1925 Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

In 1925,  after years of striking wheat pennies in extremely large numbers, the U.S. Mint began slowing down production in all three mints during this time. with a cumulative total of 188,909,000 Lincoln cents made across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.

This marked reduction in mintage makes 1925 cents increasingly sought-after by collectors. The San Francisco variety proves most challenging to locate in superior condition, as this coin is readily available in circulated condition but examples become scarce in higher grades.

This guide will help you understanding the factors that determine coin’s value—from mintmarks and condition to rare varieties and errors—help you determine if you’re holding a common cent or a valuable treasure worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

 

1925 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

This value chart illustrates how the worth of 1925 wheat pennies varies significantly based on their mint mark and condition, with higher grades commanding substantially more value than circulated examples.

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)

 

History Of The 1925 Wheat Penny

The 1925 penny emerged during America’s “Roaring Twenties,” a period of unprecedented economic prosperity and cultural transformation. President Calvin Coolidge had just begun his full term in office following Warren G. Harding’s death, ushering in an era of business-friendly policies and consumer optimism.

By 1925, Victor David Brenner’s wheat cent design had replaced the Indian Head penny sixteen years earlier. The coin witnessed significant technological and social changes—radio broadcasting was transforming communication, motion pictures were becoming America’s favorite entertainment, and consumer credit was fueling a buying boom that would ultimately contribute to the 1929 stock market crash.

The 1925 penny holds particular significance as it marked a transitional period in American coinage production. The Mint was beginning to reduce output after years of massive wartime and post-war production increases.

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

 

Is Your 1925 Wheat Penny Rare?

For instant rarity assessment of your wheat pennies across all years and mint marks, the CoinValueChecker App provides comprehensive rarity rankings and current market valuations.

 

Key Features Of The 1925 Wheat Penny

The Obverse Of The 1925 Wheat Penny

That shows the portrait of Abraham Lincoln that has been gracing the penny for over a century. It depicts Lincoln’s head and shoulders in profile, with the former president facing to the right as the coin is viewed.

Brenner’s initials along the bottom of the portrait. On the earliest 1909 pennies they appeared instead on the reverse. They were considered too prominent there, however, and were removed later that year. They were reinstated on the obverse in 1918.

The  phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above the image of Lincoln. To its left is the word “LIBERTY”, while the date is to the right.

Pennies struck in Denver or San Francisco have mint marks, while those from Philadelphia do not. If you have a Denver coin, there’ll be a small “D” beneath the date. A San Francisco penny will have a small “S” in the same spot.

The Reverse Of The 1925 Wheat Penny

The reverse of the 1925 penny was also created by Victor David Brenner.Brenner designed the two ears of durum wheat, they form a frame around the edges of the coin, with the ”ONE CENT” in large lettering in the center. Below it, in smaller font, is the country name.At the top, arching parallel to the upper coin edge, is the Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. That means “From the many, one”.

Other Features Of The 1925 Wheat Penny

The 1925 wheat penny  measures exactly 19.00 millimeters in diameter, making it slightly smaller than a modern dime, the penny weighs 3.11 grams.The composition consists of 95% copper with the remaining 5% split between tin and zinc.

This high copper content makes the coins particularly susceptible to environmental oxidation over time, explaining why original red examples command significant premiums nearly a century later.The coin features a plain edge without reeding, maintaining the smooth rim that characterizes all Lincoln cents.

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

 

1925 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1925 wheat penny production data shows Philadelphia dominating with nearly 140 million coins, while Denver and San Francisco minted significantly fewer at 22.6 million and 26.4 million respectively. The Philadelphia Mint’s output was approximately three times of the combined output of the Denver and San Francisco Mints, creating a distinct production hierarchy.

Current estimates of surviving coins reveal significant differences in preservation patterns between coins. Denver maintains 1,750 high-grade specimens, in contrast, the Philadelphia Mint minted the most coins, but only 5,500 survive. Reflects the wear and tear of circulating coins from daily use.

Survival rates are not proportional to mintage volume. The Denver has the highest survival rate, approximately double the Philadelphia’s 0.0039%. The San Francisco has only 450 coins remaining, resulting in an extremely low survival rate of 0.0017%.This highlights the significant impact of regional circulation patterns and collector behavior on long-term preservation, contributing to the current rarity advantage of the San Francisco.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1925 Wheat Penny Value

While understanding mintmarks and condition grades is essential, getting an accurate valuation requires expertise. The CoinValueChecker APP simplifies this process by providing instant, professional assessments based on current market data.

