1924 Wheat Penny Value Checker: 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

The 1924 wheat penny was minted at three locations, creating distinct varieties with dramatically different values based on their mint marks and scarcity.

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 Top 10 Most Valuable 1924 Wheat Pennies showcase remarkable price variations based on mint marks and grades.

The 1924-S MS65 leads at an impressive $66,000, followed by the Philadelphia mint MS67 at $38,238. The scarce 1924-D in MS65 achieved $19,550 at auction in April 2006, reflecting its status as Denver’s second-lowest Lincoln cent production.

Even mid-grade specimens command substantial premiums, with the 1924-S MS64 reaching $14,400 and the 1924-D MS66 bringing $8,338. Lower grades still maintain strong values, particularly for the Denver mint variety.

This price hierarchy demonstrates how mint marks and condition dramatically impact value, with the San Francisco and Denver issues consistently outperforming Philadelphia strikes.

 

History Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

The 1924 Wheat Penny represents a significant chapter in the Lincoln cent series, which was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

Victor David Brenner created this groundbreaking design after President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned him based on a Lincoln portrait plaque Brenner had made. The coin features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse, giving these coins their enduring “wheat pennies” nickname.

This revolutionary design made Lincoln the first U.S. President to appear on a widely circulating American coin, fundamentally changing American numismatic tradition. It remains the longest-running design in U.S. coin history.

By 1924, Brenner’s design had established itself as a beloved staple of American currency after fifteen years of circulation. Notably, 1924 was the first year since 1920 that all three mints simultaneously produced Lincoln cents — a sign of growing post-World War I economic demand.

The production year demonstrated America’s robust economic recovery, with increased commerce and population growth demanding substantial quantities of circulating currency. In 1937, the New York firm Stack’s released a price catalog listing the 1924 cent at just $0.50 in uncirculated condition — a figure that seems almost comically low compared to today’s values.

All three active U.S. mints participated in 1924 cent production, though output varied significantly. The Philadelphia Mint led production with over 75 million coins, while the San Francisco Mint contributed nearly 12 million pieces.

Most notably, the Denver Mint produced only 2,520,000 coins, creating what would become one of the series’ semi-key dates. Numismatic researchers note the 1924-D is considered on par with the scarce 1911-S in overall toughness and collector demand.

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

The 1924 Wheat Penny showcases distinctive design elements that define the Lincoln cent series. Created by designer Victor David Brenner, this coin features classic numismatic artistry with President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse, symbolizing national prosperity.

The Obverse Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

The obverse features Abraham Lincoln’s distinguished profile portrait, prominently centered and capturing the 16th president’s dignified character with artistic precision. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” arc above Lincoln’s portrait, with “LIBERTY” appearing to his left.

Essential design elements include the year “1924” positioned at the bottom right of the coin, with mint marks appearing directly underneath when present. The 1924-D and 1924-S mint marks are small letters placed in this exact spot — finding and reading them correctly is the single most important step in valuing your coin.

The Reverse Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

The reverse displays two durum wheat stalks framing the coin’s edge, creating a symbolic wreath that represents America’s agricultural heritage and prosperity.

Centered between the stalks are “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of many, one”) appears along the top edge. Experienced collectors also examine the reverse wheat details and the sharpness of the lettering when assessing strike quality — a particularly important factor for the 1924-D and 1924-S, which are known for weaker strikes than the Philadelphia issue.

Other Features Of The 1924 Wheat Penny

The 1924 wheat penny maintains standard specifications with a 19.05-millimeter diameter and 3.11-gram weight. The composition consists of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, giving the coin its distinctive bronze appearance.

This bronze composite construction provides durability while creating the warm, reddish-brown patina that collectors prize in well-preserved specimens from this era. Coins are graded on a color scale: Red (RD) means 95% or more of original copper luster is retained; Red-Brown (RB) means partial luster remains; and Brown (BN) means the coin has fully toned to a natural brown — each designation significantly affects value.

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

 

1924 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage of the 1924 Wheat Cent demonstrates that initial production numbers are not directly correlated with current scarcity.

The Philadelphia Mint dominated with a production run of over 75 million pieces, while the San Francisco Mint produced nearly 12 million. The Denver Mint’s significantly smaller mintage of 2.52 million pieces directly contributes to its scarcity and high collector demand.

