1924 Wheat Penny Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1924 Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $66,000. That record was set by a Grade 65 example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Upload a photo of yours below and we’ll give you a quick value range. You can also scroll down to check recent eBay sales and see what buyers are paying today.

 

1924 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

Three mints struck the 1924 wheat penny, and the mint mark on yours makes a huge difference in what it’s worth.

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 1924 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The coin sitting at #1 is a 1924-S graded MS65 that sold for $66,000. That’s a San Francisco penny — not the Denver issue most collectors assume would top the list. MS65 is the absolute ceiling for the 1924-S in any color, so every serious registry set collector was chasing the same coin.

Behind it, a Philadelphia MS67 brought $38,238, and a 1924-D MS65 hit $19,550 back in April 2006. The pattern is clear: San Francisco and Denver coins dominate this list, but even a Philly strike can bring serious money if the grade is high enough.

 

History Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

Victor David Brenner designed the Lincoln cent after President Theodore Roosevelt saw his Lincoln portrait plaque and commissioned him for the job. The coin debuted in 1909 — Lincoln’s centennial — making him the first U.S. President on a widely circulating coin. It’s still the longest-running design in American coinage.

By 1924, the design had been in pockets and cash registers for fifteen years. Here’s a fun detail: 1924 was the first year since 1920 that all three mints — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — struck Lincoln cents at the same time. Post-war economic growth was driving demand for more small change.

Philadelphia led production with over 75 million coins. San Francisco contributed nearly 12 million. Denver? Just 2,520,000 — creating what would become one of the series’ semi-key dates. Researchers put the 1924-D on par with the 1911-S for overall toughness. And here’s some perspective: in 1937, Stack’s of New York listed an uncirculated 1924 cent at just $0.50. I think that might be the best bargain in numismatic history.

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

 

Is Your 1924 Wheat Penny Rare?

For collectors seeking current rarity assessments and market values, our Coin Identifier and Value App provides detailed analysis across all Lincoln cent varieties.

 

Key Features Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

Knowing what to look for on your 1924 penny is the first step to figuring out what you’ve got. Victor David Brenner’s design puts Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back — that’s where the “wheat penny” name comes from.

The Obverse Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

Lincoln’s profile sits front and center. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs above his head, and “LIBERTY” appears to his left. Look at the bottom right — that’s where you’ll find “1924.”

Now flip it so the date faces you and look directly below the numbers. That’s where the mint mark sits. A “D” means Denver. An “S” means San Francisco. Nothing there? It’s a Philadelphia coin. Reading that tiny letter correctly is the single most important step in valuing your coin.

The Reverse Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

Flip it over. Two durum wheat stalks frame the edges, with “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” centered between them. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” runs along the top.

When you’re grading, check the sharpness of those wheat stalk details and the crispness of the lettering. This matters a lot for the 1924-D and 1924-S — both are known for weaker strikes than the Philadelphia issue.

Other Features Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

The 1924 wheat penny measures 19.05 millimeters across and weighs 3.11 grams. It’s 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc — standard bronze composition that gives it that warm reddish tone.

Color grading is a big deal on copper coins. Red (RD) means 95% or more of the original copper luster survives. Red-Brown (RB) means partial luster remains. Brown (BN) means the coin has fully toned over. Each step down in color drops the value significantly.

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

 

1924 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Here’s where the numbers get counterintuitive. Philadelphia struck over 75 million coins, but only about 2,500 survive in high grade — a 0.0033% survival rate. San Francisco’s nearly 12 million coins left roughly 500 high-grade survivors (0.0043%).

Denver’s tiny mintage of 2.52 million produced around 750 high-grade survivors. That’s actually the highest survival percentage of the three at 0.0298%. So the scarcest mint by production has the best survival rate — go figure.

According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1924-P ranks as the 3rd toughest Philadelphia cent to locate in grades of MS67 or higher for all cents struck between 1909 and 1929. Think about that: the “common” Philadelphia coin is actually harder to find in top grade than most collectors realize.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1924 Wheat Penny Value

Start by finding the mint mark — D, S, or nothing — below the date on the front of the coin.

Next, check the color. Red (RD) coins with original copper luster bring the most money. Red-Brown (RB) sits in the middle. Brown (BN) commands the lowest premiums. Circulated examples typically range from $0.25–$15 depending on condition and mint mark, while uncirculated pieces can command $25–$200+.

A hundred-year-old penny deserves a proper look. Our Coin Identifier and Value App will check the grade directly for you.

