1919 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

While a worn Philadelphia example starts around $2 in good condition, the scarcer 1919-D commands $8.38 even in heavily circulated grades, and the prized 1919-S reaches $7.01 for the lowest collectible condition. The real excitement lies in higher grades, where mint state examples can soar to nearly $2,000 for a pristine 1919-S, transforming what was once pocket change into a serious collector’s investment.

Collectors hunt for doubled-die errors where “LIBERTY” appears struck twice, or broadstrike errors where the coin looks mysteriously wider than normal. The difference between a regular worn penny and a pristine red specimen? It’s like comparing pocket change to serious money.

 

1919 Penny Value By Variety

Market values for 1919 pennies reveal significant premiums for mint state examples and collector varieties. 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 1919 Penny Worth Money

Condition scarcity drives pricing more than mintage numbers. The standout $43,200 1919-S MS66 demonstrates how San Francisco’s die quality problems created unexpected winners—when sharp strikes do survive, they command premium prices that exceed even higher-graded Philadelphia specimens.

The value concentration in MS65+ grades shows this market rewards patience and selective buying, while Denver’s technical superiority becomes evident in the $31,200 MS67 record. Philadelphia’s consistency keeps it competitive despite higher mintages.

Focus on color designations as Red specimens consistently outperform Brown counterparts by 300-500%. The steep value curve between MS64 and MS65 suggests this grade boundary separates casual from serious money. Branch mint examples offer better upside potential but require careful authentication given counterfeiting risks at these price levels. Target MS65 Red examples from Denver or sharp-strike San Francisco pieces as optimal risk-reward plays, while avoiding problem coins at any grade since the premium market is unforgiving of imperfections.

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

 

History of the 1919 Penny

By 1919, the Lincoln wheat penny had already weathered its first decade of controversy and refinement. Originally launched in 1909 to honor Lincoln’s centennial, the design by Victor David Brenner.

The 1919 penny represents a pivotal moment in American coinage history. Just one year after Brenner’s initials were quietly restored to the design in 1918—this time discretely placed along the rim’s edge—the 1919 wheat penny struck a perfect balance between artistic recognition and public acceptance.

What makes 1919 particularly significant is its timing. This was post-World War I America, experiencing massive economic changes and industrial growth. The wheat penny had proven itself as more than just currency—it had become an integral part of American identity. Unlike the tumultuous early years when designs were being pulled and modified, 1919 pennies represent the “mature” Lincoln cent series.

For collectors, this historical context explains why 1919 wheat pennies hold such appeal. They’re not just coins from over a century ago; they’re artifacts from the era when America’s most recognizable coin design finally found its footing and began its legendary 50-year run.

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

 

Is your 1919 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker APP to instantly verify current rarity assessments and make informed acquisition decisions.

 

Key Features of the 1919 Penny

Now let’s learn more about the unique attributes of the 1919 wheat penny. Knowing what to look for can help you spot a wheat worth money.

The Obverse of the 1919 Penny

On the obverse of the 1919 wheat penny, you will find the right-facing portrait of the 16^th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

The country’s motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, appears along the coin’s ring at the top. The date, 1919, is inscribed on the right while the word LIBERTY appears on the left behind Lincoln’s back.

On closer look you will notice the initials VDB where the rim cuts off Lincoln’s shoulder. These initials were restored in 1918 wheat pennies and appear on the 1919 coins too.

The Reverse of the 1919 Penny

The reverse of the 1919 wheat penny features two wheat ears flanking each side of the coin. These two iconic wheat ears is where the name ‘’wheat penny’’ comes from.

At the top along the rim is the phrase E PLURIBUS ENUM. The coin’s denomination ONE CENT and the country’s name appear in the middle of the coin, ensconced in between the wheat ears.

Other Features of the 1919 Penny

While Philadelphia struck nearly 400 million 1919 pennies, only 0.0011% survive in collectible condition—making high-grade examples surprisingly scarce despite the massive original mintage. The 1919 represents the Lincoln cent’s “golden era”—post-controversy, pre-Depression stability that appeals to completion-focused collectors.

Denver’s lower mintage (57 million) combined with higher survival rates actually makes 1919-D specimens easier to find in quality than you’d expect, while San Francisco’s poor striking quality makes gem 1919-S coins genuinely challenging. The survival rates create natural scarcity ladders where Philadelphia pennies offer affordable entry points with solid appreciation potential, while Denver and San Francisco varieties provide mid-tier opportunities before stepping into key date territory.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1919 Penny Value

Quality determines value. When evaluating condition, focus on Lincoln’s cheek and jaw for early wear signs, plus the wheat stalks’ crispness—uncirculated specimens should show no smoothness or color changes in these critical areas.

For quick preliminary assessments before investing in professional grading, our CoinValueChecker APP  offers instant error detection and condition guidance to help identify potentially valuable specimens worth the grading fee.

 

1919 Penny Value Guides

The 1919 wheat penny comes in three distinct mint varieties, each with its own rarity profile and collector appeal:

• 1919 (No Mintmark) – Philadelphia Mint production
• 1919-D – Denver Mint production
• 1919-S – San Francisco Mint production

Philadelphia’s massive 392 million mintage making it the most common, Denver’s lowest production at 57 million creates the scarcest variety, while San Francisco’s 140 million strikes fall in between but often suffer from weaker dies and poor striking quality. Each mint’s unique characteristics directly influence both availability and market premiums for collectors.

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

 

1919 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The Philadelphia 1919 penny achieved a production milestone that wouldn’t be surpassed until 1940—striking exactly 392,021,000 coins, making it one of the highest early-date mintage records in Lincoln cent history. What sets this variety apart is Brenner’s VDB initials, discretely positioned under Lincoln’s shoulder near the rim—only the second year to feature this controversial placement after their 1918 restoration from the original reverse location.

