1933 Wheat Penny Coin Value: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

1933 Wheat Penny value ranges from $0.01 face value to $52,800. That record was set by a Grade 68 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 collectors are paying today.

 

1933 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

Here’s what 1933 wheat pennies are selling for right now, broken down by grade and mint mark.

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 1933 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The coin sitting at the top of this list is a 1933 MS68RD that hammered for $52,800 at Heritage Auctions on January 19, 2025. That’s a Depression-era copper cent worth more than a new truck. According to PCGS CoinFacts, fewer than three dozen Philadelphia strikes have even been certified in MS67RD — so an MS68 is basically a unicorn.

Look at the jump between MS66 and MS67 in the chart. Values don’t just climb — they explode. That’s what happens when you’re talking about a handful of surviving coins at each grade level.

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

 

History of the 1933 Wheat Penny

By 1933, America was drowning in the Great Depression. Unemployment hit roughly 23%. An estimated 4,000 banks failed that year alone. Demand for coins had collapsed compared to the roaring 1920s.

The crisis gutted production across every denomination. No nickels, dimes, quarters, or silver dollars were minted at all in 1933. Only a small number of half dollars and gold coins were produced alongside the cent.

Despite all that, the U.S. Mint still struck approximately 20.5 million Lincoln cents: 14,360,000 at Philadelphia and 6,200,000 at Denver. San Francisco sat the year out entirely due to economic constraints.

Here’s a fun detail: on April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102, banning private hoarding of gold coins and bullion. Violations carried a penalty of up to $10,000 or ten years in prison. That order famously led to the destruction of nearly all 1933 Double Eagle gold coins — and it captures just how chaotic things were for American money that year.

I think of 1933 as the last year of the “early era” for wheat cents. The penny board — those collector folders that encouraged saving coins by date and mint mark — became widely popular shortly after 1934. That means post-1933 issues were saved in far greater numbers from the start. High-grade 1933 survivors are genuinely scarcer than later dates because of that timing.

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

 

Is Your 1933 Wheat Penny Rare?

Here’s what might surprise you: the Denver coin had a lower mintage but actually has more estimated survivors than the Philadelphia issue. That’s because collectors and the Treasury Department made it easy to hoard 1933-D cents (more on that below). So “lower mintage” doesn’t automatically mean “harder to find.” The real rarity kicks in at gem grades, where both varieties get tough fast. Check the chart — once you’re above MS66RD, population numbers drop off a cliff.

For detailed rarity analysis of your specific coins, use our Coin Identifier and Value App to instantly assess comparative scarcity levels across different grades and conditions.

 

Key Features of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Knowing what to look for on a 1933 cent helps you grade accurately, spot varieties, and figure out if your coin is worth real money.

The Obverse of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Lincoln’s right-facing profile dominates the obverse — the same Victor David Brenner design that had been running since 1909. By 1933, this portrait had survived World War I, the roaring twenties, and now the Depression. Twenty-four years of continuous use.

Look below Lincoln’s shoulder near the rim. You’ll find Brenner’s initials “VDB,” restored to that spot in 1918 after being controversially removed from the original 1909 design.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” arches along the top. “LIBERTY” sits to the left of Lincoln’s portrait. “1933” appears on the right side. On Denver coins, the “D” mint mark shows up directly below the date.

The Reverse of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Flip it over and you’ll see two durum wheat stalks framing the reverse. The individual kernels and stems show nice detail on well-struck examples — both the Philadelphia and Denver mints kept up quality despite reduced production schedules.

“ONE CENT” sits front and center. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs below it. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curves along the top edge.

Other Features of the 1933 Wheat Penny

The 1933 penny is 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc. Each coin weighs 3.11 grams and measures 19 millimeters across.

That copper composition means the surface changes color over time through oxidation. Coins range from original bright red to full brown, with red-brown stages in between. PCGS and NGC use three official color designations — RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown). These labels have a huge impact on value, especially in Mint State grades. A coin graded MS66BN and one graded MS66RD can be worlds apart in price.

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

 

1933 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia struck 14,360,000 pieces. Denver struck 6,200,000. You’d expect more Philly coins to survive — but the opposite is true.

Only about 4,300 Philadelphia examples are estimated to exist today versus 6,000 Denver specimens. That’s a survival rate of 0.0299% for Philly and 0.0968% for Denver. To put it another way, roughly 3 out of every 10,000 Philadelphia cents made it to the present day.

Why the flip? According to a notice in the June 1934 issue of *The Numismatist*, collectors could buy two-coin allotments of 1933-D cents directly from the Treasury Department for face value plus postage. That kind of easy access meant far more Denver coins were tucked away in Mint State condition from the start.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1933 Wheat Penny Value

Figuring out what your 1933 wheat penny is worth comes down to a few things. Check Lincoln’s hair definition, the separation between his cheek and jaw, wheat stalk sharpness, and overall surface quality. Bag marks and contact marks knock grades down fast.