Simply photograph your 1925 wheat penny, and the app analyzes its condition, mintmark, and rarity to deliver a reliable value estimate. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovered an old coin, CoinValueChecker offers the expert guidance you need without the guesswork.

 

1925 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The 1925 wheat penny series consists of three distinct varieties, each identified by their mint mark location beneath the date.

• 1925 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value – Philadelphia Mint production
• 1925 D Wheat Penny Value – Denver Mint production
• 1925 S Wheat Penny Value – San Francisco Mint production

Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark and represent the highest mintage at nearly 140 million pieces. Denver-minted coins display a small “D” and were produced in quantities of 22.6 million. San Francisco specimens feature an “S” mint mark with 26.4 million coins struck.

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

 

1925 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1925 No Mint Mark wheat penny, struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a massive 139.9 million mintage. While abundant in circulated grades, these coins become scarce in high Mint State conditions due to weak strikes and extensive circulation.

The 1925 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny’s uniqueness lies not in its rarity but in its collectible value, driven by its ”condition rarity”. Because this mintage was so common, few collectors sought it at the time, and those that survived in uncirculated condition are incredibly rare. Consequently, the price of a coin with an MS-65 grade or higher can be tens of times higher than a circulated one.

Auction data reveals $506 for an MS67 RB example in 2003 and $6,300 for an MS67+RD specimen in January 2025. It demonstrates both the coin’s scarcity in top condition and growing collector demand.

These auction records demonstrate the coin’s performance across different market periods and collector demand.

Current market activity reflects sustained collector interest in high-grade examples, particularly those retaining original red surfaces.

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

 

1925-D Wheat Penny Value

The Denver Mint produced a total of 22.58 million 1925-D Wheat Pennies, accounting for only about 12% of the total production that year. Due to the extremely low survival rate, only more than a thousand of these coins remain today.

The 1925-D Wheaten penny isn’t a standout among the Lincoln cents, but those in top condition command high value. Their auction performance in top condition demonstrates strong collector demand for mint-quality coins.

Red examples dominate the market with the auction record of $74,750 for an MS66RD specimen in September 2009, with the catalog noting only two MS-66 RD examples are known to exist. The Brown achieved its record with an MS66BN specimen selling for $2,233 in August 2016. These prices reflect the 1925-D with extraordinary preservation could commands high premiums.

These auction records chronicle the historical performance of 11925-D Wheat Penny across major numismatic auction houses .

The market activity data reflects current trading volume and collector engagement levels for different 1925-D Wheat Penny varieties in today’s numismatic marketplace.

 

1925–S Wheat Penny Value

In 1925, due to the Mint’s reduced production, the San Francisco version of the 1925-s wheat penny with 26.38 million coins minted, only 450 pieces surviving.

This is because the San Francisco Mint produced coins primarily for the rural West, where they were used much more frequently than in other areas, causing coins to wear out more quickly. Therefore, a high-quality uncirculated 1925-S Penny is often worth much more than other coins of the same grade simply because it is much more difficult to find.

This San Francisco issue often suffers from weak minting, especially in Lincoln’s cheek area and wheat ear details, making well-preserved examples exceptionally challenging to locate.Coins graded MS65 and higher are rare and rarely appear at auction.

On September 2015, an MS65RB grade coin sold at auction for $6,463. while Red specimens achieved the record-breaking $54,625 for an MS65RD coin in May 2005, representing the highest graded 1925-S penny known with only fourteen examples certified at this grade.

These auction records illustrate collector demand across different preservation levels.

The following figure is a market activity chart of this coin.

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

 

Rare 1925 Wheat Penny Error List

Beyond its common coin lies a rare mint errors. For the 1925-S issue, two varieties stand out, fiercely sought by specialists for their dramatic features and historical significance. These errors transform a humble cent into a numismatic treasure, where value is dictated by the clarity of the mistake and the quality of preservation.

1. 1925-S DDO FS-101

This is a  Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error. It occurred when a working die received two misaligned impressions from a single hub during the hubbing process, transferring this doubling onto every coin struck by that flawed die.