Philadelphia maintained superior die quality and striking consistency throughout 1919 production. This technical superiority resulted in one of the most expensive 1919 no-mint mark specimen—a pristine MS68 Red example that commanded $18,000 at a 2019 Heritage auction.

Unlike the branch mints, Philadelphia’s 1919 pennies exhibit “sharp dies, planchets, and a brownish tinge on the surface”—technical characteristics that create the foundation for exceptional preservation and eye appeal in higher grades. However, the VDB initials are frequently worn down on surviving specimens, making them nearly invisible on most lower-grade examples—a unique authentication challenge specific to this variety.

The auction results tell that collectors are actually willing to pay when premium examples hit the market.

Meanwhile, the steady monthly activity levels show this isn’t just occasional collector interest—it’s sustained market demand that keeps dealers actively sourcing quality specimens.

 

1919-D Penny Value

The 1919-D holds a paradoxical position as the scarcest of the three varieties with only 57,154,000 minted. Its reputation for weaker strikes—a quality control issue that plagued early Denver wheat penny production, requiring collectors to “cherrypick” for sharp examples. In premium grades, this scarcity pays off dramatically: while circulated examples hover around $1.22-$42, mint state specimens command $100-$500, with the ultimate 1919-D Red MS67 reaching an extraordinary $31,200—nearly double the comparable Philadelphia specimen.

What makes this Denver variety uniquely challenging is the specific die problem that created the famous “L on rim” error—where the “L” in LIBERTY strikes on top of the rim rather than the coin’s surface, combined with doubled-die effects visible on both LIBERTY and the date 1919. This dual error, where dies strike lettering multiple times at different angles, creates an overlapping effect that’s uniquely documented on 1919-D specimens.

When collectors compete for scarce Denver specimens, the hammer prices reflect just how challenging these coins are to acquire in top condition.

The trend shows this semi-key date maintains consistent collector attention across multiple grade levels throughout the year.

 

1919-S Penny Value

The San Francisco 1919-S carries the dubious distinction of being the “problem child” among the three varieties, with 139,760,000 coins struck using what collectors call “numerous poor quality dies resulting in coins with a low-quality strike.” Despite being the middle mintage between Philadelphia and Denver, finding gem quality 1919-S specimens becomes genuinely difficult due to the inherent striking weakness. Unlike Denver’s occasional striking problems or Philadelphia’s consistent quality, San Francisco’s 1919 production was systematically compromised from the start.

PCGS specifically notes that 1919-S “becomes scarce in MS65 grade or higher” and “examples displaying full red surfaces are much harder to locate”—a direct result of the original poor die quality. This technical flaw creates an inverted rarity where the second-highest mintage produces some of the scarcest high-grade survivors, making quality 1919-S pennies more challenging to acquire than their mintage numbers would suggest.

The auction records show what happens when quality examples surface.

Market Activity reveals steady collector interest despite the strike quality challenges.

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

 

Rare 1919 Penny Error List

Errors can increase the value of your wheat penny. But, errors are not all the same; some are worth more than others so it helps to know which ones to pay attention to. Here are 1919 wheat penny errors worth money:

1. 1919 L on Rim Doubled-Die Obverse Wheat Penny Error

This coin has two errors. In the first error, you will notice the L on LIBERTY on the obverse is struck on top of the rim instead of on the coin’s surface.

The second is a doubled-die error. The doubling is visible on LIBERTY and 1919. This error occurs when the die strikes the lettering multiple times but at different angles, causing an overlapping effect.

Collectors are willing to pay as much as $265 for the L on rim doubled-die obverse error on the 1919 wheat penny.

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

2. 1919 Misaligned Die Wheat Penny Error

Sometimes, the die used to strike the design on the coin can be off-angle or misaligned, therefore imprinting a partially rotated design.

The design can be rotated at an angle, depending on the die misalignment whether that is 30, 60, 90, 180 or in rare cases, 360-degree angle.

A 1919 misaligned die wheat penny error is conspicuous and can easily fetch up to $200. Examples in mint state can bring more.

3. 1919 Obverse Lamination Crack Wheat Penny Error

A lamination error occurs when small pieces of metal break off a coin or planchet’s surface. This is caused by the presence of impurities that cause the metal to flake off along weak points of the coin.

An example of a 1919 wheat penny with a lamination crack on the obverse can sell for about $110 but this figure might increase depending on the coin’s condition and the extent of the crack.

 

Where to Sell Your 1919 Penny?

Now that you know the value of 1919 penny, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

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

 

1919 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1919 Penny

1. What makes a 1919 wheat penny rare?

The wheat pennies from 1919 are not rare; the mints struck millions of these coins and you can easily find them in circulation. That said, there are some rare 1919 Lincoln wheat pennies and these are the ones with notable errors such as broadstrike and doubled-die errors. Coins from this year were very well struck, so errors are uncommon. If you do come across a 1919 wheatie with what seems like an error, your coins might be worth a lot.

2. Is a 1919 wheat penny worth a lot of money?

A 1919 wheat penny is generally worth its face value in circulated condition. Your coin might be worth anything from hundreds to thousands of dollars if it is in mint condition, preferably with red coloring. Any 1919 penny lower than mint state is not worth a lot of money and is quite affordable even for new investors and collectors.

3. What is a 1919 wheat penny made of?

Copper (95%) and alloy of zinc and tin (5%) are the main metals that make  up 1919 wheat pennies. In the 1940s, this composition changed to zinc-plated steel and then to copper-plated zinc in 1980s.