Current preservation data reveals a surprising result. Of the large mintage produced by the Philadelphia Mint, only about 2,500 high-grade coins survive (a 0.0033% survival rate), while the San Francisco Mint has approximately 500 surviving high-grade examples (0.0043%).

Most surprising is that Denver, despite its tiny original production, ultimately has only around 750 high-grade survivors — yet this represents the highest percentage survival rate of the three at 0.0298%. 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.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1924 Wheat Penny Value

Determining your 1924 penny’s worth starts with identifying its mint of origin. Look for the mint mark — D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) — below the date on the obverse; Philadelphia coins have no mark at all.

Next, assess the coin’s color designation. Red (RD) coins with original copper luster are worth the most, Red-Brown (RB) coins sit in the middle, and Brown (BN) coins command the lowest premiums. Circulated examples typically range from $0.25–$15 depending on condition and mint mark, while uncirculated pieces can command $25–$200+.

Century-old pennies require careful evaluation to assess their true market worth. 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.

These three varieties demonstrate how mint location dramatically affects both rarity and value.

Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark, while Denver and San Francisco issues display their respective “D” and “S” marks beneath the date. The Denver variety commands the highest circulated premiums, while the San Francisco issue actually surpasses Denver for the absolute top auction records in gem condition.

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

 

1924 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1924 Lincoln cent, with its massive mintage from the Philadelphia Mint, is common in lower grades but surprisingly elusive in top condition. According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, among all Philadelphia-struck Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1929, the 1924 ranks as the toughest P-mint cent from the entire decade of the 1920s to find in Uncirculated Red condition.

Red (RD) — meaning the coin retains at least 95% of its original copper color — represents the premium category. An MS67 RD specimen achieved a remarkable $38,238 auction record, demonstrating extreme rarity and collector demand for top-tier preservation. According to PCGS, only a handful of examples are known at the MS67 RD level with none finer, making this the ultimate grade ceiling for Philadelphia 1924 cents.

Red-Brown (RB) coins, which show partial oxidation but still retain some original mint luster, create a more accessible collecting tier. MS67 RB examples reach approximately $720 at auction, offering significant value for coins maintaining some original mint color.

Brown (BN) coins having lost all original red color remain most common and affordable. Even in Mint State condition, Brown specimens typically command well under $100, making them an excellent entry point for beginning collectors seeking 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.

 

1924-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1924-D Wheat Penny stands out as a semi-key date with only 2.52 million minted — Denver’s second-lowest Lincoln cent production across all years. Numismatic researchers compare its overall toughness to the 1911-S, another notoriously difficult coin to find in nice condition.

One critical point beginners often overlook: most 1924-D cents were poorly struck, with weak, flat details on Lincoln’s hair and on the wheat stalks. When shopping for a 1924-D, favor examples with crisper detail — a well-struck 1924-D commands a significant premium over a typical weakly struck example even at the same grade level.

Color designation significantly impacts value. Red (RD) specimens command top prices, with PCGS recording an MS65 RD sale at $19,550 in April 2006. Most Red uncirculated pieces grade MS60–64, with MS65 RD or better being genuinely rare. At MS66 RB, only two coins are known graded at that level with none finer at PCGS — demonstrating extreme scarcity in top grades.

Brown (BN) examples are more available, though quite scarce in MS65 or higher. Even well-worn circulated specimens trade at premium prices due to the date’s overall rarity, with minimum prices starting around $40 for low-grade examples.

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.

 

1924-S Wheat Penny Value

The 1924-S displays characteristic die polishing lines on Lincoln’s cheek, resulting from overused dies at the San Francisco Mint. Like the 1924-D, the 1924-S also tends to exhibit weaker strike quality than the Philadelphia issue, so examining the sharpness of Lincoln’s hair detail and the wheat stalks is essential when evaluating any example.

According to PCGS CoinFacts expert Jaime Hernandez, the 1924-S is entirely grade-capped at MS65 — no examples in any color designation are known to grade higher than MS65, making this a true condition rarity with an absolute ceiling. The 1924-S also ranks as the 7th toughest overall coin in the Red designation across all Lincoln cent issues cataloged by PCGS.

