1929 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1929 wheat penny holds a unique place in American numismatic history as one of the last coins minted before the Great Depression transformed the nation. With approximately 275 million pennies produced across three mints that year, many of these copper coins circulated through the hardest economic times in American history.

This widespread circulation during such a pivotal moment gives these wheat cents both historical significance and collecting appeal that extends far beyond their modest face value. Top-grade specimens command significantly higher prices, with Mint State examples reaching $215.00 for Denver coins and $175.20 for San Francisco issues.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the 1929 wheat penny value. We will explore a bit of the coin’s history, its unique features, and how much it is worth in the circulated and uncirculated condition.

 

1929 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

The 1929 wheat penny demonstrates significant value variations across different mint marks and preservation levels. 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 1929 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The auction record hierarchy for 1929 wheat pennies reveals a dramatic concentration of value within the highest preservation levels, with San Francisco specimens dominating the premium tier.

The extraordinary $36,000 achieved by a 1929-S MS67 specimen demonstrates how condition rarity transforms common mintage coins into serious numismatic treasures, while the $18,600 record for an MS66 example shows substantial collector competition even one grade lower.

Denver mint specimens hold their own in the value rankings, with the $11,400 MS66 example reflecting strong demand for this lowest-mintage variety.

The data reveals significant grade sensitivity across all three mints, where single grading point differences can multiply values exponentially—from hundreds to thousands of dollars between adjacent grades.

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

 

History Of The 1929 Wheat Penny

The 1929 wheat penny emerged during a pivotal moment in American history, representing the final year of the prosperous “Roaring Twenties” before the Great Depression transformed the nation’s economic landscape.

The United States Mint produced a total of 277,140,000 pennies in 1929 across three facilities, with no proof coins manufactured since the Mint had suspended proof production from 1916 to 1936. This substantial mintage reflected the continued economic confidence of early 1929, before the stock market crash of October would signal the end of an era.

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 185,262,000 wheat pennies in 1929 without mint marks, representing roughly two-thirds of the total production for that year. The Denver Mint contributed 41,730,000 coins bearing the “D” mint mark—the lowest mintage among the three facilities in 1929—while San Francisco produced about 50,148,000 pennies marked with “S.”

Besides, these 1929 coins maintained the traditional wheat penny composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, continuing the design legacy established in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s centennial.

The historical significance of 1929 pennies extends beyond their monetary value, as these coins became witnesses to one of America’s most dramatic economic transitions. Many 1929 cents entered active circulation and experienced heavy use during the challenging years that followed, making well-preserved specimens particularly valuable to collectors today.

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

 

Is your 1929 Wheat Penny rare?

Determine the precise rarity classification and current market status for your wheat penny variety with our CoinValueChecker App‘s detailed wheat cent analysis.

 

Key Features of The 1929 Wheat Penny

Recognizing these specific design elements and physical attributes will enhance your ability to distinguish authentic 1929 specimens from other wheat penny years and assess their condition properly.

The Obverse Of The 1929 Wheat Penny

The obverse or head side of the 1929 wheat penny features the right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. This portrait takes up the majority of the coin’s surface.

The words IN GOD WE TRUST appear at the top above Lincoln’s head and along the coin’s inner rim. Meanwhile, the word LIBERTY is shown on the left behind the president’s back, while the date appears to the right of the portrait.

The Reverse of The 1929 Wheat Penny

The reverse of the 1929 wheat penny features a simple design showcasing two wheat leaves, one on the left and the other on the right. The coin’s denomination, ONE CENT, appears prominently in the middle of the coin, followed by the country’s name, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Besides, the motto, E PLURIBUS ENUM, is shown at the top around the coin’s inner rim.

Other Features Of The 1929 Wheat Penny

The 1929 wheat penny measures 19.00 millimeters and weighs 3.11 grams. It is made of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc.

