1915 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

As World War I raged across Europe, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints continued striking these one-cent pieces that have since become cornerstone collectibles in the wheat cent series.

The 1915 wheat penny emerged during a pivotal moment when America maintained neutrality while European markets disrupted global economics. The relatively low San Francisco mintage resulted from the mint’s focus on striking gold coins to facilitate international trade during European market disruptions.

This wartime economic environment created distinct rarity patterns that collectors recognize today, with Philadelphia pennies averaging $60.50 in AU condition, Denver variants reaching $442.00 in MS grade, and San Francisco specimens commanding premiums up to $2030.00, reflecting the West Coast mint’s focus on silver dollar production, which significantly reduced penny manufacturing.

 

1915 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

This value chart displays the current market prices for different 1915 penny varieties across various condition grades, showing how factors like mint mark presence, minting location, and coin condition dramatically affect collector value.

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 1915 Wheat Penny Worth Money

This chart reveals the auction records for the most expensive 1915 wheat penny sales from 2002 to present, demonstrating the extraordinary values that exceptional examples can achieve in the numismatic marketplace.

The data shows Denver mint coins leading the price hierarchy, with a 1915-D MS67 specimen commanding $48,000, followed closely by premium Philadelphia examples reaching $38,400. Proof varieties occupy prominent positions throughout the rankings, reflecting their extreme rarity with only 1,150 originally produced.

The chart illustrates how condition becomes paramount in determining value, with single grade improvements often translating to thousands of dollars in price differences. Color designation plays an equally crucial role, as these top performers all represent Red examples that retained their original copper brilliance over more than a century.

The documented sales history emphasizes why 1915 wheat pennies deserve serious consideration from both collectors and investors seeking historically significant American coins with proven market performance.

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

 

History of the 1915 Wheat Penny

The 1915 wheat penny represents an early chapter in Lincoln cent production, created during the formative years of what would become one of America’s most enduring coin designs.

This copper penny belongs to the original Lincoln cent series that debuted in 1909, featuring Victor David Brenner’s portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the distinctive wheat stalks reverse design that would define the series for nearly five decades.

The year 1915 occurred during a period of significant global upheaval, with World War I raging in Europe while America maintained its neutrality. These pennies circulated during an era of industrial expansion and social change, serving as everyday currency in a rapidly modernizing nation experiencing unprecedented economic growth and technological advancement.

By 1915, the Lincoln penny had been using the traditional bronze composition for six years. The established alloy of 95% copper, 3% zinc, and 2% tin provided durability and the characteristic reddish-brown color that collectors prize today. This composition would remain standard for decades, though wartime material shortages would eventually necessitate changes in later years.

Production in 1915 expanded to include all three active minting facilities for the first time in several years. Philadelphia maintained its position as the primary producer, while Denver resumed penny production after previous suspensions.

San Francisco contributed smaller quantities, focusing on both circulation strikes and the limited proof production that catered to the growing community of coin collectors. The combined national output reflected America’s expanding economy and the increasing need for small-denomination currency in daily commerce.

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

 

Is your 1915 Wheat Penny rare?

To explore the complete Wheat Penny Rarity Ranking and track current market valuations for these historical treasures, collectors can utilize our CoinValueChecker App for precise grading guidance and investment insights.

 

Key Features of the 1915 Wheat Penny

The US Mint produced 1915 Lincoln pennies at three facilities, creating several distinct varieties that range from common circulation pieces to extraordinarily rare collectibles.

While most examples are accessible to collectors, certain varieties rank among the most valuable coins in American numismatics. These pennies represent an important early period in Lincoln cent production and remain popular with both novice and advanced collectors.

The Obverse of the 1915 Wheat Penny

Victor D. Brenner designed the obverse side of this coin for the 1909 debut of the Lincoln cent series. Abraham Lincoln’s bust profile faces right in the center, with IN GOD WE TRUST inscribed above his head along the upper rim.

The word LIBERTY appears on the left side behind Lincoln’s profile, while the production year 1915 is positioned in front of his chest.

The mint mark, when present, can be found below the date. During 1915 production, Brenner’s initials had been removed from the design following controversy over their prominence on the 1909 cents, and would not return until 1918 when they were restored in smaller form on Lincoln’s shoulder.

The Reverse of the 1915 Wheat Penny

The reverse design showcases Brenner’s original wheat stalks motif that defined the series until 1958. Two prominent wheat stalks frame the central inscription, creating the distinctive appearance that gives these coins their “wheat penny” nickname.

The phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM curves along the upper rim, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA follows the lower edge of the coin. The denomination ONE CENT is prominently displayed in the center between the wheat stalks. This elegant agricultural theme reflected America’s farming heritage and remained unchanged for nearly five decades.

Other Features of the 1915 Wheat Penny

The 1915 Lincoln cent contains 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, creating the bronze composition that produces its characteristic reddish-brown color. Surviving examples display red, brown, or red-brown coloration depending on preservation conditions over the past century.

