1941 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1941 wheat penny holds a special place in American numismatic history as one of the last pure copper coins before wartime metal shortages, minted during the pivotal year when Pearl Harbor thrust America into World War II. With more than 1 billion Lincoln Wheat Pennies manufactured across all three mints that year, these coins represent the final moment of peacetime abundance before copper conservation would dramatically alter U.S. coinage forever.

Despite their massive production numbers, 1941 wheat pennies offer surprising value opportunities for collectors. Common circulated examples start modestly—ranging from just 22 cents for a worn 1941-S to 38 cents for a 1941-D in good condition. However, the real excitement lies in higher grades, where mint state examples can reach $17 for a 1941-D or $15 for a pristine 1941-S. The crown jewel remains the 1941 proof penny, with only 21,100 specimens struck, commanding $141 in proof condition and representing the exclusive collector’s edition from this historic year.

 

1941 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

Top 10 Most Valuable 1941 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The 1941 wheat penny market demonstrates a clear grade-driven pricing structure, with premium specimens (MS67-68) commanding exponentially higher values than average grades. Premium examples in pristine condition have created a lucrative niche market where condition reigns supreme over rarity alone.

The Philadelphia Mint produced millions of these coins, yet finding specimens in exceptional preservation remains remarkably challenging. Focus your efforts on acquiring professionally graded examples above MS65, as these represent the sweet spot between accessibility and long-term appreciation potential. The dramatic price jumps between grade levels—from hundreds to thousands of dollars—underscore why proper authentication through established grading services becomes non-negotiable.

Current market conditions favor patient collectors who understand timing and quality assessment. Unlike volatile stock markets, numismatic investments in premium Lincoln cents have shown consistent growth patterns over decades. The key lies in recognizing that today’s expensive MS67 specimen often becomes tomorrow’s bargain when viewed through a 10-year investment lens.

 

History of the 1941 Wheat Penny

The 1941 wheat penny holds a unique place in American numismatic history as one of the last copper cents minted before World War II dramatically changed coinage forever. These pennies were struck during one of the most pivotal years in American history, with production continuing even as the attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the nation into global conflict.

Part of the beloved Lincoln Wheat series that began in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the 1941 pennies maintained the classic design featuring Lincoln’s profile by Victor David Brenner on the obverse and distinctive wheat stalks on the reverse. The Philadelphia mint produced an enormous 887 million regular strikes plus 21,100 proof coins, while Denver contributed 128.7 million and San Francisco added 92.4 million pieces.

What makes these pennies historically significant is their timing. They represent the end of an era—within two years, copper shortages caused by wartime demands would force the mint to produce steel pennies in 1943. The 1941 pennies were among the last to contain 95% copper, making them not just collectible coins but tangible links to America’s pre-war period.

This historical context, combined with their role as transitional pieces before wartime metal rationing, has made 1941 wheat pennies particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate both their numismatic value and historical significance.

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

 

Is your 1941 Wheat Penny Rare?

For precise rarity assessment and current market valuation of your 1941 wheat pennies, our CoinValueChecker APP offers professional-grade analysis with real-time pricing data.

 

Key Features of the 1941 Wheat Penny

The 1941 Wheat cents are a part of one of the most popular series in the US. They appeared in 1909 after President Theodore Roosevelt decided to advance American coinage artistically. Thanks to Victor Brenner, these coins got the obverse appearance still in use, while the US Mint changed the reverse depending on the occasion.

The Obverse of the 1941 Wheat Penny

Like all other pennies, those minted in 1941 depict Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse side. Designer Victor D. Brenner placed the LIBERTY on the left, behind the President’s back. The number 1941, representing the minting year, is on the right side, in front of the centrally positioned image.

Pieces from all mints except Philadelphia have the mint mark below the date. Besides, all pennies minted this war year have the designer’s initials discreetly tucked into the bust’s lower edge. Finally, the composition is framed with IN GOD WE TRUST from above.

