1951 Wheat Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1951 wheat penny was struck during a pivotal moment when America balanced post-World War II prosperity with Korean War challenges. With over one billion coins produced across three mints, these pennies were abundant in circulation but have become increasingly scarce in premium condition.

Most circulated examples ranging from 8 cents for a Denver mint coin in Good condition to $28.67 for Philadelphia specimens in mint state, the true treasures are the proof varieties. Deep Cameo proofs, valued at $390, represent some of the most challenging wheat cents to find with pristine surfaces, with exceptional examples reaching $15,077 at auction.

This dramatic value disparity illustrates how condition and special designations can transform an ordinary penny into a coveted numismatic prize worth hundreds of times its original value.

 

1951 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

The 1951 wheat penny demonstrates how condition dramatically transforms collectible value, with circulated examples worth mere cents while pristine mint state specimens and special proof varieties can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars from serious collectors.

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 1951 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The 1951 wheat penny auction records reveal a striking pattern where condition and production places could create extraordinary value disparities.

The chart demonstrates condition’s paramount importance, with MS67 and MS68 specimens dominating the top positions. Two different MS67 examples achieved $10,350+ values, while the record-holding specimen reached $15,077.

Meanwhile, Denver and San Francisco varieties show competitive performance in top grades, with the 1951-D MS68 achieving $8,100 and the 1951-S MS68 reaching $9,000. This near-parity among mint facilities in premium conditions suggests that ultimate rarity depends more on preservation quality than original mintage figures.

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

 

History Of The 1951 Wheat Penny

The year 1951 marked a pivotal moment in American numismatic history, representing the final decade of Victor David Brenner’s iconic wheat penny design. The Lincoln Wheat Penny series, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, was the first widely circulating coin to feature a United States President. By 1951, this beloved design had become deeply embedded in American commerce and culture.

The historical context surrounding 1951 pennies reflects America’s complex post-World War II landscape. The Korean War, which began in 1950, had created significant economic pressures by 1951, with the Federal Reserve implementing anti-inflationary policies as consumer prices surged almost 20 percent annually by February 1951. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Mint produced over 1 billion combined 1951 wheat penny varieties, marking the 10th highest production year in the series’ history.

Production of 1951 pennies continued across all three operating mint facilities during this turbulent period. Philadelphia struck nearly 285 million coins, Denver produced over 625 million, and San Francisco minted approximately 136 million pieces. The massive production numbers reflected America’s robust economic activity despite wartime uncertainties, as the nation balanced military spending with civilian demand for currency.

The 1951 wheat penny would prove historically significant as part of the series’ final decade. By 1959, Brenner’s wheat design was replaced with Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial reverse design to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, making 1951 pennies among the last generations of this classic American design that had served the nation faithfully for nearly five decades.

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

 

Is your 1951 wheat Penny rare?

Assess the specific rarity tier and market potential of your 1951 penny variety through our CoinValueChecker App‘s comprehensive wheat cent evaluation system.

 

Key Features of The 1951 Wheat Penny

The 1951 wheat penny represents the quintessential Lincoln cent design in its mature form, showcasing Victor David Brenner’s timeless artistry nearly four decades after its original 1909 debut. In 1951, this iconic coin had made of by its traditional 95% copper composition, displaying the familiar warm reddish-brown patina that collectors prize.

The Obverse Of The 1951 Wheat Penny

The obverse of the 1951 Wheat penny shows President Abraham Lincoln. He appears in profile, facing to the right as the coin is viewed.

The portrait was commissioned from an artist named Victor David Brenner. It’s unclear how he was chosen, but it seems likely that President Theodore Roosevelt was involved. Roosevelt strongly supported the idea of a Lincoln coin, and he had sat for Brenner himself.

The first Wheat pennies had Brenner’s initials on the reverse. But some felt that they were too bold, and that the artist was effectively advertising his work. The furore was such that coin production was halted, and it was decided to remove Brenner’s initials altogether.

They were not reinstated for another nine years. But from 1918 onwards, they appeared on the obverse – which is where you’ll find them on the 1951 Wheat penny. You’ll need to look closely to spot them: they’re tucked away discreetly at the bottom of Lincoln’s shoulder.

The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are inscribed above the portrait, while the word “LIBERTY” is to the left. The date appears further down on the right.

The Reverse Of The 1951 Wheat Penny

It’s the design on the reverse that gives the Wheat penny its nickname. It shows two ears of wheat curving up the sides of the coin. And like the obverse, it’s the work of Victor David Brenner.

It wasn’t, however, his first proposal. That had been a design featuring the branch of a tree. But Mint officials spotted a resemblance to French coins of the same era, and sent him back to the drawing board. The ears of wheat were the result.

Their position is such that they frame the center of the coin, where the denomination appears in large lettering.