Each coin measures 19.05 mm (0.750 inches) in diameter with a thickness of 1.55 mm (0.061 inches) and weighs 3.11 grams (0.109 ounces). The plain edge design follows the specifications Victor David Brenner established for the Lincoln cent series, creating consistency that would remain largely unchanged for decades to come.

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

 

1915 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1915 wheat penny mintage and survival data reveals striking contrasts between production quantities and current availability. Philadelphia produced the highest mintage without mint marks, followed by Denver and San Francisco with significantly smaller outputs. The Proof No Mint variety had extremely limited production compared to circulation strikes.

Survival rates present an intriguing pattern that doesn’t directly correlate with original mintage figures. While circulation strikes from all three mints show remarkably low survival rates below 0.01%, the Proof No Mint variety demonstrates a much higher survival percentage despite its tiny original production.

The data illustrates how factors beyond initial mintage numbers influence long-term coin preservation, including collector awareness, storage conditions, and historical circumstances.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1915 Wheat Penny Value

Determining your 1915 wheat penny’s value begins with locating the mint mark below the date on the obverse side. No mint mark indicates Philadelphia production, “D” represents Denver, and “S” identifies San Francisco.

Philadelphia examples typically range from $1-$15 in circulated condition and $100+ uncirculated, while Denver and San Francisco varieties start around $10 and exceed $500 in higher grades.

Next, examine condition carefully—inspect Lincoln’s coat and bowtie for detail sharpness, as grade significantly impacts value. The 1915-S proves most valuable, ranging from thousands for brown specimens to $50,000+ for Full Red Mint State examples. Finally, check for valuable errors including die cracks, doubled dies, and off-center strikes.

The CoinValueChecker App streamlines this entire process—instantly identifying mint marks, grading condition, determining color designation, and providing accurate market valuations through simple photo analysis.

 

1915 Wheat Penny Value Guides

• 1915 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1915-D Wheat Penny (Denver)
• 1915-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco)
• 1915 Proof No Mint Mark Wheat Penny

Understanding the value differences between these 1915 wheat penny varieties is essential for collectors and investors. Each type presents distinct rarity levels and market demand patterns that significantly impact pricing across all condition grades.

The Philadelphia No Mint Mark variety offers the most accessible entry point, while the Denver and San Francisco issues command higher premiums due to lower mintages. The Proof No Mint Mark variety stands as the ultimate prize, representing one of the most valuable coins in the entire Lincoln cent series with values reaching extraordinary levels even in lower proof grades.

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

 

1915 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1915 No Mint Mark wheat penny stands out as a Philadelphia product with exceptional collectible appeal, particularly in its Red (RD) designation.

Despite a substantial mintage of approximately 29 million coins, fully red gem-quality survivors are genuinely rare due to the copper composition’s vulnerability to oxidation and wear over more than a century.

Red specimen coins display the mint’s original luster, representing the pinnacle of preservation condition for this early Lincoln cent. The Philadelphia Mint’s well-established production standards and meticulous die maintenance during this period resulted in consistently high-quality strikes for 1915 cents.

However, the passage of over a century, combined with the inherent instability of copper surfaces, makes pristine red examples exceptionally scarce. This scarcity drives substantial premiums in the collector market, with some exceptional red specimens achieving record prices—including one that sold for as much as $38,400.

Red-Brown (RB) specimens offer an appealing middle ground, displaying partial original luster with attractive toning patterns, while Brown (BN) examples provide more accessible entry points for collectors seeking this early Lincoln cent variety.

Historical auction records demonstrate the dramatic value escalation that occurs with this variety as grades improve, reflecting both its scarcity and enduring collector demand.

Recent market activity shows consistent interest with notable spikes during periods of heightened numismatic focus, confirming its status as a cornerstone date in wheat penny collecting.

 

1915-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1915-D wheat penny represents one of the more challenging Denver issues from the early Lincoln cent era, distinguished by production difficulties that significantly impact its collectibility.

Most circulated examples exhibit substantial detail loss due to the Denver Mint’s problematic use of worn dies during 1915 production, creating a stark quality divide between available specimens. Red (RD) examples stand as the ultimate prize among Denver collectors, with exceptional pieces reaching over $40,000 when they retain the intense, deep red coloration that sets this issue apart from typical copper cents.

Despite being somewhat underrated as a semi-key date due to its middle-range mintage of 22 million coins, the 1915-D offers exceptional value for collectors seeking sharp strikes and attractive luster at more reasonable prices than comparable rarities.

Red-Brown (RB) specimens provide compelling alternatives with their appealing tonal variations, while Brown (BN) examples remain accessible entry points despite requiring careful selection for acceptable strike quality and surface preservation.

The documented auction performance demonstrates how strike quality and color preservation dramatically influence final pricing for this challenging date.

Market activity patterns reflect sustained collector recognition of the 1915-D’s undervalued status, with increased trading volume as numismatists discover high-quality examples that escaped the typical striking problems of this Denver issue.