The coin has a plain edge, and you will notice a mint mark S or D on the obverse underneath the date. The 1929 wheat pennies with the mint mark S or D were struck in San Francisco and Denver, respectively; those minted in Philadelphia do not have an identifying mint mark.

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

 

1929 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1929 wheat penny production figures reveal significant disparities between the three minting facilities that operated during this final year of the Roaring Twenties. Survival Distribution Chart shows Philadelphia dominated production with over 185 million coins, while Denver and San Francisco contributed substantially smaller but still considerable quantities to meet national circulation demands.

Despite the massive original mintage totaling over 277 million pieces, current survival data presents a strikingly different picture. The Philadelphia mint’s 185,262,000 coins have yielded only approximately 5,600 known survivors, representing a mere 0.003% survival rate. Denver’s production of 41,730,000 pieces shows a slightly better preservation rate at 0.0053%.

These remarkably low survival rates underscore the heavy circulation these 1929 pennies experienced during the Great Depression era, when economic hardship meant coins remained in active use rather than being preserved. The dramatic difference between mintage and survival figures demonstrates why well-preserved 1929 wheat pennies command significant premiums today.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1929 Wheat Penny Value 

Your 1929 wheat penny’s value ranges from a few cents in worn condition to $50 or more for well-preserved examples, with mint mark varieties potentially worth even higher. Depression-era circulation heavily impacted most coins, making condition assessment crucial for accurate pricing.

Lincoln’s hair sharpness, wheat stalk clarity, and color designation determine whether you have a common circulated piece or a premium collector specimen. The 1929-D and 1929-S varieties with weak strikes add valuation complexity.

For immediate and accurate condition assessment of your 1929 wheat penny, use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly determine grade and current market value.

 

1929 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The final year of the Roaring Twenties produced three fascinating wheat penny variants, each bearing witness to America’s last moments of economic prosperity before the Great Depression transformed the nation. Production across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities created distinctly different collecting opportunities, from the massive Philadelphia output to Denver’s notably smaller contribution.

Comprehending these facility-specific differences enables collectors to make informed decisions when building date sets, pursuing condition rarities, or identifying undervalued opportunities in today’s marketplace.

1929 Wheat Penny Types:

• 1929 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1929-D Wheat Penny (Denver)
• 1929-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco)

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

 

1929 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The Philadelphia Mint’s massive production of 185,262,000 wheat pennies in 1929 makes this the most common variety, though finding premium examples requires careful selection due to heavy circulation during the Depression era.

According to population data, the 1929 wheat penny can be purchased affordably up to MS65 condition, but becomes scarce in MS66 with hundreds of examples still existing, while MS67 scarce in less specimens command significantly higher prices.

Color designation dramatically affects valuation across all grades, with Brown (BN) examples representing the most affordable entry point. Professional institution values brown pennies up to VF25 at $1 each, with gem quality MS65 brown examples valued at $55 and MS66 specimens reaching $100. Red-Brown (RB) coins show similar pricing patterns until MS66, where they command approximately $250 compared to their brown counterparts.

Red (RD) specimens represent the pinnacle of 1929 Philadelphia penny collecting, with their original copper luster intact. According to auction record stands at $5,581 for an MS67+ Red specimen sold through Heritage Auctions in April 2014.

Recent auction activity demonstrates sustained collector interest in premium examples.

The Philadelphia variety maintains steady market activity among collectors.

 

1929-D Wheat Penny Value

The Denver Mint’s production of 41,730,000 wheat pennies in 1929 represents the lowest mintage among the three facilities, creating enhanced collector demand for this semi-key date.

The dramatic impact of preservation becomes evident when examining current market values across different conditions. While heavily worn circulated examples trade for modest premiums around $0.35 to $20, uncirculated specimens command substantial collector interest with MS66-graded coins reaching $400 or more based on recent market activity.