 

1924 Wheat Penny Value Guides

Here are the three varieties of 1924 Lincoln Wheat Pennies:

• 1924 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) — 75,178,000 coins without mint marks, making this the most common variety. Philadelphia coins are generally well-struck compared to the other two mints, making sharp examples more accessible.
• 1924-D (Denver Mint) — 2,520,000 coins, making this the scarcest variety with the 5th lowest mintage in the entire Lincoln cent series. Collectors should expect to pay a minimum of $40 for low-end circulated examples and over $500 for higher grades. PCGS identifies the 1924-D as the most difficult Denver-minted Lincoln cent to find in MS65 Red or higher from all Denver cents struck between 1911 and 1929.
• 1924-S (San Francisco Mint) — 11,696,000 coins with the “S” mint mark below the date. Despite this relatively generous mintage, the 1924-S is the second-toughest San Francisco cent to find in MS65 Red or higher for all S-mint issues from 1909 to 1929 — a jaw-dropping rarity finding given the mintage numbers.

Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark. Denver and San Francisco pieces show their “D” and “S” beneath the date. The Denver variety commands the highest circulated premiums, but here’s the twist — the San Francisco issue actually beats Denver for the top auction records in gem condition.

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

 

1924 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

Don’t assume “common” means easy to find in nice shape. With 75 million struck, low-grade examples are everywhere. But according to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1924 ranks as the toughest P-mint cent from the entire decade of the 1920s to find in Uncirculated Red condition. That catches a lot of people off guard.

Red (RD) is the premium category — 95% or more original copper color. An MS67 RD hit $38,238 at auction. PCGS reports only a handful exist at MS67 RD with none finer. That’s the absolute grade ceiling for this coin from Philadelphia.

Red-Brown (RB) pieces still show some original luster mixed with toning. MS67 RB examples reach about $720 at auction — solid value for coins that kept some of their original color.

Brown (BN) coins are the most affordable. Even in Mint State, they typically trade well under $100. If you’re just starting to collect wheat pennies, a Brown uncirculated 1924 is a great entry point for this classic date.

This significant difference in value highlights the importance of color grading for a copper coin — a trend clearly reflected in the chart of its auction record.

The market activity for this coin further reveals a unique pattern of collector participation.

Market activity score: 46/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 1 point from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 70 (Dec 2025).

 

1924-D Wheat Penny Value

Only 2.52 million struck. That’s Denver’s second-lowest Lincoln cent production across all years, and researchers put it on par with the 1911-S for overall toughness. You won’t find this one in a junk box.

Here’s a tip most beginners miss: the majority of 1924-D cents came off the press with weak, mushy strikes. Lincoln’s hair looks flat, the wheat stalks lack definition. When you’re shopping for one, hunt for sharper detail. A well-struck 1924-D commands a real premium over a typical soft example — even at the same grade.

Red (RD) specimens bring top dollar. PCGS recorded an MS65 RD sale at $19,550 in April 2006. Most Red uncirculated pieces grade MS60–64, and MS65 RD or better is genuinely rare. At MS66 RB, only two coins are known at PCGS with none finer.

Brown (BN) examples are more available but still scarce above MS65. Even well-worn circulated pieces start around $40 because the date is just that tough.

Looking at the auction records, the 1924-D Wheat Penny shows significant price appreciation over the years, with MS65 grades reaching remarkable heights in recent sales.

Market activity for this semi-key date has surged notably in 2025, reflecting renewed collector interest after a quieter period in early winter.

Market activity score: 49/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 6 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 67 (Nov 2025).

 

1924-S Wheat Penny Value

What would you pay for a penny that can never grade higher than MS65? That’s the 1924-S. According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, this coin is entirely grade-capped at MS65 — no example in any color has ever crossed that line. It also ranks as the 7th toughest overall coin in the Red designation across all Lincoln cent issues cataloged by PCGS.

Look at Lincoln’s cheek on any 1924-S. You’ll likely see fine hairline scratches — those are die polishing lines from overused San Francisco dies. Like the 1924-D, strike quality tends to run weak, so check the hair detail and wheat stalks carefully on any example you’re evaluating.

Red (RD) coins are the ultimate prize. MS65 Red specimens have reached $66,000. The coin ranks as the 2nd toughest S-mint Lincoln cent to find in MS65 Red or higher for all San Francisco issues from 1909 to 1929.

Red-Brown (RB) offers a more accessible path, though still pricey in higher grades. The 1924-S ranks 9th most difficult among San Francisco cents 1909–1929 in MS65 RB or higher.

