Introduction & Identification
As artillery shells exploded across European battlefields in 1917, a humble copper coin continued circulating through American pockets during one of the most pivotal years of the 20th century. While the United States officially entered World War I on April 6, 1917, the Lincoln Wheat Penny—eight years into its circulation—became an inadvertent witness to history, with some examples potentially traveling overseas in the pockets of American doughboys. Today, these century-old cents serve as tangible connections to an America transforming into a global power.
The 1917 Lincoln Cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, represents the ninth year of the Lincoln Wheat series that would continue until 1958. Struck at three mints—Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—these coins feature Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the reverse.
Current Market Values (May 2025)
| Grade | Philadelphia | Denver | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.45-0.75 | $1.25-1.75 | $0.60-0.85 |
| F-12 | $1.00-1.50 | $3.50-4.50 | $1.75-2.25 |
| VF-20 | $2.25-3.00 | $8.00-10.00 | $3.50-4.50 |
| XF-40 | $4.50-6.00 | $25.00-32.00 | $9.00-12.00 |
| MS-60 | $15.00-20.00 | $80.00-100.00 | $40.00-50.00 |
| MS-65 | $85.00-110.00 | $525.00-650.00 | $275.00-320.00 |
| MS-67 | $825.00-1,000.00 | $10,000-12,500 | $3,000-3,500 |
Exact Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | One Cent ($0.01) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams (±0.13g tolerance) |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm (±0.05mm tolerance) |
| Thickness | 1.55 mm (±0.05mm tolerance) |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
Production Method: Struck on high-speed steam-powered coining presses at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints at approximately 100 coins per minute. Dies were hand-finished by mint engravers prior to hardening and installation.
Obverse (Front) – 1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny
This obverse features Victor David Brenner’s right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, flanked by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the top and “LIBERTY” at left, with the date “1917” at right.
Reverse (Back) – 1917-P Lincoln Wheat Penny
The reverse displays two stylized wheat stalks flanking the denomination “ONE CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arching above.
Mintage & Historical Context
| Mint Location | Mintage Figure | Mint Mark Location |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 196,429,785 | None |
| Denver | 55,120,000 | Reverse, below date |
| San Francisco | 32,620,000 | Reverse, below date |
The 1917 mintage figures reflect America’s wartime economy, with copper being diverted increasingly toward military applications. The Philadelphia Mint produced nearly four times as many cents as Denver and more than six times the San Francisco output, continuing the tradition of the Eastern facility handling the bulk of small denomination coinage production.
An interesting historical fact: The 1917 Lincoln Cents were struck during a time when the U.S. Mint was also producing Allied nations’ coins as part of wartime agreements. The same presses and metalworking equipment used for American coinage were occasionally repurposed for foreign coin production, making 1917 a unique year in U.S. Mint history.
1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny – Key Errors & Varieties
1. Doubled-Die Obverse (DDO)
A true Doubled-Die Obverse on the 1917 Philly strike shows clear doubling at the date and motto. Even modest examples in circulated grades commonly sell for $50–$75, while crisp, certified pieces can command $150–$200 or higher.
2. Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet shifts in the collar before striking, clipping part of Lincoln’s portrait or the reverse wheat stalks. Even a 5–10 percent offset on a 1917-D cent trades around $70–$90; larger misalignments (15–25 percent) can reach $150–$200.
3. Broadstrike Errors
Broadstrike errors happen when the retaining collar fails, allowing the metal to flow outward and produce a widened, flattened coin. A typical broadstrike 1917 cent can be worth $60–$80, with dramatic examples graded MS55+ sometimes fetching $100–$150.
4. Struck-Through Grease
Struck-through grease errors arise when grease or debris on the die blocks metal flow, leaving weak or missing devices—often around “LIBERTY” or the date. Mid-grade struck-through examples trade for $5–$15; eye-pleasing pieces can climb to $30–$50.
5. Lamination Flaw
Lamination errors occur when impurities cause the planchet’s surface to peel or flake. Collectible 1917 laminations typically sell in the $15–$35 range, depending on the size and location of the peel.
6. Die Clashes
Die clashes imprint elements of one die onto the opposite (e.g., Lincoln’s features appearing faintly on the reverse). Minor clashes can be worth $5–$15, while bold examples with clear ghosting may achieve $40–$60.
7. Repunched Mint Marks (RPM)
A small number of 1917-S cents show a faint secondary “S” impression. These subtle RPMs sell for $30–$50 in modest grades, rising to $75–$100 for sharply struck examples.