Color designation creates significant value stratification, with Red (RD) examples commanding substantial premiums over Brown (BN) and Red-Brown (RB) counterparts due to their superior eye appeal and original copper luster retention. According to auction records, the peak achievement occurred in January 2025 when an exceptional MS66+ Red specimen realized $11,400 at Heritage Auctions, establishing a new benchmark for this semi-key Denver variety.

Historical auction data demonstrates the sustained premium commanded by 1929-D wheat Penny examples across all grade levels.

Market activity reflects the 1929-D’s status as a condition-sensitive issue with sustained collector interest.

 

1929-S Wheat Penny Value

San Francisco’s modest production of approximately 50,148,000 wheat pennies in 1929, with moderate to heavy die erosion affecting most surviving specimens and creating significant value premiums for sharply struck examples, yet strike quality challenges from deteriorating dies make premium examples exceptionally difficult to locate.

PCGS population data reveals the true condition rarity of this variety, with approximately 600 examples known in MS65 condition and only about 100 specimens certified at MS66 grade, while no examples have been confirmed at MS67 or higher.

The auction record demonstrates extraordinary potential, as Heritage Auctions achieved $18,600 in 2022 for an exceptional MS66+ Red specimen, establishing this variety’s position among serious condition rarities.

Exceptional specimens have commanded impressive prices at major auction houses, reflecting the coin’s reputation among advanced collectors.

Market activity demonstrates strong collector appreciation for this West Coast variety with particular enthusiasm.

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

 

Rare 1929 Wheat Penny Error List

Errors can sometimes increase a coin’s value. But not all errors are desirable, knowing which errors to look for can help you identify 1929 wheat pennies worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

1. 1929-S/S RPM FS-501 Errors

The 1929-S/S RPM FS-501 represents a significant repunched mintmark variety within the San Francisco wheat cent series. This error occurred during die preparation when San Francisco Mint workers manually punched the “S” mintmark twice, creating overlapping impressions with the secondary “S” positioned distinctly from the primary strike.

The FS-501 designation identifies specific characteristics of this repunching pattern, distinguishing it from other 1929-S repunched mintmark varieties within the comprehensive cataloging system.

Authentication focuses on the visible separation between primary and secondary “S” impressions, with magnification revealing the underlying mintmark’s distinct positioning relative to the stronger, final strike.

Population data reveals extreme scarcity across all preservation levels and color designations. The auction record shows $295 for an MS64BN specimen sold in January 2019, establishing baseline values for this specialized variety.

The 1929-S series itself presents additional collecting challenges, as above MS64 it is very scarce making high-grade RPM specimens exceptionally rare within the broader Lincoln cent error market.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1929 Wheat Penny?

To ensure you receive top dollar for your valuable 1929 wheat penny, explore our comprehensive comparison of today’s most trusted selling venues.

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

 

1929 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1929 Wheat Penny

1. How Rare Is A 1929 Wheat Penny?

The 1929 wheat penny is not rare; the U.S. Mint struck more than 200 million of these coins, making them relatively common, especially in circulated condition. You can still come across a reasonably priced 1929 wheat penny, even in uncirculated condition. Gem-quality wheat pennies from 1929 are rare, given that many of these coins were struck using weak, worn dies. It might be worth a fortune if you are lucky enough to come across or own a flawless, fully red 1929 wheat penny.

2. What Makes A 1929 Wheat Penny Valuable?

The 1929 wheat penny is generally worth more or less its face value. Generally, collecting this coin is not profitable unless you come across one in mint state. Uncirculated, mint state or gem-quality wheat pennies from 1929 can fetch you more than their face value, with fully red examples known to bring hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Wheat pennies with errors such as re-punched mint mark, off-center or doubled-die can also be valuable.

3. How Much Does A 1929 Wheat Penny Weigh?

A 1929 wheat penny is a relatively small coin weighing 3.11 grams and measuring 19.00 millimeters in diameter. Knowing a coin’s real dimensions is important to avoid counterfeits.