The Reverse of the 1941 Wheat Penny

The 1941 pennies are a part of the Wheat series, meaning they show two wheat stalks on the reverse. They surround two inscriptions divided into four lines: ONE, CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Besides, you can see the E PLURIBUS UNUM motto struck above.

Interestingly, Brenner initially wanted to depict tree branches on the reverse, but that design was too similar to the French coins’ look. Therefore, then Mint Director Frank Leach asked for a different solution.

There was one more problem with the original reverse design. Brenner placed too sizable initials on this coin side, and they were quickly removed under public pressure. They appeared on the obverse only in 1918, so you can see them in cents minted in 1941.

Other Features of the 1941 Wheat Penny

The 1941 cent with wheat stalks on the reverse is a round one-cent coin made of copper alloy. Its thickness is 1 mm (0.03937 inches), while its diameter is 19.05 mm (1.75 inches). This plain-edged coin weighs 3.11 g (0.10970 ounces).

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

While Philadelphia’s massive 887 million coin production suggests abundance, with the brutal 0.0017% survival rate. These pennies experienced the harsh reality of wartime circulation, with most succumbing to wear and loss over eight decades.

From a series perspective, 1941 holds special significance as a pre-war transition year, making it historically important within the wheat cent lineage. The collecting difficulty varies dramatically by condition—common grades remain accessible, while mint state examples challenge. Investment potential looks promising, particularly for the San Francisco mint’s higher survival rate specimens and the remarkable 52% proof survival rate, which creates interesting market dynamics.

Collection strategy should focus on condition over variety for newcomers. The striking survival rate differences between regular strikes and proofs highlight why understanding population reports is crucial for serious wheat penny investing.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1941 Wheat Penny Value

Condition assessment demands understanding the Sheldon grading scale, where surface preservation, original luster, and color designation (red, red-brown, or brown) dramatically impact value. Professional grading services evaluate surface quality, luster retention, and the number of contact marks, with even tiny nicks potentially dropping mint state grades significantly. 

For preliminary assessment, tools like our CoinValueChecker APP help identify potential issues before investing in professional grading services.

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

 

1941 Wheat Penny Value Guides

1941 Wheat Penny Varieties:

• 1941 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1941-D (Denver)
• 1941-S (San Francisco)
• 1941 Proof (Philadelphia)

The 1941 wheat penny was produced at three U.S. mint facilities, each creating distinct varieties identifiable by their mint marks. Philadelphia produced the vast majority without mint marks, while Denver and San Francisco coins bear “D” and “S” designations respectively. The limited proof production of just 21,100 coins makes these specially struck specimens the most sought-after variety among collectors today.

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

 

1941 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1941 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny was produced by the Philadelphia Mint with a record-breaking mintage of 887,018,000 coins, accounting for 80% of the historic 1.108 billion total that marked the first time in U.S. history any coin exceeded one billion pieces in a single year. This massive Philadelphia production was the driving force behind this milestone achievement, as the combined Denver and San Francisco mints contributed only 221 million coins.

While most circulated examples are worth only 10-50 cents, uncirculated specimens can range from a few dollars to over $50 for MS-65 grade coins with full red color, with exceptional MS-68 grade examples having sold for as much as $25,312 at auction.

Auction houses have consistently recorded impressive sales for premium examples of this wartime penny.

Market activity shows sustained trading interest as collectors recognize the significance of this milestone coin in American numismatic history.

 

1941-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1941-D Wheat Penny was struck by the Denver Mint with a production of 128,700,000 coins, making it the middle-tier mintage among the three 1941 varieties. What sets this coin apart is its remarkably low survival rate in uncirculated condition, with only an estimated 8,000 specimens.

In terms of value comparison, an MS67-graded 1941-D commands approximately $850, while the Philadelphia equivalent sells for around $400, and San Francisco examples fetch $875. Most remarkably, on January 2, 2023, an MS68RD specimen achieved a record $6,600 on eBay, and PCGS had certified nearly 1,000 examples in MS-66 Red by November 2011, demonstrating its exceptional presence in high-grade collections. According to price guides, superb gem specimens (MS-67, MS-68, MS-69) can potentially reach values up to $15,000, solidifying its position as a cornerstone piece for collectors.