Red (RD) coins represent the ultimate rarity. MS65 Red specimens command up to $66,000 due to exceptional scarcity and strong collector demand for original copper luster. 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) coins offer a more accessible alternative, though still commanding premiums in higher grades as cornerstone pieces for serious collections. The 1924-S ranks 9th most difficult among San Francisco cents 1909–1929 in MS65 RB or higher.

Surprisingly, Brown (BN) coins prove extremely difficult to locate across all grades, with MS65 BN examples reaching $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.

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.

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

 

Rare 1924 Wheat Penny Errors List

It is challenging to confirm a specific error on a coin without professional authentication, as varieties are often unique to a specific mint and date. While a coin might appear unusual, many factors like post-mint damage or wear can mimic errors. Always use at least 10x magnification when searching for varieties on your 1924 wheat penny.

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

A Doubled Die (DDO = Doubled Die Obverse; DDR = Doubled Die Reverse) error occurs when a die receives multiple impressions from a hub that are slightly misaligned. It results in a distinct doubling of the design elements, such as the date, lettering, or Lincoln’s profile — and this doubling is not due to wear.

For the 1924 series, a documented DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) exists with doubling visible on the wheat stalks and in the words “ONE” and “OF AMERICA.” Values for confirmed examples range from $20 to $100 depending on condition, with sharply struck examples in higher grades commanding the strongest collector premiums.

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

A Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error occurs when the mint mark punch was applied more than once at slightly different positions, leaving a ghosted or doubled mint mark 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 is recognized on CONECA’s prestigious Top 100 RPM list at position #14, making it a significant variety for serious 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 variety visible under 10x magnification, though it carries minimal premium over standard 1924-D values at this time.

3. Off-Center Strikes

An off-center error happens when the planchet (blank coin) is not correctly fed into the coining press. The strike is misaligned, leaving a portion of the design missing and a blank crescent of metal visible.

The value is determined by the percentage of the coin that is off-center — a greater displacement typically means a higher premium. Off-center 1924 wheat pennies are rarely encountered, and any confirmed example should be evaluated by a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC before sale.

4. Die Breaks (Cuds)

A die break, or “cud,” is a raised, featureless blob of metal on the coin’s surface. It forms when a chunk of the die itself fractures and breaks away during the minting process. The cud appears along the rim where the break happened and lacks any design detail. Larger cuds are more dramatic and valuable than smaller ones.

5. Planchet Errors

This category encompasses flaws in the metal blank before striking. It includes laminations (metal peeling or flaking due to impurities in the bronze alloy), clipped planchets (a crescent-shaped missing section from a misfeed in the blanking machine), and cracked planchets. These errors originate from the preparation of the metal strip or the blanking process.

6. Die Polishing Lines

These are fine hairline scratch-like lines visible on the coin’s surface. They are caused by abrasive polishing of a worn die to remove defects or rust before reuse — the lines are then transferred onto every coin struck by that die thereafter. They are most commonly found on the cheek and jaw of Lincoln’s portrait on wheat pennies.

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

7. Strike Quality (Weak vs. Sharp Strike)

While not a “mint error” in the traditional sense, strike quality dramatically affects value on the 1924-D and 1924-S. Both mint mark varieties are known for producing weakly struck specimens with flat, soft detail on Lincoln’s hair and on the reverse wheat stalks.

A sharply struck 1924-D or 1924-S with crisp, well-defined details is considerably scarcer than a typical example and commands a meaningful premium even within the same grade. Always examine Lincoln’s hair above the ear and the lettering of “ONE CENT” on the reverse to assess strike quality before purchasing.

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 have attracted counterfeiters, and knowing what to look for protects your investment.

The most common fakes involve adding a “D” or “S” mint mark to a common Philadelphia coin. Examine the field (background) surrounding the mint mark for patches of discolored metal, inconsistent patina, or faint tool marks — genuine mint marks are part of the coin’s original surface, not additions.

A specific warning for the 1924-S: some known Chinese forgeries use an incorrect reverse die that features a distinctive chip on one wheat ear. Comparing your coin’s reverse against reference images of genuine examples can expose fakes made from wrong dies.