Above it, in smaller font, the Latin motto “E PLURIBUM UNUM” arches to follow the upper coin edge. It means “From the many, one” and refers to the birth of the nation as a union of states.

Below the denomination, the country name is inscribed over two horizontal lines.

Other Features Of The 1951 Wheat Penny

Like all other Wheat pennies, those struck in 1951 measure 19 millimeters across and weigh 3.11 grams. Turn them on their side, and you’ll see that they have a plain edge.

They’re made of 95 per cent copper, which means that individual coins vary in color. Those that have been handled only rarely will be a warm red shade. But if they’ve been exposed to oxygen in the air, that color will turn to brown.

All other things being equal, collectors will pay more for red coins than red and brown ones. And they’ll pay more for red and brown coins than brown ones.

There is a strict criterion for color grading copper coins. Coins must be red over at least 95 per cent of their total surface area to be graded red. If they’re brown over the same proportion, they’re graded brown. And anything in between is red and brown.

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

 

1951 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1951 wheat penny reveals how massive production numbers can create misleading impressions about long-term collectible availability, with survival patterns that dramatically contradict original mintage statistics.

The mintage comparison reveals Denver’s manufacturing dominance, producing over 625 million coins compared to Philadelphia’s 284 million and San Francisco’s 136 million pieces. This production hierarchy reflected wartime capacity expansions and post-Korean War economic demand, establishing Denver as the primary supplier for national circulation needs.

The survival distribution chart exposes a startling reversal of these production relationships. Despite representing less than 6% of total 1951 mintage, proof coins now dominate the high-quality survivor population. Regular proof, cameo, and deep cameo varieties collectively account for a disproportionate share of premium specimens, while business strikes from all three mints show remarkably low preservation rates.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1951 Wheat Penny Value 

Want to find out how much your 1951 wheat penny is worth? It’s simple — just examine its key wear points, especially Lincoln’s cheek and jaw, which should have no smoothing for higher value. Check the wheat stalks on the back; if the parallel lines remain clear and separated, your coin could be worth more. Careful examination of key wear points that greatly influence its worth, which can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars depending on condition.

The value depends heavily on the coin’s condition and color. Coins with at least 95% red surface are more valuable, especially in mint or uncirculated condition.

Using our CoinValueChecker App, you can quickly get an accurate estimate of your coin’s market value and grade without any complicated analysis.

 

1951 Wheat Penny Value Guides

Post-Korean War copper production reached one of peaks efficiency in 1951, generating six collectible variants. Philadelphia’s dual role produced standard circulation coins alongside meticulously crafted proof specimens, while Denver and San Francisco focused exclusively on meeting massive commercial demand through high-volume business strike operations.

At the same time, proof varieties introduce additional complexity through cameo contrast designations, creating collecting opportunities that range from accessible circulated pieces to investment-grade rarities worth thousands of dollars.

Market dynamics for 1951 varieties depend heavily on preservation quality rather than facility origin, with pristine examples commanding exponential premiums over average circulated specimens.

1951 Wheat Penny Types:

• 1951 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1951-D Wheat Penny (Denver)
• 1951-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco)
• 1951 Proof Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1951 CAM Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)
• 1951 DCAM Wheat Penny (Philadelphia)

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

 

1951 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

Philadelphia’s massive 284.6 million coin production in 1951 created abundant availability across most circulation grades, making no mint mark specimens easily accessible to beginning collectors.

However, this abundance masks the extreme scarcity of premium-condition survivors, where preservation quality becomes paramount. Professional institution certifies the 1951 no mint mark Lincoln cent as very common in MS65 condition or lower, but notes that in MS67 it becomes much scarcer, with collectors able to be selective among varying quality examples.

Struck in traditional 95% copper composition, these pennies display the characteristic warm patina that ranges from bright red in mint state to deep brown after circulation exposure. Current pricing guide shows red specimens valued at $4 in MS60 condition, reaching double figures at MS63, and achieving $26 at the MS65 gem level.

Historical sales data provides essential benchmarks for evaluating this high-mintage variety’s performance across different condition levels.

The marketplace demonstrates consistent engagement from collectors seeking well-preserved examples of this accessible Philadelphia issue.

 

1951-D Wheat Penny Value

Denver’s record-breaking 625.4 million coin production in 1951 established it as the one of highest-volume mint facility in the series. The “D” mint mark positioned below the date identifies these coins from the Colorado facility, which operated at peak capacity during America’s post-Korean War economic expansion., yet this massive mintage paradoxically creates challenges for collectors seeking premium-quality survivors.

Despite abundant original production numbers, professional institution estimates only around 8,400 red and brown specimens survive today, with a similar number of full red examples remaining. This dramatic attrition rate reflects decades of circulation wear that affected the vast majority of Denver’s output.

