1917 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Minted during World War I, the 1917 penny carries significant historical importance beyond its monetary value. Although over 284 million coins were originally produced across three mints, surviving examples in pristine condition remain extremely scarce after more than a century of circulation.

This scarcity, combined with the coin’s wartime heritage, drives its average price generally far exceeds its face value. Values range from $3.51-$992 for Philadelphia mint coins, while the prized 1917-S can reach $3,066 in Mint State condition.

The 1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny has achieved remarkable auction records that demonstrate its exceptional investment potential. In 2007, a 1917-S MS65 red specimen sold for $36,800. These record-breaking sales highlight the coin’s prestigious status among collectors.

 

1917 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

This chart shows 1917 Wheat Penny values across different mint marks and conditions. 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 1917 Wheat Penny Worth Money

This comprehensive chart showcases the highest-value 1917 Lincoln cents sold at auction from 2006 to the present, revealing the dramatic price hierarchy within this wartime issue.

Error varieties command exceptional premiums, the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse MS67 dominates at $120,000, establishing itself as the undisputed champion of 1917 penny values, the 1917 DDO FS-101 MS67 reaching $84,000, demonstrating collectors’ intense demand for doubled die specimens.

Regular strike coins in exceptional grades also achieve remarkable prices, as shown by the 1917 MS68 specimen at $38,813. The chart illustrates clear grade sensitivity across all varieties, with MS67 doubled die examples ranging from $31,050 to $120,000, while MS65-66 specimens cluster between $14,688 and $37,375.

The price difference of coins produced by different mints is also obvious, with the 1917-S MS65 San Francisco issue commanding $36,800 and the 1917-D MS66 Denver example achieving $21,275.

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

 

History Of The 1917 Wheat Penny

The 1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted during a pivotal moment in American history, as the United States entered World War I in April 1917. This wartime context significantly influenced coin production, with all three active U.S. Mint facilities—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—working at maximum capacity to meet the economic demands of a nation mobilizing for global conflict.

With over 284 million coins struck across all three mints—a record that reflected both wartime economic activity and the growing need for small denomination currency. Philadelphia dominated production with 196.4 million coins, while Denver contributed 55.1 million and San Francisco added 32.6 million pieces.

The 1917 penny featured Victor David Brenner’s iconic design, introduced in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s centennial. By 1917, the design had stabilized after early controversies over Brenner’s prominent “VDB” initials, which had been removed from most issues. The coin maintained the classic wheat stalks reverse that symbolized American agricultural prosperity during wartime.

The heavy circulation demands of the war economy, combined with the coin’s copper composition, resulted in most 1917 pennies experiencing significant wear. This wartime usage pattern explains why high-grade survivors are exceptionally scarce today.

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

 

 

Is Your 1917 Wheat Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly assess the rarity level of your 1917 wheat pennies and other valuable coins.

 

Key Features Of The 1917 Wheat Penny

The 1917 pennies are a part of the series minted from 1909 to 1958, based on Victor David Brenner’s creative idea. They look the same as other coins from this early period, but some are more valuable than the average.

The Obverse Of The 1917 Wheat Penny

 

Victor David Brenner’s masterful obverse design showcases a right-facing profile portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, positioned prominently in the center of the coin. The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” gracefully arcs along the upper rim, framing Lincoln’s head with this national motto.

To the left of Lincoln’s profile, the word “LIBERTY” appears in raised lettering, while the date “1917” is positioned to the right of the portrait. The mint mark, when present, appears as a small “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) directly below the date, with Philadelphia coins bearing no mint mark in this location.

Lincoln’s portrait captures fine details including facial features, hair texture, and the suggestion of period clothing, demonstrating Brenner’s artistic skill in translating the presidential likeness onto the small canvas of a one-cent piece.

The Reverse Of The 1917 Wheat Penny

The reverse side features Brenner’s elegant agricultural motif with two detailed wheat stalks (ears) flanking both the left and right sides of the coin, symbolizing America’s agricultural abundance.

Centered between the wheat stalks, “ONE CENT” appears on two lines, clearly indicating the coin’s denomination. Directly below this, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” identifies the issuing nation in smaller lettering.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of Many, One”) arcs gracefully across the top of the reverse, completing the patriotic messaging.

The wheat stalks themselves show intricate botanical details, with individual grain kernels and natural wheat head formations clearly visible, reflecting Brenner’s attention to naturalistic design elements that would earn this series its enduring “Wheat Penny” nickname among collectors and the general public.

Other Features Of The 1917 Wheat Penny

The 1917 plain-edged Wheat penny has a face value of one cent and a diameter of 19mm. Each piece is made of a 95% copper alloy and weighs 3.11 g (0.10970 ounces). Its thickness is a modest 1.52 mm (0.0598 inches).

