharp strike details are the primary ways to distinguish a matte proof from an uncirculated business strike without special equipment.

5. What Does Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) Mean for a 1913 Penny?

These are color designations used by PCGS and NGC to classify how much original copper mint luster a coin retains. Red (RD) means 95% or more original copper color remains — the most valuable designation. Red-Brown (RB) shows between 5% and 95% original color. Brown (BN) displays less than 5% original mint color. On a 1913-S MS65, for example, the difference between an RD and BN designation can represent thousands of dollars in value.

6. Is There a 1913 Penny Doubled Die Error?

There are no widely recognized major doubled die varieties for 1913 pennies comparable to the famous 1955 DDO. However, a mild Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is documented on the 1913-D variety, showing subtle doubling on the date and the word LIBERTY when examined under magnification. Specialist groups have also documented a very minor repunched mint mark (RPM-001) on 1913-S cents, though neither variety currently commands a significant market premium.

7. How Do I Tell If My 1913 Penny Is a Proof?

Look closely at the coin’s rims: matte proof 1913 pennies have perfectly squared-off, sharp rims that are noticeably more precise than business strikes. The overall strike sharpness will also appear superior, with crisply defined lettering and wheat details. Because the matte finish looks similar to an uncirculated business strike at first glance, these two characteristics are the most reliable identification points without professional examination.

8. What Are the Most Valuable 1913 Penny Errors?

The most documented and highest-value 1913 penny errors are: the UNUM-near-rim die misalignment error (sold for $1,800), the missing “L” in LIBERTY grease-filled die error (sold for $497), and dramatic off-center strikes (worth $100 to several hundred dollars for 50%+ off-center examples with a visible date). Die cuds — where a chunk of the die breaks off, leaving a raised blob on the coin — can also bring $100 to $200 or more depending on size and placement.

9. Should I Clean My 1913 Penny to Make It Look Better?

Never clean a 1913 penny under any circumstances. Cleaning destroys the coin’s natural patina and creates microscopic hairline scratches visible under magnification. PCGS and NGC will label a cleaned coin as “Details” rather than assigning a numerical grade, which severely limits resale value and collector appeal. Even a dark brown 1913 penny with original surfaces is worth far more than a shiny “cleaned” example of the same coin.

10. What Is the Best Way to Sell a Valuable 1913 Penny?

For high-grade or rare examples worth $500 or more, consigning to a major auction house such as Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections typically yields the strongest prices through competitive bidding. Always obtain professional PCGS or NGC certification before consigning valuable specimens. For lower-grade common examples worth $5 to $50, local coin dealers or eBay are more practical options that avoid the time and cost of auction consignment.