The ultimate rarities are the two examples certified at MS68, which values at $9,000 each, demonstrating how exceptional preservation transforms common mintage coins into significant collectibles. The auction record stands at $8,100 for an MS68RD specimen, reflecting the premium collectors place on perfect preservation.

Auction records establish clear value parameters for specimens from this record-breaking mintage facility.

Market patterns reflect sustained collector interest in premium-quality Denver examples despite their abundant original production numbers.

 

1951-S Wheat Penny Value

San Francisco’s 136 million coin production made the 1951-S the scarcest regular-issue variety among business strike pennies, continuing the facility’s historical pattern of lower mintage volumes compared to Philadelphia and Denver.

Despite producing fewer coins than other facilities, estimates around 14 million specimens survive at all grades, indicating that the “S” mint mark alone doesn’t indicate a rare coin.

Current market values reflect the combination of lower mintage and condition sensitivity. Collectors often seek red mint-state examples, which range from $3 at MS60 to $325 at MS67, while values an MS67+ specimen at $1,650. The ultimate rarities are two coins certified at MS68, which values at $10,000 each, though no public sales information exists for these specimens.

Market transactions offer concrete evidence of this lower-mintage variety’s competitive positioning within the 1951 series.

Market activity shows consistent interest from date-and-mintmark collectors who recognize the relative scarcity of quality San Francisco specimens.

 

1951 Proof Wheat Penny Value

Philadelphia’s exclusive proof production created 57,500 specially manufactured coins for collectors, these coins were manufactured using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, creating mirror-like surfaces with sharp strike definition that distinguish them from regular business strikes.

The 1951 proof’s historical significance extends beyond its technical excellence, The 1951 Proof coin is a rare collector’s item produced during the Korean War, or to depict its importance as an early stage in the resumption of Proof coin production after World War II.

Since proofs were never intended for circulation, condition generally starts at PR60, with a red proof at that grade valued at $30.

Auction performance demonstrates steady appreciation for these carefully manufactured specimens across all grade levels.

Market dynamics reveal steady participation from proof specialists who recognize the technical superiority of these collector-focused strikes.

 

1951 CAM Wheat Penny Value

The 1951 CAM (Cameo) proof penny created dies produced frosted devices against deeply mirrored background fields.

Professional documentation confirms that the 1951 is one of the most difficult coins to find with Deep Cameo surfaces among all proof Lincoln cents from 1950 to date, with 1951 and 1952 being the scarcest years for Cameo surfaces overall. This extreme rarity stems from the brief production window when dies retained sufficient frost to create the distinctive contrast effect.

The visual appeal of true cameos creates dramatic premiums over regular proofs, as values jump from $350 at PR66 to $1,250 at PR67, with the finest certified PR67+ examples valued at $12,500 each.

Auction results reflect the significant premium collectors pay for this distinctive visual appeal over regular proof examples.

Market activity shows concentrated interest from advanced collectors who specifically seek the enhanced contrast that defines true cameo specimens.

 

1951 DCAM Wheat Penny Value

The 1951 Deep Cameo wheat penny stands as one of the most exceptional proof varieties from the early post-war resumption of collector coinage. The coin maintains the classic wheat penny specifications: 19.00mm diameter, 3.11 grams weight, and 95% copper composition with 5% tin and zinc.

Historical significance stems from 1951 being just the second year of resumed proof production after the 1943-1949 wartime suspension. The Philadelphia Mint had to rebuild proof coinage techniques, making early DCAM examples particularly challenging to produce with consistent quality.

According to auction records, the highest graded example achieved a remarkable $15,077 at Heritage Auctions in January 2011 for a PR67 specimen. This auction record demonstrates the premium collectors place on exceptional preservation combined with the coveted Deep Cameo contrast.

Population data indicates extremely low certification numbers for this variety, with only one examples grading in the PR67 range, making higher grade specimens exponentially more valuable and sought-after by advanced wheat penny specialists.

Auction results show concrete benchmarks for understanding this coin’s performance in the competitive market.

The chart below also illustrates the market performance of these unique DCAM penny pieces.

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

 

Rare 1951 Wheat Penny Error List

The post-war resumption of high-volume coinage production in 1951 created unique circumstances for minting errors, as the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints ramped up operations to meet civilian demand after wartime material restrictions. As a result, in 1951, the die had to be struck more than once with the hub in order to transfer every part of the coin design, and any movement during this process resulted in distinctive doubled impressions.

With varieties from these mints, collectors have discovered multiple error types ranging from doubled die obverses to repunched mintmarks, transforming routine circulation coins into numismatic treasures worth significant premiums over face value.

1. 1951-D DDO FS-101 Errors

The 1951-D DDO FS-101 represents a significant doubled die obverse error from the Denver Mint, carrying the designation DDO-001 by variety specialists.