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

 

1917 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1917 penny production reveals significant differences across the three mints. Philadelphia dominated output with 196.4 million coins, vastly outproducing Denver’s 55.1 million and San Francisco’s 32.6 million pieces. This represents roughly a 6:2:1 production ratio, with Philadelphia accounting for nearly 70% of all 1917 pennies minted.

Today’s survival numbers present a starkly different picture. Only 3,000 high-grade Philadelphia pennies remain, compared to 1,000 from Denver and just 400 from San Francisco. The survival rates hover around 0.0015% across all three mints, indicating similar preservation challenges regardless of original mintage.

The primary factors affecting survival include the coins’ heavy circulation during the economic demands of World War I, their copper composition which made them susceptible to corrosion and wear, and the general tendency for lower-denomination coins to be heavily used rather than saved.

The inverted relationship between original production volumes and current availability demonstrates why condition becomes the critical factor in determining value.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1917 Wheat Penny Value

The 1917 Wheat penny emerged during World War I, adding historical context to its numismatic appeal. Well-preserved examples retaining original detail and luster command strong premiums, while circulated pieces offer affordable entry points.

Properly attributing mint marks on worn specimens and evaluating century-old copper surfaces demands practiced expertise.

CoinValueChecker App simplifies authentication instantly. Photograph your penny for mint identification, condition analysis, and real-time market values.

 

1917 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The 1917 Lincoln cent was produced at all three active U.S. Mint facilities, each identifiable by their distinctive mint marks located below the date on the obverse.

• 1917 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1917-D Wheat Penny (Denver)
• 1917-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco)

Philadelphia pennies carry no mint mark, following traditional practice as the primary mint facility. The “D” mint mark identifies Denver production, while the “S” designates San Francisco origin. Each variety presents different collecting challenges and investment potential based on original mintage figures and current survival rates.

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

 

1917 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1917 No Mint Mark penny represents the Philadelphia Mint’s massive wartime production effort, striking nearly 200 million coins to meet economic demands during World War I. This substantial mintage reflected America’s entry into the global conflict and the increased need for circulating currency.

Brown examples range from tens to hundreds of dollars in mint state condition, with a notable auction record of $1,125 for an MS66BN specimen in 2021. Red-Brown varieties command higher premiums, with an MS66 example selling for $1,293 in 2013.

Red examples can reach substantial values in top grades, an auction record of $38,813 for an MS68RD example in 2006. Despite their abundance in lower grades, high-quality examples remain surprisingly scarce and valuable.

The following auction record chart details the complete price history for this Philadelphia variety.

Current market activity reflects steady collector demand across all three color designations.

 

1917-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1917-D penny from Denver Mint’s striking over 55 million coins during World War I—a output that reflected the facility’s contribution to meeting national currency needs. This achievement came with trade-offs in manufacturing quality, as Denver Mint characteristically used dies well beyond their optimal lifespan to meet wartime demand.

Similar to the 1918-D issues, many Denver cents from this era exhibit “mushy details or surface granularity” due to worn dies, making sharply struck examples particularly valuable.

Brown specimens in MS66 grade have reached $1,725 at auction in 2010, demonstrating solid collector demand for this Denver issue. Red-Brown examples achieve significantly higher valuations, with an MS66RB specimen setting an auction record of $3,600 in 2021. Red varieties deliver exceptional returns, exemplified by an MS66 example that commanded $21,275 in 2005.

The comprehensive auction record chart below chronicles the complete price performance for 1917-D grades and colors.

Market activity demonstrates consistent collector interest driven by both accessibility in lower grades and extreme scarcity in premium conditions.

 

1917-S Wheat Penny Value

The 1917-S Lincoln cent is recognized as one of the key dates in the wheat Lincoln Cent series, with most San Francisco struck cents from the teens and twenties being very difficult to find in uncirculated grades and sometimes even in circulated grades.

In uncirculated grades most examples range from MS60-64 with possibly just under 1,000 examples surviving in these grade ranges, while MS65 RD condition examples are considered elusive with probably about 50 examples in this grade only.

Auction records demonstrate clear color hierarchy in pricing. Brown specimens reached $8,225 for an MS66+ example in 2018, while Red-Brown varieties achieved $3,850 for an MS66 coin in 2013. Red examples represent the ultimate prize, with an MS65 specimen selling for $36,800 in 2007.

These price differentials confirm that color preservation directly correlates with market value, establishing the 1917-S as one of the most valuable non-error Lincoln cents of its era.

The complete auction record chart below documents the full price history across all grades and color designations.

Current market activity reflects sustained collector interest driven by the coin’s semi-key status and proven scarcity.