Here’s a surprise: even Brown (BN) coins are tough to find. MS65 BN examples have brought $3,173 at auction. In Brown, the 1924-S ranks as the 7th toughest coin to find with the Brown designation in all grades combined — and the 4th toughest S-mint coin in MS65 Brown or higher for 1909–1929. We think this is one of the most underappreciated coins in the entire wheat penny series.

The auction records reveal a notable spike in MS65 prices recently, demonstrating strong collector demand for this grade-capped semi-key date.

Market activity patterns reflect steady collector interest, with notable peaks corresponding to major auction events and grading submissions.

Market activity score: 38/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 47 (Dec 2025).

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

 

Rare 1924 Wheat Penny Errors List

Confirming a specific error without professional authentication is tricky. Post-mint damage and normal wear can mimic real varieties. Grab at least 10x magnification before you start cherrypicking your 1924 wheat pennies.

1. Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse (DDO / DDR)

A Doubled Die error happens when a die gets multiple hub impressions that don’t line up perfectly. DDO means the doubling is on the front; DDR means it’s on the back. The result is a distinct doubling of design elements — date, lettering, or Lincoln’s profile — that isn’t caused by wear.

For the 1924 series, a documented DDR exists with doubling visible on the wheat stalks and in the words “ONE” and “OF AMERICA.” Confirmed examples sell for $20 to $100 depending on condition. Sharper strikes in higher grades bring the strongest premiums.

2. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) — 1924-D and 1924-S

An RPM shows up when the mint mark punch was applied more than once in slightly different positions, leaving a ghosted or doubled impression. Both the 1924-D and 1924-S have documented RPM varieties cataloged by CONECA (the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) and the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypicker’s Guide.

The 1924-S RPM-001 sits at position #14 on CONECA’s prestigious Top 100 RPM list — that’s a big deal for variety collectors. Confirmed 1924-S RPM examples in EF condition have sold for 1.5x to 2x the standard base coin value, and ANACS-certified VF-20 examples have appeared at auction. The 1924-D also has a documented RPM visible under 10x magnification, though it carries minimal premium over standard 1924-D values right now.

3. Off-Center Strikes

This happens when the planchet isn’t seated properly in the press. Part of the design is missing, and you’ll see a blank crescent of metal where the strike didn’t reach.

The more off-center, the higher the premium — generally speaking. Off-center 1924 wheat pennies are rarely encountered. Get any confirmed example evaluated by PCGS or NGC before selling.

4. Die Breaks (Cuds)

A cud is a raised, featureless blob of metal on the coin’s surface. It forms when a chunk of the die fractures and breaks away during striking. You’ll find cuds along the rim where the break occurred. Bigger cuds are more dramatic and worth more.

5. Planchet Errors

These are flaws in the metal blank before it ever gets struck. Laminations (metal peeling from impurities in the bronze alloy), clipped planchets (a crescent-shaped missing section from a blanking machine misfeed), and cracked planchets all fall into this category. The problems originate during metal strip preparation or the blanking process.

6. Die Polishing Lines

These fine hairline scratches on the coin’s surface come from abrasive polishing of a worn die. The mint polished dies to remove defects or rust, and those lines transferred onto every coin struck afterward. On wheat pennies, look at Lincoln’s cheek and jaw.

The 1924-S is specifically noted for die polishing lines on Lincoln’s cheek — a well-documented trait of overused San Francisco dies from this era.

7. Strike Quality (Weak vs. Sharp Strike)

Not technically a mint error, but strike quality has a real impact on 1924-D and 1924-S values. Both mints produced a lot of weakly struck coins with flat, soft detail.

A sharply struck 1924-D or 1924-S is considerably scarcer than a typical mushy example. It commands a meaningful premium even at the same grade. Check Lincoln’s hair above the ear and the “ONE CENT” lettering on the reverse to judge strike quality before you buy.

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

 

How to Avoid Fake 1924 Wheat Pennies

High-value 1924-D and 1924-S coins attract counterfeiters. Knowing what to look for saves you money.

The most common fakes involve tooling a “D” or “S” mint mark onto a common Philadelphia coin. Look at the field around the mint mark with magnification. Patches of discolored metal, inconsistent patina, or faint tool marks are red flags — a genuine mint mark is part of the coin’s original surface.

Watch out for the 1924-S specifically: some known Chinese forgeries use an incorrect reverse die with a distinctive chip on one wheat ear. Compare your coin’s reverse against reference images of known genuine examples.

Authentication by PCGS or NGC, which typically costs $20–$75 depending on declared value, is mandatory for any high-grade 1924-D or 1924-S before purchase or sale.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1924 Wheat Penny?