Die Diagnostics
When authenticating 1917 Lincoln Cents, examine:
- Philadelphia issues: Look for die polish lines near the wheat ears (genuine dies show subtle radial polish marks)
- Denver issues: Check the serif structure of the “D” mint mark (genuine “D” has a slight forward lean)
- San Francisco issues: Verify the positioning of the “S” (centered below the date with slight elevation)
Grading Standards
Good-4 (G-4)
- Obverse: Lincoln’s profile outline complete but worn flat; LIBERTY barely legible with some letters possibly merged.
- Reverse: Wheat stalks visible as outlines; ONE CENT legible but worn.
- Rim: Mostly intact but may be worn into design in places.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20)
- Obverse: Lincoln’s profile shows moderate wear with flatness on cheek and beard; hair details partially visible; date and LIBERTY clear.
- Reverse: Wheat stalks show some detail in grain; lettering sharp with minimal wear.
- Rim: Complete with good definition throughout.
Extremely Fine-40 (XF-40)
- Obverse: Light even wear on high points only; hair shows partial strands; Lincoln’s cheek shows slight flattening.
- Reverse: Wheat ears show some individual grain definition; lettering bold.
- Surface: May retain traces of original mint luster in protected areas.
Mint State-60 (MS-60)
- Obverse: No wear but numerous contact marks, possibly distracting; full mint luster may be subdued.
- Reverse: Complete strike with full detail; may show bag marks or minor abrasions.
- Eye Appeal: Average with noticeable imperfections visible without magnification.
Mint State-65 (MS-65)
- Obverse: Strong strike with full mint luster; minimal contact marks visible to naked eye.
- Reverse: Sharp wheat stalks with complete inner detail; lettering bold with clean fields.
- Eye Appeal: Above average with pleasing color; minimal distractions.
Mint State-67 (MS-67)
- Obverse: Exceptional strike with vibrant luster; virtually mark-free with exceptional eye appeal.
- Reverse: Complete detail in all design elements; pristine surfaces with undisturbed mint bloom.
- Eye Appeal: Superior with possibly attractive natural toning; requires magnification to detect any imperfections.
Market Analysis
Current Values by Grade (May 2025)
| Grade | 1917 (P) | 1917-D | 1917-S |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $0.45-0.75 | $1.25-1.75 | $0.60-0.85 |
| F-12 | $1.00-1.50 | $3.50-4.50 | $1.75-2.25 |
| VF-20 | $2.25-3.00 | $8.00-10.00 | $3.50-4.50 |
| XF-40 | $4.50-6.00 | $25.00-32.00 | $9.00-12.00 |
| AU-50 | $7.00-9.00 | $40.00-50.00 | $18.00-23.00 |
| MS-60 | $15.00-20.00 | $80.00-100.00 | $40.00-50.00 |
| MS-63 | $35.00-45.00 | $225.00-275.00 | $120.00-150.00 |
| MS-65 | $85.00-110.00 | $525.00-650.00 | $275.00-320.00 |
| MS-67 | $825.00-1,000.00 | $10,000-12,500 | $3,000-3,500 |
| MS-68 | $5,000-6,500 | $35,000+ | $15,000-18,000 |
Notable Recent Sales
A remarkable 1917-D in MS-67+ RD with CAC approval realized $21,600 at Heritage Auctions’ January 2025 FUN Show sale (Lot #3527). This example, from the “Cornerstone Collection,” represents one of only three examples graded MS-67+ RD by PCGS, with none finer.
Another noteworthy transaction occurred in March 2025 when a 1917-S in MS-67 RD sold for $7,200 at Stack’s Bowers Baltimore Auction (Lot #4215). The coin exhibited exceptional luster and virtually perfect surfaces, becoming the highest price realized for a 1917-S cent in the past five years.
The market for high-grade 1917 Lincoln Cents has shown remarkable stability compared to later issues, with a steady 4-6% annual appreciation for MS-66 and better examples over the past decade. The Denver mint pennies continue to command the strongest premiums in all grades due to their lower survival rate in high-quality condition.
Counterfeit & Preservation Watch
Known Counterfeit Indicators
- Cast Counterfeits: Look for grainy surfaces, rounded details, and seams around the edge. Cast fakes often weigh 2.90-3.05 grams (lighter than genuine coins).