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

 

Rare 1917 Wheat Penny Error List

The 1917 Lincoln cent features some of very significant and valuable error varieties in the entire wheat penny series. These doubled die obverse errors resulted from die production mishaps that created distinctive doubling patterns visible on the coin’s front side.

Error coins from 1917 command substantial premiums over regular strikes, with values ranging from hundreds to over $100,000 depending on the specific variety, grade, and color preservation.

1. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse

The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse error occurred during the die manufacturing process when the working die received multiple impressions from the master hub that were slightly misaligned. This mechanical mishap created a doubling effect where design elements appear to have been struck twice with a slight offset.

The most prominent identifying features include dramatic doubling visible on the date numerals, particularly the “1,” “9,” and “7,” along with clear separation doubling on the letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The word “LIBERTY” also shows noticeable doubling, making this variety easily recognizable even without magnification.

The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse represents one of the most dramatic and sought-after error varieties in Lincoln cent history. Brown examples have achieved notable auction prices, with an MS63BN specimen selling for $8,400 in 2023.

Red-Brown varieties command higher premiums, with the auction record reaching $14,950 for an MS65RB example in 2010. With the finest known MS67+RD example selling for a remarkable $120,000 in 2019.

For instant identification and valuation of your 1917 doubled die varieties and other valuable coins, download our CoinValueChecker App for accurate grade assessment and current market pricing.

2. 1917 DDO FS-101

The 1917 DDO FS-101 variety resulted from a similar die production error but with different alignment characteristics during the hubbing process. This specific variety is catalogued as FS-101 (Fivaz-Stanton 101) in the Cherrypickers’ Guide, indicating its recognition as a distinct doubled die classification.

The FS-101 variety displays its own unique doubling pattern, with the most distinctive features appearing on specific letters within “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. The doubling on this variety may appear less dramatic than the standard 1917 DDO but shows different spread patterns and affects different design elements.

Red-Brown specimens have achieved significant auction prices, with an MS65RB example selling for $8,700 in 2018. Red examples command the highest premiums, with an MS67RD specimen reaching $84,000 in 2018. The FS-101 designation represents a specialized collecting area that appeals to variety enthusiasts seeking comprehensive doubled die collections.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1917 Wheat Penny?

After determining your coin values, you might wonder about the best online platforms for selling them. To help you navigate this process, I’ve researched and compiled a comprehensive list of reputable selling venues, complete with detailed descriptions of each platform along with their advantages and disadvantages.

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

 

1917 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1917 Wheat Penny

1. What makes a 1917 Wheat penny scarce?

While 1917 Wheat pennies had high initial mintages totaling over 284 million coins across three mints, several factors contribute to their scarcity today.

The primary factor is the extremely low survival rates – only around 0.0015% of coins survive in high grades, with approximately 3,000 Philadelphia examples, 1,000 Denver examples, and just 400 San Francisco examples remaining in mint state condition.

The San Francisco variety is considered a semi-key date due to being difficult to find in both circulated and uncirculated grades.

Heavy circulation during World War I, the coins’ copper composition making them susceptible to corrosion and wear, and the tendency for low-denomination coins to be heavily used rather than saved all contributed to the rarity of well-preserved specimens.

2. How much is the 1917 Wheat penny worth?

Values vary dramatically based on mint mark, condition, and color designation. Philadelphia pennies (no mint mark) range from $0.50-$5 in circulated condition to $50+ uncirculated, with brown mint state examples worth $30-$200 and red examples reaching $38,813 (MS68RD record in 2006).

Denver pennies are worth $2-$20 circulated and $100-$550+ uncirculated, with a red MS66 example achieving $21,275 in 2005.

San Francisco pennies command the highest premiums: $2-$28 circulated and $135-$550+ uncirculated, with brown specimens reaching $8,225 (MS66+ in 2018), red-brown examples hitting $3,850 (MS66 in 2013), and red specimens achieving the record $36,800 (MS65 in 2007).

3. What is the error on the 1917 Wheat penny?

The most significant error on 1917 Wheat pennies is the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), which exists in two main varieties: the standard 1917 Doubled Die Obverse and the 1917 DDO FS-101. Both errors occurred during die manufacturing when the working die received multiple misaligned impressions from the master hub.

The standard DDO shows dramatic doubling on the date numerals and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with brown examples reaching $8,400, red-brown specimens hitting $14,950, and red examples achieving a record $120,000 (MS67+RD in 2019).

The FS-101 variety displays its own unique doubling pattern, with red-brown examples selling for $8,700 and red specimens reaching $84,000. These doubled die varieties represent some of the most valuable and sought-after error coins in the entire Lincoln cent series.