Color makes a massive difference. RD means 95% or more original mint-red color survives — that’s the money designation. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% red remains. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red is visible. In higher Mint State grades, the gap between BN and RD pricing is enormous.

For accurate assessment of your 1933 wheat penny’s grade and potential value, use our Coin Identifier and Value App for instant professional evaluation.

 

1933 Wheat Penny Value Guides

Two varieties exist for 1933, based on mint of origin.

• 1933 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny — Struck at Philadelphia Mint
• 1933-D Wheat Penny — Struck at Denver Mint

Philadelphia struck 14,360,000 pieces without a mint mark, while Denver produced 6,200,000 coins bearing the distinctive “D” mint mark below the date. No San Francisco mint pennies were produced in 1933 due to the economic constraints of the Great Depression.

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

 

1933 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

Most people assume the Philadelphia issue is common because of its 14,360,000 mintage. It’s not — at least not in nice condition. Harsh Depression-era economics meant many of these coins sat in Treasury vaults for years before finally entering circulation.

Most examples you’ll find show sharp, well-defined strikes. Some pieces struck from worn dies toward the end of production runs show softness, but Philadelphia was generally the better-striking mint of the two in 1933.

Color is where the money is. Brown (BN) examples sold for $336 in MS66 condition. Red-Brown (RB) specimens commanded $399 at the same grade in 2018. Full Red (RD) pieces? That’s a different league entirely. The all-time auction record — $52,800 for an MS68RD example — was set at Heritage Auctions on January 19, 2025. We think it’s one of the most impressive Depression-era copper sales in recent memory.

The comprehensive auction record chart below details the complete sales history across all grades.

Current market activity reflects collector interest in this Depression-era issue.

Market activity score: 69/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 24 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 72 (Dec 2025).

 

1933-D Wheat Penny Value

Did you know the 1933-D introduced a completely new mint mark? Denver switched to a larger “D” puncheon this year, replacing the smaller letter used on earlier cents. The only other Denver coin to use this new punch in 1933 was the Oregon Trail Half Dollar Commemorative. From 1933 forward, all Denver cent obverses carried this Large D exclusively. That’s a neat variety detail worth knowing.

With a mintage of just 6,200,000 pieces, the 1933-D is one of the scarcer Denver issues in the whole wheat series. But here’s the catch: it’s not particularly hard to find in circulated grades or even lower Mint State levels. The Greysheet (CDN) notes that the real challenge starts at gem levels. MS66RD examples are scarce. Full Red MS67 coins are genuinely rare — a consequence of being a pre-1934 branch-mint issue from an era when nobody was routinely saving Denver cents.

The all-time record for the 1933-D stands at $12,900, achieved for a PCGS MS67+RD example sold at David Lawrence Rare Coins on November 4, 2018. A more recent MS67+RD example reached $24,000 in 2025, showing strong continued demand for top-pop survivors.

The detailed auction performance data below tracks historical sales across various grades.

Current market activity demonstrates strong collector demand for this Denver mint issue.

Market activity score: 61/100 as of Oct 2026 — up 10 points from Jul 2026. 12-month peak: 74 (Dec 2025).

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

 

Rare 1933 Wheat Penny Error List

The 1933 Lincoln cents were generally well-made. But several known error varieties exist, and they can be worth a lot more than standard coins. These are absolutely worth cherrypicking.

One thing to know upfront: the 1933 penny does not have a famous major doubled die like the 1955 or 1958 issues. No widely recognized doubled die obverse (DDO) has been confirmed for this date. That said, new doubled dies get discovered every year — so always check your coins under magnification.

1. BIE Error

This is one of the most fun minor varieties in the entire Lincoln cent series. A small die crack forms between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY on the obverse. The crack looks like a capital “I,” making the word appear to read “LIBIERTY.”

Lincoln series specialists actively hunt BIE errors by date. A 1933 BIE cent is worth approximately $5 to $10 depending on how prominent the crack is and the coin’s overall condition. Check every 1933 cent you find — these are easy to miss if you’re not looking.

2. Off-Center Strike Errors

You get an off-center strike when the planchet isn’t properly centered under the die at the moment of impact. Part of the design disappears, and what’s left gets pushed to one side.

Value depends on two things: how far off-center the strike is and whether the date survived. Less than 10% off-center? That’s worth $10 to $20. A dramatic 50% or more off-center — with the date still readable — can bring well over $100.

3. Grease Struck-Through Errors

These happen when excess die lubricant gets trapped between the die and planchet during striking. The grease blocks part of the design from transferring, leaving blurry or missing elements on the finished coin.

You’ll see areas where inscriptions or design features look washed out or incomplete. The bigger and more dramatic the affected area, the more the coin is worth. Struck-throughs covering major elements like Lincoln’s portrait or the date command the best premiums.

4. Rim Cud Errors

A rim cud forms when a chunk of the die’s rim breaks away. Metal flows into that void during striking, creating a raised blob along the coin’s edge.

