Introduction & Identification
The 1914 Lincoln Wheat Penny represents a vital transitional-era coin in the early Lincoln cent series. Designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner, this one-cent piece bearing the 16th President’s profile was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Mint marks, when present, appear on the obverse beneath the date.
Current market values for the 1914 Lincoln cent vary dramatically across the mint mark spectrum, with the 1914-D commanding substantial premiums as a key date within the series.
| Mint Mark | G-4 | VF-20 | XF-40 | MS-63RB | MS-65RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1914 (P) | $2 | $15 | $40 | $225 | $1,500 |
| 1914-D | $12 | $400 | $800 | $3,500 | $25,000 |
| 1914-S | $15 | $75 | $150 | $550 | $8,500 |
Exact Specifications
- Weight: 3.11 grams (±0.13g tolerance)
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Edge Type: Plain
- Thickness: 1.55 mm
- Production Method: Struck on high-speed mechanical presses at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints using 21-ton striking pressure
Mintage & Historical Context
The 1914 Lincoln cent mintage figures reflect typical pre-War production constraints, with the Philadelphia mint producing the lion’s share while the western branch mints issued considerably fewer pieces:
| Mint Location | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 75,238,432 | None |
| Denver | 1,193,000 | D |
| San Francisco | 4,137,000 | S |
Source: U.S. Mint Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1914
The relatively small Denver mintage reflects that facility’s operational limitations during this period, as it was still a relatively new branch mint having begun coin production just eight years earlier in 1906. This restricted mintage is directly responsible for the 1914-D’s status as a semi-key date within the Lincoln cent series.
During 1914, the United States maintained its neutrality as World War I erupted across Europe, though the economy was experiencing an industrial boom that would continue into America’s eventual participation in the conflict. This economic expansion drove increased demand for small change in commerce.
Varieties & Die Diagnostics
1914 (Philadelphia)
FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse): A moderately strong doubled die showing doubling visible on LIBERTY and date digits, particularly on the “9” and “4.” Authentication points include clear separation between the doubled elements when viewed under 10x magnification.
FS-401 (Repunched Mint Mark/RPM): Though Philadelphia issues bear no mint mark, several dies show repunched date digits where the date was initially punched at incorrect depth or position, then corrected.
1914-D (Denver)
FS-D-101 (D/D North): The D mint mark appears punched twice with second impression slightly north of the primary position. Key authentication marker: look for a slight extension at the upper curve of the D.
1914-S (San Francisco)
FS-S-501 (S/S West): S mint mark shows clear repunching with secondary S shifted slightly westward (left). Authentication requires 8x magnification to properly identify the overlapping curves.
Die Crack Variety: Late-die state examples show prominent obverse die crack extending from rim through date to Lincoln’s bust. This progressive die failure appears on approximately 5% of 1914-S cents.
Authentication Tip: Genuine 1914-D cents show characteristic raised die polish lines in the field to the right of Lincoln’s bowtie when examined under strong magnification.
Grading Standards
1914 Lincoln cents follow standard Sheldon scale grading metrics with the following key diagnostic points:
G-4 (Good):
- Complete rim visible though worn
- LIBERTY partially visible but discernible
- Date and mint mark clearly legible
- Major portrait details flattened but outline intact
VF-20 (Very Fine):
- All lettering complete and sharp
- 75% of wheat ear detail visible
- Some hair detail above ear becoming visible
- Light to moderate wear on high points only
XF-40 (Extremely Fine):
- All lettering crisp and complete
- 90% of wheat stalk detail visible
- Hair detail above ear partially defined
- Light wear limited to highest points
MS-60 (Uncirculated):
- No trace of wear, but numerous contact marks present
- Possible light discoloration or spotting
- Complete luster though potentially subdued
- Hair details fully visible but potentially marked
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated):
- Strong, uniform luster with minimal interruption
- No more than a few minor contact marks
- Sharp strike with full detail on hair, wheat ears
- Original color (may be red, red-brown, or brown)
MS-70 (Perfect Uncirculated):
- Virtually flawless under 8x magnification
- Perfect strike with full details
- Pristine surfaces with uniform, vibrant luster
- No distracting marks or imperfections
Photo suggestion: Include magnified images of MS-63RD example showing diagnostic luster patterns specific to 1914 issue
Market Analysis
The 1914 Lincoln cent market varies dramatically by mint mark, with the Denver issue representing a classic key date within the series. Recent market trends show continued strength across all three mint marks in upper grades.
Current Value Analysis (May 2025)
| Grade | 1914 (P) No Mint Mark | 1914 -D (Denver) | 1914 -S (San Francisco) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $2.00 (BN) | $12.00 (BN) | $15.00 (BN) |
| VG-8 | $4.00 (BN) | $25.00 (BN) | $25.00 (BN) |
| F-12 | $7.00 (BN) | $40.00 (BN) | $35.00 (BN) |
| VF-20 | $15.00 (BN) | $75.00 (BN) | $90.00 (BN) |
| XF-40 | $40.00 (BN) | $150.00 (BN) | $175.00 (BN) |
| AU-50 | $75.00 (RB) | $275.00 (RB) | $350.00 (RB) |
| MS-60 BN | $100.00 (BN) | $1,800.00 (BN) | $550.00 (BN) |
| MS-63 RB | $225.00 (RB) | $3,500.00 (RB) | $1,150.00 (RB) |
| MS-65 RD | $1,500.00 (RD) | $25,000.00 (RD) | $8,500.00 (RD) |
| MS-67 RD | $15,000.00 (RD) | $192,000.00 (RD) | ~$65,000 (RD*) |
Recent Notable Sales
A remarkable 1914-D graded MS-67RD by PCGS sold for $192,000 at Heritage Auctions’ FUN Convention Sale. This represents the highest price ever paid for a 1914-D cent and reflects the extreme rarity of gem-quality specimens from this mint.