 

1915-S Wheat Penny Value

The 1915-S wheat cent is the scarcest variety in the 1915 Lincoln cent series. With only 4.83 million coins minted, its rarity compared to the Philadelphia and Denver mint production makes it highly sought after among collectors.

Red (RD) specimens achieve remarkable auction results, with premium examples reaching beyond $25,000 when they display the original copper brilliance that survived over a century of potential deterioration. The dramatic price escalation visible in high-grade examples reflects both the coin’s inherent rarity and the extreme difficulty of locating mint state survivors that escaped circulation.

Red-Brown (RB) examples provide more accessible alternatives while maintaining significant collector appeal, typically commanding prices in the thousands for quality specimens that showcase attractive transitional coloration between red and brown tones.

Even Brown (BN) examples carry substantial premiums compared to other 1915 varieties, with mint state pieces easily reaching four-figure valuations due to the overall scarcity of uncirculated San Francisco survivors.

The auction record documentation reveals consistent strong performance across all color designations, with notable price appreciation over recent years as collectors increasingly recognize the 1915-S as an undervalued key date.

Market activity patterns demonstrate steady collector engagement with periodic surges reflecting broader numismatic interest in early Lincoln cent rarities, positioning this issue as both a significant collecting challenge and investment opportunity.

 

1915 Proof Wheat Penny Value

The 1915 Proof No Mint Mark wheat penny stands as one of the rarest coins in the Lincoln cent series, with only 1,150 originally produced at Philadelphia. This extremely limited mintage creates fierce competition among collectors, as fewer than 80 examples are estimated to survive today.

Collecting difficulty reaches extreme levels due to scarcity and condition sensitivity. Red (RD) specimens achieve the highest premiums, with a $24,000 sale for a PR66+ RD example in May 2025 demonstrating exceptional value for top preservation.

Red-Brown (RB) examples maintain strong collector demand across grades, though specific auction data shows varied performance based on individual coin quality. Brown (BN) specimens command substantial prices, with a PR67 BN example selling for $11,400 in January 2024, while earlier sales like the $22,325 PR66+ from 2014 show the market’s evolution over time.

The complete auction performance history reveals the dramatic price variations that occur based on grade and preservation quality for this legendary rarity.

Market activity data demonstrates the sustained collector fascination with this ultimate 1915 wheat penny variety, reflecting its status as both a collecting milestone and numismatic investment benchmark.

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

 

Rare 1915 Wheat Penny Error List

Most 1915 Lincoln pennies from all three mints were well-struck so error coins are relatively scarce. However, those that do exist are highly collectible and can boost your coin’s value.

Here are some noteworthy minting errors to look out for:

1. 1915 Penny Missing Clad Layer Error

A missing clad layer error is a type of lamination error common in clad coins such as the Lincoln penny. This error occurs when the coin’s upper layer lifts or peels off, exposing the inner copper core on one or both sides of the coin.

This can happen due to impurities that can weaken the metal alloy, causing the upper layers to separate from the copper core. Circulated 1915 pennies with a missing clad layer error can fetch as much as $450.

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

2. 1915 Penny Struck Through Grease Error

Another error that comes up in the series is the struck-through, which occurs when a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet, eventually leaving its impression on the coin’s surface. Anything from grease, hair strands, strings, metal chaffs and debris can come between the die and planchet during striking. Grease struck-through errors are particularly common and circulated examples can fetch as much $350.

3. 1915 Penny Die Crack Error

When collecting 1915 pennies, you might come across examples with a die crack error. As the name implies, this error occurs when a crack develops on the die’s surface—this can happen due to damage or natural wear and tear.

As the die continues to be put to use, tiny metal chaffs fill the crack, which is eventually impressed on the coin’s surface where it appears like a raised crack. The larger or more peculiar the crack, the more valuable the error tends to be, with some 1915 pennies with die crack errors fetching up to $400.

 

Where to Sell Your 1915 Wheat Penny ?

Whether you own a common Philadelphia example or possess one of the extraordinary proof specimens, the 1915 wheat penny represents a tangible piece of American numismatic heritage that continues to reward collectors who understand its historical significance, production challenges, and enduring market appeal across more than a century of collecting tradition.

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

 

1915 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1915 Wheat Penny

1. How to tell a fake 1915-D Wheat Penny?

An important element to pay close attention to is the shape and position of the mintmark. The “D” on counterfeits usually has the wrong font style and might be positioned slightly off compared to genuine examples. Also pay attention to the date where counterfeits will have a larger gap between 9 and the second 1.

2. What makes a 1915 Wheat penny rare?

The 1915 Wheat penny is rare due to its low mintage. Although it is not a key date in the series, 1915 pennies are still sought after especially in higher grades. Most of these coins were circulated and only a few high-grade uncirculated survivors exist today, making them highly valuable and prized among collectors.

3.What should I look for when buying a 1915 wheat penny?

Focus on strike quality, surface preservation, and color retention. Avoid examples with heavy wear, cleaning damage, or environmental problems. For Denver mint coins, pay special attention to strike sharpness since worn dies were commonly used.