1947 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1947 wheat penny emerged from World War II’s aftermath, marking a significant turning point as the first post-war coin restored to original bronze composition after wartime “cartridge” coins of 1944-1946 made from recycled ammunition casings.

With peacetime prosperity, these pennies were quickly circulated, making pristine examples valuable today. The 1947-D variety commands the highest prices, reaching $13.68 in mint state, while the regular Philadelphia mint penny tops at $11.60.

The 1947 wheat penny embodies America’s transition from wartime sacrifice to post-war abundance.

 

1947 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

The value of a 1947 wheat penny varies significantly depending on its mint mark and preservation condition, with the finest examples commanding substantially higher prices than their common circulated counterparts.

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 1947 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The market structure of the 1947 Wheat Cent coin is characterized by regular coins occupying the top three positions, with mint mark variations creating distinct value tiers.

A 1947-S MS68 at $26,400 leads all coins, representing a 22% premium over the comparable Philadelphia MS67 at $21,600. Denver mint coins show inconsistent patterns: the MS67 reaches $18,000 while the theoretically superior MS68 trades at only $9,000, suggesting either market timing anomalies or population scarcity effects.

Error varieties occupy a secondary market position. The DDO FS-101 scaling from $748 (MS64) to $3,055 (MS67)—a 4x increase across three grade points. The RPM FS-504 MS67 at $1,350 trades below the equivalent grade DDO, indicating collector preference hierarchy within error types.

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

 

History Of The 1947 Wheat Penny

The 1947 wheat penny represents the restoration of normalcy after World War II. This coin belongs to the Lincoln Wheat cent series, which began in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

The design, created by sculptor Victor David Brenner, features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, giving the coin its popular nickname.

The 1947 penny holds special significance as it marked the return of the original bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) used from 1909-1942, after the wartime “shell case” pennies of 1944-1946 made from recycled ammunition shells. This restoration symbolized America’s transition from wartime sacrifice to peacetime prosperity.

Struck in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the 1947 penny witnessed unprecedented demand for circulating currency essential for rapid economic expansion and increased consumer spending.

When many pennies were quickly put into circulation to keep pace with the thriving economy, making pristine examples challenging to find today. This wheat penny thus embodies both the end of wartime austerity and the beginning of America’s golden economic era.

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

 

Is Your 1947 Wheat Penny Rare?

For instant rarity verification of any wheat penny in your collection, use our CoinValueChecker App to get real-time rarity scores and market data.

 

Key Features Of The 1947 Wheat Penny

The Obverse Of The 1947 Wheat Penny

The portrait of Abraham Lincoln that appears on the obverse of the 1947 penny is the work of an artist named Victor David Brenner.The obverse features Lincoln in profile, facing the right side of the coin. The version on the 1947 Wheat penny differs slightly from the original. Lincoln’s cheek and coat are both smoother.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed above the portrait, curving parallel to the upper coin edge. To Lincoln’s left is the word “LIBERTY”, while the date appears lower on the right-hand side.

Pennies struck in Denver or San Francisco will have a mint mark below the date. Denver coins are marked with a “D” and San Francisco ones with an “S”. If there’s no letter at all, the coin was struck in Philadelphia.

The Reverse Of The 1947 Wheat Penny

The reverse of the 1947 Wheat penny shows two ears of durum wheat. The stylized representations curve up either side of the coin, flanking the denomination. The latter is inscribed in large letters in the center of the coin.

Below the denomination are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. And at the top, arching parallel to the upper edge, are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The phrase is Latin for “From the many, one”, a reference to the genesis of the country as a union of states.

The very first Lincoln pennies had Brenner’s initials on the reverse. But they were considered too bold, as if the artist were advertising his wares. Production was halted early in 1909, and the initials were removed, before being reinstated on the obverse nine years later.

Other Features Of The 1947 Wheat Penny

The 1947 Wheat penny measures 19 millimeters in diameter and weighs 3.11 grams. It’s made of 95 per cent copper, with the remaining weight comprised of tin and zinc.

The high copper content means that the color of individual coins can vary significantly. When new, copper is a rich red tone, but that dulls to brown with handling and exposure to the air.

Copper coins fall into one of three color categories: red, red and brown, and brown. Red coins must be red over at least 95 per cent of their surface area. Red and brown examples are red over between 5 and 95 per cent of their surface. And coins with less red than that count as brown.Generally speaking, red coins are considered most desirable by collectors.