- Altered Mint Marks: Examine mint mark under 10x magnification—genuine mint marks were punched into the die, not the coin. Altered coins often show tooling marks around the mint mark area or inconsistent font matching.
- Chemical Composition: Genuine 1917 cents contain 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc. Counterfeits often use pure copper (too reddish) or incorrect alloys that show improper aging.
Natural vs. Artificial Toning Guide
Natural Toning: Develops gradually from the rim inward in concentric patterns. Colors progress through predictable spectrum from red to brown (red → orange → purple → blue → brown). Surface remains lustrous under toning.
Artificial Toning: Often shows irregular color patterns, unnatural color progression, or unusual hues like intense green or pink. Surface may appear dull or etched under magnification.
Storage Recommendations
For optimal preservation of 1917 Lincoln Cents:
- Non-slabbed coins: Store in inert flips (Mylar preferred) or 2×2 holders using only archival-safe materials. Avoid PVC-containing flips which can cause “green slime” damage over time.
- Environment control: Maintain stable humidity below 50% to prevent copper deterioration. Avoid handling coins directly; use cotton gloves or hold by edges.
- Red specimens: Store in light-resistant containers, as excessive light exposure can accelerate color loss. Consider professional third-party grading services (PCGS, NGC) for valuable mint state examples to prevent environmental damage.
Collector’s Corner: Roll-Hunting & Acquisition
Finding 1917 Cents in Circulation
While 1917 Lincoln Cents have largely disappeared from regular circulation, occasionally they can still be found through:
- Bank Wrapped Rolls: Examine the exposed ends of penny rolls for wheat reverses. Older-style paper rolls are more likely to contain wheat cents than machine-wrapped rolls.
- Estate Sales: Often, collections are sold by non-collectors who don’t recognize value. Scan through “junk boxes” at estate sales in established neighborhoods.
- Regional Differences: Collectors report higher wheat cent discovery rates in rural Midwestern and Southern communities where coins tend to remain in circulation longer.
Acquisition Strategies
For targeted acquisition of 1917 Lincoln Cents:
- Dealer Specialists: Richard Snow (Eagle Eye Rare Coins), David Hall Rare Coins, and Legend Numismatics consistently offer accurately graded wheat cents with honest color designation.
- Online Platforms: Heritage Auctions (ha.com) and GreatCollections (greatcollections.com) provide authenticated examples with high-resolution imaging. For budget-conscious collectors, PCGS and NGC online marketplaces offer examples with certified authenticity.
- Major Shows: The annual ANA World’s Fair of Money (August) and FUN Convention (January) bring together specialized dealers with premium examples. The Long Beach Expo (February, June, October) is also excellent for finding quality wheat cents.
- Local Club Networks: Join the Early American Coppers (EAC) or Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA) to connect with specialists in early Lincoln cents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 1917-D pennies worth so much more than 1917 and 1917-S?
The 1917-D commands higher prices primarily due to its lower survival rate in mint state. While Philadelphia and San Francisco coins were saved in greater quantities by Eastern and Western collectors respectively, the Denver issues were more heavily circulated in the central United States where collecting was less common. Additionally, the Denver Mint’s striking quality in 1917 was somewhat inferior, making well-struck examples particularly desirable.
How can I tell if my 1917 penny has the valuable doubled die variety?
The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) shows clear doubling most visible in the letters of “LIBERTY” and date. Using a 7-10x loupe, examine the “LIB” of LIBERTY—genuine doubling appears as a separate, slightly offset impression rather than just thickening. For confirmation, submit the coin to ANACS, PCGS, or NGC for professional attribution.
Are 1917 pennies with full red color really worth the premium prices?
Yes, the premium for full red designation reflects genuine rarity. After over a century, most copper cents have naturally toned to brown. Studies indicate less than 1% of 1917 cents retain sufficient original red color to qualify for the RD (Red) designation. The price difference between RB (Red-Brown) and RD (Red) specimens can be 3-5 times, particularly in grades MS-65 and above, making color preservation a critical value factor.
What’s the second interesting fact about the 1917 Lincoln Penny?
During 1917, the Philadelphia Mint experimented with different copper alloys to determine which would provide the most economical production while maintaining the penny’s traditional appearance and durability. These experimental tests were conducted in preparation for possible wartime metal restrictions. While the standard composition remained unchanged for production coins, some test pieces with slightly different alloys are known to exist, though they’re extremely rare and mostly held in institutional collections like the Smithsonian.