The 1914-S has seen steadily increasing demand, with MS-65RD examples showing approximately 32% appreciation over the past five years according to PCGS price data.
Interesting Fact: Despite its relatively high mintage, the 1914 Philadelphia cent has become increasingly difficult to locate in gem condition, with fewer than 350 examples certified in MS-65RD or higher across both major grading services.
Counterfeit & Preservation Watch
Counterfeit Detection
The 1914-D, given its value, remains a prime target for counterfeiters. Be vigilant for these warning signs:
- Altered Mint Marks: Examine the D mint mark under magnification for any signs of manipulation. Fraudsters often add a D to a Philadelphia issue.
- Authentic D mint marks show uniform depth and integration with the field
- Counterfeit D’s may show evidence of tooling around the letter
- Cast Counterfeits: These display characteristic porous surfaces under magnification and often weigh slightly less than genuine examples.
- Check weight precisely (should be 3.11g ±0.13g)
- Examine edge for seams that may indicate casting
- Date Alterations: Some counterfeiters modify dates from common years to create the rarer 1914-D.
- Authentic digits show uniform depth and style
- Modified dates often show inconsistent digit spacing or size
Photo suggestion: Magnified comparison showing genuine vs. altered D mint mark
Preservation Guidelines
Lincoln cents from 1914 require specific care due to their copper composition:
- Environmental Control: Maintain constant humidity below 50% to prevent harmful patina formation.
- Storage Media:
- Avoid PVC flips or holders which can leach plasticizers causing “green slime” damage
- Use inert Mylar flips, cotton-lined paper envelopes, or certified hard plastic holders
- Never clean copper coins with abrasives or chemicals
- Toning Verification:
- Natural copper toning progresses from original red to brown in concentric patterns
- Artificial toning typically presents as irregular spotting or uneven color transitions
- Suspect rainbow patterns that appear exceptionally vibrant or irregular
Interesting Fact: The 1914-D Lincoln cent is one of the few early date Wheat cents that occasionally surfaces in bank wraps and dealer inventories that have been overlooked, making it worth examining any 1914-dated cent carefully for the D mint mark.
Collector’s Corner: Roll-Hunting & Acquisition
Roll Hunting Prospects
The 1914 Lincoln cent remains theoretically possible, though increasingly unlikely, to discover in circulation. Strategic approaches include:
- Bank Roll Searching: Request customer-wrapped penny rolls rather than machine-wrapped rolls, as these may contain older coins set aside decades ago and recently returned to circulation.
- Regional Targeting: Focus efforts on rural areas with aging populations where older coins might still circulate. The Mountain West, particularly Colorado (near the Denver mint), has historically yielded better results for early Lincoln cents.
- Visual Identification: When examining rolls, scan for the distinct darker copper color of pre-1982 cents, then check dates on these candidates.
Acquisition Strategies
For direct purchase, consider these specialized channels:
- Heritage Auctions (HA.com) and Stack’s Bowers conduct regular auctions featuring certified 1914 Lincoln cents, particularly for higher-grade examples.
- American Numismatic Association (money.org) maintains a dealer directory of reputable sellers specializing in early Lincoln cents.
- Local Coin Shows: The PCGS and NGC websites maintain calendars of regional shows where multiple dealers can be compared in person.
- PCGS Set Registry Participants: Collectors upgrading their sets often sell previous acquisitions at competitive prices.
When purchasing uncertified examples, factor in potential grading costs ($35-65 per coin) when evaluating asking prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I distinguish a genuine 1914-D from an altered mint mark?
A: Under 10x magnification, examine the D for uniform depth and consistent field integration. The genuine D mint mark shows no disturbance in the surrounding field, while altered marks typically display tooling marks or inconsistent metal flow patterns around the letter.
Q: Why does the 1914-D command such a premium despite not having the lowest mintage in the series?
A: While its mintage of 1,193,000 isn’t the absolute lowest in the Lincoln series, the 1914-D was poorly preserved at the time of issue. Few were saved in uncirculated condition because collectors weren’t systematically acquiring new cents from each mint in 1914. This combination of modest mintage and poor survival rate creates its current scarcity.
Q: Are there any special strike characteristics I should look for in a 1914 cent?
A: Philadelphia issues typically show the strongest strikes, while Denver and San Francisco examples often display slightly weaker details on the wheat ears and Lincoln’s hair above the ear. When evaluating examples for purchase, inspect these areas carefully as they impact both grade and eye appeal.
Q: How significant is the difference between Red-Brown (RB) and full Red (RD) 1914 cents in terms of investment potential?
A: The premium for full Red designation increases exponentially in grades above MS-64. While a typical MS-65RB 1914-D might bring $12,000-15,000, the same coin with full Red designation commands $25,000+. This color premium tends to widen further in grades above MS-65, making acquisition of true Red examples increasingly strategic for serious investors.
Q: What holders or storage options do you recommend for my 1914 Lincoln cents?
A: For investment-grade coins (AU or better), professional certification in PCGS or NGC holders provides both authentication and protection. For circulated examples, use non-PVC flips or Intercept Shield technology holders to prevent environmental damage. Avoid paper envelopes containing sulfur, which can accelerate toning.
This authoritative guide to the 1914 Lincoln cent illustrates why this seemingly ordinary date becomes extraordinary when examining its Denver variant—a cornerstone acquisition for any serious Lincoln cent collector. Whether pursuing a gem-quality showpiece or an honest, well-circulated example, understanding the nuances of this issue ensures informed collecting decisions and proper stewardship of these century-old artifacts of American commerce.