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

 

1947 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1947 wheat penny production shows distinct regional variations, with Denver leading at 194.75 million coins (40.2% of total production), followed closely by Philadelphia at 190.55 million while San Francisco produced significantly fewer at 99 million coins (20.4%).

Survival data shows that the survival rates of all three mints are extremely low, with the San Francisco Mint having the highest survival rate, at just 0.0131%. The Philadelphia and Denver Mints, despite their high production numbers, have only 7,000 and 9,000 pieces remaining. This extremely low survival rate reflects the most coins were severely worn by frequent commercial transactions.

The chart of the surviving distribution confirms this inverse relationship between mintage and survival: San Francisco’s 13,000 survivors represent nearly 45% of all existing 1947 wheat pennies, despite accounting for only 20.4% of original production.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia and Denver coins only account for 24% and 31% of the extant 1947 wheat pennies. The survival gap reveals how geographical and economic contexts shaped numismatic preservation.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1947 Wheat Penny Value

While understanding mintmarks, conditions, and error varieties is essential, pinpointing your coin’s exact value requires precision. The CoinValueChecker APP instantly evaluates your 1947 wheat penny by analyzing its specific characteristics against current market data. Simply photograph your coin, and receive a professional assessment within seconds—no guesswork needed.

Whether you’re verifying a potential treasure or cataloging your collection, this tool provides the accurate, up-to-date valuations that serious collectors and curious finders alike depend on for informed decisions.

 

1947 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The 1947 wheat penny was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities, each identifiable by its distinctive mint mark location.

• 1947 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Philadelphia Mint
• 1947-D Wheat Penny – Denver Mint
• 1947-S Wheat Penny – San Francisco Mint

Philadelphia coins bear no mint mark. Denver’s “D” and San Francisco “S” mint mark appears below the date. The San Francisco variety commands the highest collector premiums due to its lower mintage.

Each variety reflects regional economic demands during America’s post-war boom, with mint marks serving as crucial identifiers for collectors determining rarity and value. Understanding these distinctions helps collectors properly attribute and evaluate their 1947 wheat pennies.

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

 

1947 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

With over 190 million coins produced, yet only around 7,000 survive today. Despite being common in lower grades, pristine uncirculated examples remain challenging to find. Notably, no proof versions were produced in 1947, as the U.S. Mint focused on essential circulating coinage and war medal production from 1943-1949.

The 1947 Philadelphia wheat penny holds unique historical significance. This coin marked the return to the original bronze composition of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc after the wartime “shell case” pennies of 1944-1946, making it the first post-war penny to restore the pre-1943 alloy.

These coins are divided into three grades based on their color. Red (RD) coins are the most valuable, with only three examples certified by PCGS in the top grade of MS67+. The latest auction record for an MS67+ RD coin, as of January 19, 2025, is $21,600. Brown (BN) coins are the most numerous, with an MS64 brown coin fetching a record $2,128 in 2005. Reddish-brown (RB) coins fall in between.

These price variations across color designations and grades reveal the detailed auction history that shapes current market valuations for this post-war penny.

Market activity shows collector interest in this historically significant variety has demonstrated consistent strength.

 

1947-D Wheat Penny Value

The Denver Mint’s production of the 1947-D Wheat Penny surpassed that of the Philadelphia Mint, with 194.75 million minted. The similar mintage indicate widespread demand for coins across the country after the war.This represented the beginning of the mints’ role in a larger production role in the United States’ expanding economy.

Like its Philadelphia’s version, these coins were quickly utilized in daily transactions during the period of high economic activity, making pristine uncirculated examples with strong strike quality and original red luster particularly valuable.

Red (RD) retain over 95% of their original copper luster, with one MS67+RD selling for $18,000 on December 18, 2022. Moderately oxidized reddish-brown (RB) coins in excellent condition can fetch thousands of dollars. Brown (BN) coins in MS60 sold for $1,380 in 2009, but the vast majority of brown fetch less than face value.

The comprehensive sales history of this Denver variety provides valuable insights into pricing trends and grade distribution patterns within the post-war wheat penny series.

Market activity for this high-mintage issue demonstrate how condition rarity can drive value appreciation even among commonly available dates.

 

1947-S Wheat Penny Value

The 1947-S wheat penny stands out as the lowest mintage among the three varieties, with only 99 million coins produced, making it comparatively scarcer than its Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. Due to its lower production volume, uncirculated examples from San Francisco are generally more sought after and command slightly higher prices.