Size matters here. A big, dramatic cud covering a significant portion of the rim is worth considerably more than a tiny one. These are eye-catching errors that display well in a collection.

5. Lamination Errors

When impurities in the copper alloy prevent proper bonding, the coin’s surface can crack, peel, or flake. Since the 1933 penny is solid copper (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), these are called lamination errors — not “missing clad” errors, which only apply to modern clad coins.

Look for peeling, flaking, or cracked areas on the surface. You might see a raised blister or a thin layer separating from the coin’s body. More dramatic separation means higher value.

6. Clipped Planchet Errors

This error happens when the blanking punch strikes too close to a previously punched hole in the metal strip. The result is a planchet with a curved bite taken out of its edge.

You end up with a coin that’s visibly incomplete along one section of the rim. Collectors like these, and they trade well above standard prices. Bigger clips bring bigger premiums.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1933 Wheat Penny?

Now that you understand the value of your 1933 wheat pennies, are you wondering how to sell these Depression-era treasures? Don’t worry — we’ve compiled expert storage techniques, authentication tips, and market timing strategies specifically for maximizing your 1933 wheat penny investment potential.

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

 

1933 Wheat Penny Market Trend

Market interest: 3,700 collectors tracking this coin as of Oct 2026 — up 1,000 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

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

 

FAQ about the 1933 Wheat Penny

1. Is a 1933 penny rare?

Moderately scarce is the better term. Philadelphia made 14,360,000 and Denver struck 6,200,000 — about 20.5 million total, which was low for the era thanks to Depression economics. Survival rates of 0.0299% for Philadelphia and 0.0968% for Denver show real scarcity, but these aren’t true key dates in the wheat cent series.

2. Why is a 1933 penny so expensive in top grades?

Timing is everything. Many 1933 cents sat in Treasury vaults for years before being distributed. The penny board craze didn’t take off until after 1934, so nobody was actively pulling 1933 cents from circulation and saving them. That means far fewer gem survivors exist today compared to later dates. Everything had to go right — original storage, minimal contact marks, preserved red color — for a coin to reach MS67 or MS68.

3. How much is a 1933 penny worth in 2025?

Circulated examples run about $0.50 to $2. Entry-level Mint State coins start around $15 to $20. At the top end, a 1933 MS68RD sold for $52,800 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Color designation drives pricing hard: BN examples trade for hundreds in gem grades, RB pieces bring moderate premiums, and full RD coins command the highest values.

4. What is the difference between a 1933 and a 1933-D wheat penny?

Look below the date. Denver coins have a “D” mint mark there. Philadelphia coins have nothing. The 1933-D is the scarcer variety with 6,200,000 struck versus 14,360,000 for Philadelphia, and it commands higher values in premium grades. The 1933-D also introduced a new, larger “D” mintmark style at the Denver Mint — a variety detail that knowledgeable collectors appreciate.

5. What does the color RD, RB, or BN mean on a 1933 wheat penny?

These are the official color designations PCGS and NGC use for copper coins. RD (Red) means 95%+ original red color survives — most valuable. RB (Red-Brown) means 5–95% red remains. BN (Brown) means less than 5% red is left, and it’s the most common designation on circulated coins.

For a 1933 MS66 example, the difference between BN ($336) and RD ($336+) can be dramatic — and that gap widens sharply in MS67 and MS68 grades.

6. Are there any major doubled die errors on the 1933 wheat penny?

No. No major doubled die obverse (DDO) has been confirmed for 1933 as of 2025. It doesn’t have a famous error like the 1955 DDO or the 1943 copper cent. Minor varieties exist, including BIE die cracks (worth $5–$10) and some die deterioration doubling. New varieties turn up regularly, so always check under 10x magnification.

7. What is a BIE error on a 1933 penny and what is it worth?

It’s a vertical die crack between the “B” and “E” in LIBERTY that looks like the letter “I” — making it read “LIBIERTY.” Lincoln cent specialists actively collect these by date. A 1933 BIE error penny is worth approximately $5 to $10 depending on the visibility of the crack and the coin’s condition.

8. What makes an off-center 1933 penny valuable?

Two factors: how far off-center the strike is and whether the date is still visible. Less than 10% off-center brings about $10 to $20. At 50% or more off-center with the date intact, you’re looking at over $100. If the date got pushed off the coin entirely, most error collectors lose interest.

9. Should I get my 1933 wheat penny graded by PCGS or NGC?

Only if the coin looks uncirculated or shows a potential error. Slabbed coins sell for significantly more than raw ones in higher grades, so the grading fee pays for itself quickly on nice pieces. For circulated 1933 cents worth $1–$5, the grading fee exceeds the coin’s value. But if your coin has original luster and minimal contact marks, submitting to PCGS or NGC is a smart move.

10. Is there a 1933-S wheat penny?

Nope. San Francisco didn’t strike any Lincoln cents in 1933. Your only two options are Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). No nickels, dimes, quarters, or silver dollars were struck at any mint in 1933 either — the cent and a small number of half dollars and gold coins were the only denominations produced.