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 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?

A 1924 Wheat Penny’s value varies dramatically by mint mark and condition. Philadelphia mint coins (no mint mark) range from about $0.15 in circulated grades up to $38,238 for an MS67 Red specimen. The scarce 1924-D commands a minimum of $40 for low grades and over $500 for uncirculated examples. The 1924-S falls in between for circulated coins but surpasses both in top grades, with MS65 Red examples reaching $66,000. Always check your coin’s color (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown) in addition to grade, as this greatly affects price.

2. Is there a proof grade 1924 Wheat Penny?

The U.S. Mint did not strike proof Lincoln cents for collectors in 1924. Regular circulation strikes were produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Proof coin production for Lincoln cents was sporadic during this era and would not resume regularly until 1936. Any coin claimed to be a “proof” 1924 wheat penny should be treated with extreme skepticism.

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

The mint mark on a 1924 Wheat Penny is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, directly below the date “1924.” Philadelphia mint coins have no mint mark, Denver mint coins display a “D,” and San Francisco mint coins show an “S.” This small letter is the single most important detail for determining value, as the Denver variety can be worth many times more than the Philadelphia version in the same grade.

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

The 1924-S is entirely grade-capped at MS65 according to PCGS — no example in any color has ever been graded higher. This absolute ceiling, combined with the coin’s 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 enormous collector demand for the few top-grade examples that exist. The $66,000 auction record reflects this grade-rarity dynamic rather than raw mintage alone.

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

The 1924-S RPM-001 (RPM stands for Repunched Mint Mark) is a variety where the “S” mint mark was punched into the die twice at slightly different positions. It appears on CONECA’s Top 100 RPM list at position #14, making it an officially recognized and significant variety. In circulated grades like EF (Extremely Fine), documented sales show RPM-001 examples selling for 1.5x to 2x the standard 1924-S base value. Identifying it requires at least 10x magnification to see the tell-tale ghost impression from the first mint mark punch.

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

Both the 1924-D and 1924-S are known for producing weakly struck specimens — meaning the design details are flat and mushy rather than sharp and crisp. This was a characteristic of the minting practices at those facilities in 1924. A sharply struck 1924-D or 1924-S with well-defined hair detail on Lincoln’s portrait and crisp lettering on the reverse is considerably scarcer than a typical weakly struck example and commands a meaningful collector premium even within the same official grade.

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

Counterfeit 1924-S coins exist, with some Chinese forgeries using wrong reverse dies identifiable by a distinctive chip on the wheat ear. Examine the field around the mint mark for signs of tampering — discoloration, rough texture, or inconsistent patina can indicate an added mint mark. For any coin valued over $200, authentication by PCGS or NGC (typically $20–$75) is strongly recommended before buying or selling. Never purchase a high-grade 1924-D or 1924-S without a PCGS or NGC certification holder.

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

Uncirculated copper coins like the 1924 wheat penny are graded not just by wear, but also by how much of their original copper color they retain. Red (RD) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original bright copper luster and commands the highest premiums. Red-Brown (RB) means between roughly 5% and 95% of original luster remains — a mid-tier category. Brown (BN) means the coin has completely toned to a natural brown from exposure and age, commanding the lowest prices. For the 1924-S specifically, even Brown specimens are rare and valuable due to the coin’s overall scarcity.

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

Absolutely not — cleaning a coin destroys its numismatic value. Professional graders at PCGS and NGC can immediately identify a cleaned coin, and cleaned coins are labeled as “details” grades rather than standard grades, cutting their value by 50% or more compared to unaltered examples. Even coins that look dirty or dull should never be polished, washed with chemicals, or rubbed. Simply store your coin by its edges in a non-PVC flip or certified holder, and let a professional assess it as-is.

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

The 1924 wheat penny has shown consistent long-term appreciation, particularly in higher grades. According to market research, certified MS-65 Red examples from the 1920s routinely sold for $20–$50 in 2014 but now fetch $50–$200 or more — a meaningful gain over a decade. 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. For new collectors, Philadelphia examples offer an affordable entry point; for investors, certified high-grade 1924-D and 1924-S Red coins have historically outperformed lower grades significantly.