These coins circulated during a period of rising American industry and population migration to the West Coast. Thus, the 1947-S Wheat penny stands as a monetary testament to the economic and social transformation of the postwar American West.

Red (RD) coins command the highest prices, exemplified by an MS68RD that sold for $26,400 in January 2025. Current red valuations span from $1 at MS60 to $200 at MS67, this price will continue to change. Red-brown (RB) coins with partial oxidation typically trade lower, such as an MS66RB example that achieved $200 in a 2023.

Historical  auction data provides collectors with pricing benchmarks across all three color categories and condition levels.

Market activity reflects the coin’s collectible value.

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

 

Rare 1947 Wheat Penny Error List

While the 1947 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a common, mass-produced year, it still contains some valuable errors. These errors primarily include Double Die Errors (DDOs) and Reprint Mint-marks (RPMs), offering collectors the opportunity to discover rare examples within common dates. The value of an error depends on the severity of the error, its rarity, and the coin’s condition.

1. 1947 DDO FS-101

The 1947 Double Die Obverse error (DDO FS-101) occurs when the working die receives multiple impressions from the master die, each with a slight deviation, resulting in a distinctive “ghosting” effect on the letters and other design elements.

This error primarily manifests as a slight ghosting effect on the obverse letters and numbers. Identifying features include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year numerals, which may appear slightly ghosted or bolded, often requiring magnification for clear detection.

Compared to the renowned 1955 DDO, the 1947 Double Die error is relatively minor. In terms of condition, MS63-MS65 RD grades are the most sought-after. Due to the extremely low incidence of this error, it is a valuable target for error coin collectors. In April 2016, an MS67 RD sold for $3,055.

2. 1947-S/S RPM FS-504

The 1947-S/S RPM FS-504 reprinted mintmark error occurs when the “S” mintmark is repeatedly printed on coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, creating a noticeable overlapping effect. This error occurs due to a mint operator’s error when striking the mintmark, resulting in the mark being struck multiple times in slightly offset positions.

The error is characterized by an overlapping or “S/S” effect, with one “S” positioned above or beside the other on the right side of the obverse. The error is most noticeable under high magnification, where a clear overlapping outline can be seen.

Of all RPM variants, the FS-504 is relatively distinct and easy to identify. According to auction records, an MS67 RD grade has sold for $1,350. The moderate rarity of this error, representing a very small percentage of the San Francisco Mint’s 1947 production, makes it a popular choice for RPM collectors.

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

 

Where To Sell Your 1947 Wheat Penny?

Once you’ve identified valuable 1947 wheat pennies in your collection, the next question is where to sell them for the best price. I’ve evaluated the leading online marketplaces where collectors buy and sell coins, breaking down what each platform offers.

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

 

1947 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1947 Wheat Penny

1. Are 1947 wheat pennies considered key dates?

No, 1947 wheat pennies are not traditional key dates since all three mints produced large quantities. However, they become valuable through condition rarity – finding examples in MS67+ grades is extremely difficult due to poor storage and handling over 75+ years.

The 1947 series demonstrates “condition census” collecting, where common dates become valuable purely through exceptional preservation. While millions were minted, only a handful survive in superb condition, creating scarcity that drives prices into the thousands for top-grade examples.

2. What is the error on a 1947 penny?

The most notable errors on 1947 pennies include the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) FS-101 and the Repunched Mintmark (RPM) FS-504 on San Francisco mint coins. The DDO FS-101 shows doubling on obverse elements like “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date, created when the working die received multiple misaligned impressions from the master hub.

The 1947-S/S RPM FS-504 displays a re-punched “S” mintmark where the original mintmark was punched multiple times in slightly different positions, creating an overlapping “S/S” effect. Other possible errors include off-center strikes, die cracks, and planchet flaws, though these are less systematically catalogued than the major DDO and RPM varieties.

3. Is a penny from 1947 worth anything?

Most 1947 pennies are worth only face value in circulated condition, but uncirculated examples and error varieties can be valuable. Regular 1947 Philadelphia pennies in MS65 condition typically trade for $15-30, while high-grade MS67+ examples can reach thousands of dollars.

The key is exceptional preservation – MS67 and MS68 specimens have sold for $18,000-26,400 at auction. Error varieties add significant premiums: 1947 DDO FS-101 coins range from $748 in MS64 to over $3,000 in MS67, while the 1947-S/S RPM FS-504 has reached $1,350 in MS67 grade. Even common 1947-S and 1947-D pennies can be worth $1-5 in uncirculated condition, making them worth checking for grade and variety.