The doubling occurred during the die-making process when the working die received multiple impressions from the master hub at slightly different angles or positions. This mechanical misalignment created the characteristic doubled appearance visible across multiple elements of Lincoln’s portrait and surrounding text. The error affects the entire “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto, with particularly strong doubling visible on individual letters.

Besides, Red examples typically commanding highest premiums due to superior copper preservation and visual appeal among variety collectors.

2. 1951-D/S OMM FS-511 Errors

The 1951-D/S OverMintMark (OMM) FS-511 represents a fascinating production error where a San Francisco “S” mintmark was overpunched with a Denver “D” mintmark.

This error shows medium spread characteristics, cataloged as FS-511 and also referenced as Breen-2202 in numismatic literature. The formation process involved manual mintmark punching procedures used during the 1940s-1950s era.

Authentication requires careful examination of the mintmark area below the date, where traces of the underlying “S” remain visible around the edges of the dominant “D.” The error affects coins throughout the die’s production life, though visibility may vary based on strike pressure and die wear.

Certified examples have been graded by ANACS in MS63 RD and MS64 RB conditions, indicating survival across multiple preservation levels.

3. 1951-D OMM FS-512 Errors

The 1951-D OverMintMark FS-512 represents a distinct Denver Mint production error, also known as OMM-2, where the underlying “S” mintmark positioning differs significantly from the FS-511 variety.

The error occurred during the manual mintmark application process when a working die initially punched with an “S” for San Francisco was later overpunched with a “D” for Denver facility assignment. Unlike FS-511 where the “S” appears centered behind the “D,” this variety shows the original “S” positioned lower, with portions visible protruding below the primary mintmark.

Given Denver’s massive 625+ million coin production in 1951, OMM varieties represent exceptional scarcity within this high-mintage issue.

4. 1951-D/D RPM FS-521 Errors

RPM FS-521 emerges as a premier collecting target within Denver’s vast 1951 wheat penny production, showcasing the mechanical precision challenges faced during post-war mintmark application procedures. This repunched mintmark error originated from manual die preparation protocols where operators individually punched “D” mintmarks onto working dies.

The FS-521 variety resulted when the initial punch strike required repositioning, leaving overlapping “D” impressions with distinct offset patterns. The repunched D mintmark becomes plain under low magnification, making authentication accessible to intermediate collectors.

Market positioning reflects the variety’s established collecting status among Lincoln cent specialists. A PCGS AU-50 example with CAC approval sold through Stack’s Bowers auctions, described as having deep golden brown coloration with chocolate highlights and modest circulation wear. The CAC endorsement indicates conservative grading standards and genuine variety authentication.

5. 1951 DDO FS-101 Errors

Mechanical hub doubling during Philadelphia’s massive 284.5 million coin production created the 1951 DDO FS-101, a variety that exemplifies early 1950s die-making precision challenges.

The doubling primarily affects the obverse motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and portions of “LIBERTY,” where secondary impressions create distinct offset shadows visible under magnification. The date “1951” also shows subtle doubling characteristics, particularly noticeable on the numerals when examined closely. These doubled elements resulted from multiple hub impressions at slightly misaligned positions during working die preparation.

The $2,160 Heritage Auctions record for an AU55 specimen in February 2018 demonstrates significant collector recognition for this mechanical error.

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

 

Where to Sell Your 1951 Wheat Penny?

To ensure you receive top dollar for your valuable 1951 wheat penny, explore our comprehensive comparison of today’s most trusted selling venues.

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

 

1951 Wheat Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1951 Wheat Penny

1. Is a 1951 penny worth anything?

Most coins in circulated condition will be worth no more than a few cents. But if your coin has an interesting error, like doubling on parts of the design, it can be worth more.

The highest prices, whether for normal or error coins, are for the coins in the best condition. Those have never been circulated, so you won’t find them in your pocket change. The very finest examples can be worth thousands of dollars.

2. How rare is a 1951 D penny?

Pennies marked with a “D” came from the Mint facility in Denver. That produced more pennies that year than anywhere else – over 625 million. So a “D” mint mark doesn’t, on its own, make a 1951 penny rare.

3. What errors should I look for in 1951 pennies?

There are many 1951 pennies that were incorrectly struck, and these are usually worth a significant premium. The most common errors include 1951-D doubled die obverse penny worth $10 to $25+, 1951-D repunched mintmark penny (D over D over D) worth $3 to $5+, and 1951-S, D over S overmintmark penny worth $15 to $30+. Double die errors occur on the letters “B”, “E”, “R”, “T”, and “Y” of “LIBERTY”, with values ranging from $25 at XF45 to $125 at MS65 for red and brown coins. A typical repunched mintmark penny is worth $5 or more.