1933 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1933 penny serves as an accessible entry point for collectors interested in Depression-era wheat cents, offering affordability across both major varieties.

Philadelphia examples are valued at $1.68 in Good condition and $121.83 in Mint State, while Denver issues reach $111.67 in top grades. As a relatively common date with substantial production, the 1933 penny provides collectors with an affordable option.

This accessibility, combined with reasonable pricing across all grades, has made it a popular choice among both beginning and experienced numismatists seeking to fill this date in their collections.

 

1933 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

The following value chart provides current market estimates for 1933 wheat pennies in different conditions, with prices varying significantly based on the coin’s 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 ranking reveals the extraordinary value potential within 1933 wheat penny collecting, with prices spanning from $40 for entry-level mint state examples to an astounding $52,800 for the finest known specimen.

The chart demonstrates how condition and mint mark dramatically impact value. Notable is the significant jump between MS66 and MS67 grades, where values increase exponentially as preservation quality reaches gem levels.

The top position belongs to a 1933 MS68 example that achieved $52,800, showcasing how exceptional preservation of Depression-era copper can create museum-quality rarities.

The substantial price differences between adjacent grades emphasize the critical importance of accurate condition assessment when evaluating these historically significant coins from America’s most challenging economic period.

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

 

History of the 1933 Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Wheat penny series began in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt ordered the new Lincoln cent to commemorate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, designed by Victor David Brenner. The coin featured Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse, earning it the nickname “wheat pennies”.

By 1933, America was deep in the Great Depression’s grip. With the Great Depression plunging America into the depths of an unemployment scene not experienced before or since, 1933 was a terrible year economically and the demand for coins simply wasn’t there like it had been in previous years.

The economic crisis severely impacted coin production, as 1931, 1932, and 1933 each marked a time when at least one non-gold denomination was not struck at all.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. Mint produced approximately 20.5 million Lincoln cents in 1933: 14,360,000 at Philadelphia and 6,200,000 at Denver, with no San Francisco production that year due to economic constraints.

The timing and economic circumstances of 1933 created a unique situation where many coins weren’t immediately released into circulation, later becoming sought-after collectibles.

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

 

Is Your 1933 Wheat Penny Rare?

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

 

Key Features of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Familiarizing yourself with the features of the 1933 cent helps to identify unique specimens, grade your cents accurately, and discover Lincoln cents worth money.

The Obverse of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Abraham Lincoln’s profile graces the 1933 penny’s obverse, showcasing Victor David Brenner’s design that had weathered economic prosperity and decline since 1909.

By 1933, this portrait had appeared on American currency through World War I, the economic prosperity of the 1920s, and into the Great Depression, representing twenty-four years of continuous production.

Brenner’s initials “VDB” remain discreetly positioned below Lincoln’s shoulder near the rim, having been restored to this location in 1918 after the controversial removal from the original 1909 design.

The familiar inscriptions maintain their traditional placement: “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches along the upper edge, “LIBERTY” stands boldly to the left of Lincoln’s portrait, and “1933” marks on the right side. The mint mark, when present on Denver issues, appears directly below the date.

The Reverse of the 1933 Wheat Penny

Two carefully detailed wheat stalks embrace the 1933 penny’s reverse, displaying Brenner’s detailed botanical design that had been standard for the series since 1909.

The durum wheat ears show clear definition in their individual kernels and stems, demonstrating the Philadelphia and Denver mints’ continued commitment to quality despite reduced production schedules.

“ONE CENT” commands attention in the center of the design, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” positioned below in clean, readable lettering. The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curves along the top edge.

Other Features of the 1933 Wheat Penny

The 1933 penny maintains the traditional composition of 95% copper blended with 5% tin and zinc, each coin weighing 3.11 grams and measuring 19 millimeters in diameter.

The copper content results in natural color changes over time due to oxidation and environmental exposure, ranging from original red to brown, with red-brown intermediate stages.

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

 

1933 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1933 wheat penny production was split between two mints, with Philadelphia producing 14,360,000 pieces (No Mint mark) and Denver striking 6,200,000 coins (D mintmark).

Despite the higher Philadelphia mintage, survival data reveals a notable difference: only 4,300 Philadelphia examples are estimated to survive today compared to 6,000 Denver specimens, translating to survival rates of 0.0299% and 0.0968% respectively.

The lower survival rate of Philadelphia coins can be attributed to different preservation patterns, while many Denver mint coins were hoarded by collectors and speculators when released from Treasury vaults years later.

While these survival rates indicate relative scarcity within the Depression-era issues, they represent moderate rarity compared to the series’ true key dates and major error coins.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1933 Wheat Penny Value

Understanding a 1933 wheat penny’s worth requires examining several factors that significantly impact its value. Critical details include Lincoln’s hair definition, cheek and jaw separation, wheat stalk clarity, and overall surface preservation.

Meanwhile, the color difference dramatically affects value, with red specimens commanding significant premiums over their brown counterparts, especially in higher mint state grades.