Now that you know your options, the final step is selecting the best platform to maximize your coin’s value. For a detailed comparison of top online selling sites and their advantages, check out our dedicated guide below.

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

 

1924 Wheat Penny Market Trend

Market interest: 2,210 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. 12-month peak: 2,820 (Oct 2025).

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

 

FAQ About The 1924 Wheat Penny Value

1. How much is a 1924 Wheat Penny worth?

It depends entirely on the mint mark and condition. Philadelphia coins (no mint mark) range from about $0.15 in circulated grades up to $38,238 for an MS67 Red specimen. The 1924-D starts around $40 for low grades and jumps past $500 for uncirculated examples. The 1924-S falls between the two for circulated coins but tops them both in gem condition — MS65 Red examples have reached $66,000. Always check your coin’s color designation (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown) alongside the grade, because color moves the price dramatically on copper coins.

2. Is there a proof grade 1924 Wheat Penny?

No. The U.S. Mint didn’t strike proof Lincoln cents in 1924. Proof production for the series was sporadic during this era and didn’t resume regularly until 1936. If someone offers you a “proof” 1924 wheat penny, walk away.

3. Where is the mint mark on a 1924 Wheat Penny?

On the front of the coin, directly below the date “1924.” A “D” means Denver, an “S” means San Francisco, and no letter means Philadelphia. That tiny letter is the single most important detail for determining value — a Denver coin can be worth many times more than a Philadelphia coin in the same grade.

4. What makes the 1924-S Wheat Penny so valuable in top grades?

It’s grade-capped at MS65 according to PCGS. Nothing higher exists in any color. That absolute ceiling, combined with its ranking as the 2nd toughest San Francisco cent to find in MS65 Red or higher for all SF issues struck between 1909 and 1929, creates fierce competition among registry set collectors for the few surviving top-grade pieces. The $66,000 record reflects that grade-rarity, not just mintage.

5. What is the 1924-S RPM-001 and is it worth more?

RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark — the “S” was punched into the die twice at slightly different positions. The 1924-S RPM-001 appears on CONECA’s Top 100 RPM list at position #14. In EF condition, documented sales show these selling for 1.5x to 2x the standard 1924-S base value. You’ll need at least 10x magnification to spot the ghost impression from the first punch.

6. How does strike quality affect 1924-D and 1924-S values?

Both mints are notorious for producing weakly struck coins — flat hair detail on Lincoln, mushy wheat stalks on the reverse. A sharply struck 1924-D or 1924-S with crisp, well-defined details is considerably scarcer than a typical soft example and commands a meaningful premium even within the same official grade. Always check Lincoln’s hair above the ear and the “ONE CENT” lettering before buying.

7. How can I tell the difference between a genuine 1924-S and a fake?

Look at the field around the mint mark under magnification. Discoloration, rough texture, or inconsistent patina can indicate an added mint mark. Some Chinese forgeries use wrong reverse dies with a distinctive chip on the wheat ear — compare against reference images. For any coin valued over $200, authentication by PCGS or NGC (typically $20–$75) is strongly recommended. Don’t buy a high-grade 1924-D or 1924-S without a slab.

8. What is the color designation system for 1924 Wheat Pennies?

Uncirculated copper coins get graded by color retention in addition to wear. Red (RD) means 95% or more of the original bright copper luster survives — top premiums. Red-Brown (RB) means roughly 5% to 95% of original luster remains — mid-tier pricing. Brown (BN) means fully toned to natural brown — lowest prices. For the 1924-S specifically, even Brown specimens are rare and valuable because the coin is scarce across the board.

9. Should I clean my 1924 Wheat Penny before selling it?

Never. Cleaning destroys numismatic value. PCGS and NGC spot cleaned coins immediately and label them “details” grades, which cuts value by 50% or more. Don’t polish it, don’t use chemicals, don’t rub it. Handle it by the edges, store it in a non-PVC flip or certified holder, and let a professional see it as-is.

10. Is the 1924 Wheat Penny a good investment in 2026?

The long-term trend has been strong. Certified MS-65 Red examples from the 1920s routinely sold for $20–$50 in 2014 but now fetch $50–$200 or more. The 1924-D and 1924-S in top grades have seen even more dramatic growth, with the 1924-S MS65 RD auction record reaching $66,000. Philadelphia examples offer an affordable entry point for new collectors. For investors, I’d say certified high-grade 1924-D and 1924-S Red coins have historically outperformed lower grades by a wide margin.