This error type manifests as visible doubling of design elements on the obverse, particularly noticeable on Lincoln’s profile, the date digits, and lettering in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Identification requires careful examination under magnification, as the doubling can range from subtle to pronounced depending on the specific die state.

While not the rarest variety, high-grade, problem-free examples are scarce and command strong demand. An MS65BN example sold for $1,116 in June 2016, while Red examples remain extremely scarce with limited auction appearances.

2. 1925-S/S RPM FS-501

This is a classic Re-punched Mintmark (RPM) error. It was created when a mint worker attempted to punch an “S” mintmark into a working die, struck it incorrectly, and then punched it again in the correct position without fully removing the first errant impression. The result is a distinct secondary “S” visible, best seen under magnification.

The variety demonstrates collector appeal due to its clear error mechanism and historical significance in documenting pre-mechanized minting processes. Grading standards follow normal protocols, though specimens preserving sharp repunching details in higher mint state conditions become increasingly valuable.

An MS64RD specimen sold for $1920 in March 2018, establishing this variety as a moderately priced entry point into 1925-S error collecting. The FS-501 designation indicates this as the primary re-punched mintmark variety for the year, with sufficient examples known to maintain steady collector interest.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1925 Wheat Penny Worth Money

This chart reveals the hierarchy of 1925 wheat penny values based on actual auction records from 2008 to present. The 1925-D MS66 leads at $74,750, followed by the 1925-S MS65 at $54,625, demonstrating how mintmark and grade combinations determine market value.

The substantial price gaps between grade levels—such as the 1925-S dropping from $54,625 at MS65 to $18,213 at MS64—highlight the critical importance of preservation quality in determining wheat penny values.

Notable entries include the 1925-S/S RPM FS-501 MS64 error variety at $1,920, showing that mint errors can command significant premiums even in lower mint-state grades. The data illustrates clear grade sensitivity, with values dropping substantially between MS65 and MS64 levels across all varieties.

 

Where To Sell Your 1925 Wheat Penny?

Now that you understand your 1925 wheat penny’s value, you’ll want to know the best places to sell these coins online. I’ve researched the top platforms for selling wheat pennies, including their features, advantages, and limitations to help you make informed decisions.

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

 

1925 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1925 Wheat Penny

1. What to look for in a 1925 penny?

When examining a 1925 penny, focus on these key identification points:

• Mintmark Location: Check beneath the date for mint identification—no mintmark indicates Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco.
• Strike Quality: Look for weak areas, particularly around Lincoln’s hair details, jawline, and the wheat ears on the reverse, as 1925 pennies often suffer from weak strikes.
• Color Designation: Assess copper preservation—Red (95%+ original luster), Red-Brown (5-95% red), or Brown (less than 5% red remaining).
• Error Varieties: Examine for doubled die obverse features, repunched mintmarks (especially S/S), or off-center strikes that can significantly increase value.
• Surface Condition: Check for cleaning, scratches, environmental damage, or PVC contamination that can reduce grades and values.

2. How to Identify the Grade of 1925-S DDO FS-101?

Grading the 1925-S DDO FS-101 requires evaluating both the coin’s physical condition and the error’s visibility:

• Error Prominence: Assess doubling strength in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date—stronger doubling typically correlates with higher collector interest regardless of base grade.
• Surface Preservation: Apply standard Lincoln cent grading criteria, focusing on Lincoln’s cheek, jaw, and hair details for wear assessment.
• Strike Quality: Determine if design elements are fully formed despite the doubling error—weak strikes can mask doubling visibility.
• Luster Assessment: Evaluate mint luster retention, as DDO varieties in mint state with original surfaces command substantial premiums.
• Field Condition: Examine fields for bag marks, scratches, or contact marks that could lower the technical grade despite the error’s desirability.

The error itself doesn’t change grading standards—a worn DDO will grade lower than a mint state example, though both carry significant premiums over regular 1925-S cents.

3. What year is the most valuable penny?

The very finest examples of pennies from any mintage can be worth a lot of money. But the steel wartime cents produced for a single year in 1943 are particularly highly sought after by collectors.

And the auction record was for a 1943 penny struck in error on a bronze planchet. That sold in January 2021 for an astonishing $840,000.