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

 

1933 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The 1933 wheat penny series consists of two distinct varieties based on their 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

The 1933 No Mint Mark wheat penny represents a significant Depression-era collectible, with Philadelphia Mint producing 14,360,000 pieces during one of America’s most challenging economic periods.

The harsh economic conditions meant these coins weren’t immediately needed for commerce, remaining stored in Treasury vaults for years before being released to collectors and speculators who eagerly hoarded them.

Most examples display sharp, well-defined strikes, though some show softness when produced from worn dies toward the end of production runs.

Color preservation dramatically impacts value across the spectrum. Brown (BN) examples sold for $336 in MS66 condition, Red-Brown (RB) specimens commanded $399 at the same grade in 2018, while pristine full Red (RD) pieces can achieve extraordinary prices, with one exceptional MS68RD example reaching $52,800.

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.

 

1933-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1933-D wheat penny stands as a notable Depression-era collectible with a mintage of just 6,200,000 pieces, representing one of the scarcer Denver productions in the entire wheat series.

Most surviving examples exhibit excellent strikes with crisp detail throughout Lincoln’s profile and the wheat stalks, though securing high-grade specimens becomes increasingly difficult as collectors compete for premium examples.

The dramatic value differences across color categories also tell the story of copper’s natural aging process.

Recent auction records show Brown (BN) examples selling for $285 in MS66 condition, Red-Brown (RB) specimens achieving $1,293 at MS66+ grade, while full Red (RD) pieces command exceptional premiums, with a recent MS67+RD example reaching $24,000 in 2025.

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

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

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

 

Rare 1933 Wheat Penny Error List

The Lincoln pennies of 1933 were generally well-minted. But, there are a few errors in the series and these can be worth significantly more than the standard value. These minting errors are definitely worth hunting down and adding to your collection.

1. Grease Struck-Through Errors

A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet, leaving its impression on the coin. Example of objects that can accidentally entire the minting hub include pieces of thread or strings, strands of hair, specks of metal, and even grease.

In a grease struck-through error, the drops of grease obscure the die so some of the inscriptions and design elements are not fully transferred to the planchet. This results in a coin with a blurry design, with some of the elements partially missing due to the effects of the grease.

2. Rim Cud Errors

A rim cud error occurs when a portion of the die’s rim breaks and falls off, leaving a gap that is eventually filled with metal.

As the die continues striking the planchet, the metal-filled gap around the die’s edge eventually leaves its impression along the planchet’s rim. This results in the formation of a raised bump along the coin’s rim known as a rim cud.

The value of a rim cud error depends on its size and appearance—a large, dramatic rim cud will generally be worth more than a small, understated one.

3. Missing Clad Errors

A missing clad error occurs when the upper layer of a coin cracks and peels off, exposing the underlying copper core. This mostly happens due to the presence of impurities in the alloy during the planchet-making process. The impurities can weaken the alloy such that the upper clad layer does not fully adhere to the copper core, resulting in peeling.

A missing clad layer error can be full or partial—the full version entails the clad layer missing on both sides of the coin while the partial is where the clad layer is missing only on one side of the coin. Partial missing clad layer errors are more common than the full missing clad error.

The value of such an error depends on the extent of peeling—more peeling, lifting or cracking results in a dramatic appearance, making the error more valuable.

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

 

FAQ about the 1933 Wheat Penny

1. Is a 1933 penny rare?

The 1933 penny is considered moderately scarce rather than truly rare. With Philadelphia producing 14,360,000 pieces and Denver striking 6,200,000, the total mintage of approximately 20.5 million was notably low for the era due to Great Depression economics.

While these represent reduced mintage figures compared to previous decades, survival rates of 0.0299% for Philadelphia and 0.0968% for Denver specimens indicate relative scarcity within Depression-era issues, though they rank as moderate rarity compared to the series’ true key dates and major error coins.

2. Why is a 1933 penny so expensive?

The 1933 penny’s value stems from several converging factors tied to the Great Depression.

Economic challenges meant many coins weren’t immediately released into circulation but were stored in Treasury vaults for years before being distributed to collectors and speculators who hoarded them. This delayed release pattern, combined with the already reduced mintage due to decreased coin demand, created scarcity.

Additionally, 1933 marks a transition point in wheat penny collecting, as subsequent years saw increased mintages and greater preservation by collectors, making post-1933 issues generally more common and accessible.

3. How much is a penny from 1933 worth today?

A 1933 penny’s value varies dramatically based on condition and color preservation. Entry-level mint state examples start around $40, while exceptional preservation can reach extraordinary heights. The finest known specimen, a 1933 MS68RD, achieved $52,800 at auction.

Color designation significantly impacts pricing: Brown examples trade for hundreds of dollars in gem grades, Red-Brown specimens command moderate premiums, while full Red pieces achieve the highest values due to their preserved original copper luster from nearly a century ago.