The following auction history demonstrates how collectors value different grades of this Denver penny.

Beyond individual sales, the broader market activities show sustained collector interest in this Denver-minted issue.

 

1941-S Wheat Penny Value

The 1941-S Wheat Penny stands out as one of the last pure copper coins before wartime metal shortages, with San Francisco Mint producing only 92,360,000 pieces—the lowest mintage among the three facilities that year.

Composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc/tin, weighing 3.11 grams with a 19mm diameter, this coin features Victor D. Brenner’s iconic Lincoln portrait.

A rare minting error exists where the final digit “1” in the date leans slightly left, valued around $300. High-grade red specimens command premium prices: MS-67 examples reach $180, while MS-66 grades fetch $41. 

Premium examples regularly exceed expectations at major auctions.

This San Francisco issue maintains consistent appeal among wheat penny enthusiasts.

 

1941 Proof Wheat Penny Value

The 1941 Proof Wheat Penny represents the year’s exclusive collector edition, with Philadelphia Mint striking only 21,100 specially crafted specimens using polished dies and carefully selected planchets for collectors. Unlike the massive production of regular strikes that year , proof coins feature mirror-like surfaces with matte finishes achieved through specialized striking processes.

Chart comparisons reveal dramatic value differences: red specimens command the highest premiums with PR67 reaching $4,800, while red-brown PR67 achieves $2,070, and brown PR65 only $82. Heritage Auctions set a remarkable record of $28,200 for a PR67 red specimen in 2013, demonstrating the substantial premium collectors pay for these meticulously produced coins over their circulation counterparts.

Grade progression shows explosive price jumps at premium levels, with top specimens shattering expectations.

Collector-focused proofs maintain consistent auction presence, reflecting their specialized appeal

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

 

Rare 1941 Wheat Penny Error List

The 1941 wheat penny holds special value among collectors, particularly examples with minting errors.

1941 Doubled Die Obverse Error

The 1941 Doubled Die Obverse stands as one of the most recognizable minting errors in wheat penny collecting, created by a Class I counterclockwise hub rotation during production at the Philadelphia Mint. This mechanical error produced distinctive doubling patterns, with the most pronounced effects visible in the “BER” portion of “LIBERTY” and extending to “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date’s “4” digit. The doubling creates a characteristic shadow effect that remains visible to collectors without magnification.

Three distinct doubled die types exist for 1941, but Type 1 (FS-101) remains the most sought-after and valuable. Professional grading services recognize this as a major variety, with specimens commanding substantial premiums over regular 1941 pennies.

Pricing varies dramatically based on preservation quality. Lower-grade MS62BN examples sell around $288, while premium MS66 Red specimens have achieved $9,200 at Heritage Auctions.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1941 Wheat Penny?

Now that you understand your 1941 penny’s true market value, the key question becomes finding the right selling platform to turn that knowledge into maximum profit. Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

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

 

1941 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about 1941 Wheat Penny

1. What makes a 1941 Wheat Penny rare?

The 1941 pennies are common and relatively affordable coins in lower grades. However, high-ranking pieces and a few well-known errors can be rare, increasing their value to a few thousand dollars.

2. How much are the 1941 Wheat Penny (No Mint mark) worth?

Wheat pennies minted in 1941 are relatively affordable coins, but their prices vary depending on their surface color and overall condition. So, you can find one brown penny for $0.05 to $3.60, while red-brown pieces are worth $2 to $15.

On the other hand, the most collectible red specimens come in a price range from $3 to $138, except for those with the MS 68 grade. Their price can go over $3,500.

3. What is the most pricey Lincoln cent?

• 1943 S MS 63 bronze brown penny – $504,000
• 1944 S MS 66 steel penny – $408,000
• 1943 MS 62 bronze brown penny – $372,000
• 1958 MS 64 RD DDO penny – $336,000
• 1909 PR 67+ VDB penny – $258,500