Introduction to the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Penny
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that determine a 1911 penny’s value, from mint marks to condition, and identify the rare varieties and errors that can make these seemingly modest coins worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
1911 Penny Key Facts
1911 Penny Background and History
Lincoln Wheat Penny Historical Timeline
Introduction of Lincoln Cent
Third Year of Production
End of Wheat Reverse
Production of the 1911 penny took place at three different U.S. Mint facilities, each contributing to the coin’s availability and value today:
- Philadelphia Mint - Produced 101,177,787 pennies with no mint mark
- Denver Mint - Struck 12,672,000 pennies with a “D” mint mark
- San Francisco Mint - Created 4,026,000 pennies with an “S” mint mark
Additionally, the Philadelphia Mint produced 1,725 proof specimens for collectors, which carry significantly higher values today.
Features of the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Obverse (Front) Design
The obverse features a right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln with the following text:
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” across the top
- “LIBERTY” to the left of Lincoln’s portrait
- The date “1911” to the right
- Mint mark (if present) appears beneath the date
Reverse (Back) Design
The reverse showcases the iconic “wheat penny” design:
- “ONE CENT” prominently displayed in the center
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arched above
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” beneath that
- Two wheat stalks framing the text on both sides
Physical Specifications
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Edge: Plain (smooth)
1911 Penny Values by Type and Condition
1911 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Penny Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced the highest number of 1911 pennies, making them the most commonly found. Here’s what they’re typically worth:
1911 Philadelphia Penny Values
| Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.45-$0.75 | Heavily worn with visible rims |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $0.75-$1.50 | Moderate wear, most details visible |
| Fine (F-12) | $2-$3 | Light wear, all major details clear |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $5-$7 | Slight wear on high points only |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $35-$45 | No wear but may have marks or poor luster |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $200-$250 | Gem quality with excellent luster and minimal marks |
| Proof | $300-$500 | Special collector strikes with mirror-like fields |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
Record prices for 1911 Philadelphia pennies in pristine condition (MS-67 or higher) can reach several thousand dollars. In 2019, a superb example sold for $3,290 at auction.
1911-D (Denver) Penny Value
With a lower mintage, Denver Mint pennies from 1911 are more valuable:
1911-D Denver Penny Values
| Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $5-$7 | Heavily worn with visible "D" mint mark |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $7-$12 | Moderate wear, most details visible |
| Fine (F-12) | $15-$20 | Light wear, all major details clear |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $45-$55 | Slight wear on high points only |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $85-$100 | No wear but may have marks or poor luster |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $500-$750 | Gem quality with excellent luster and minimal marks |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
1911-S (San Francisco) Penny Value
With the lowest mintage of the three varieties, San Francisco pennies are the most valuable regular-issue 1911 cents:
1911-S San Francisco Penny Values
| Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $45-$55 | Heavily worn with visible "S" mint mark |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $55-$65 | Moderate wear, most details visible |
| Fine (F-12) | $65-$75 | Light wear, all major details clear |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $80-$95 | Slight wear on high points only |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $225-$275 | No wear but may have marks or poor luster |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $1,500-$2,000 | Gem quality with excellent luster and minimal marks |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
High-grade 1911-S pennies are particularly sought after, with record sales exceeding $10,000 for perfect specimens.
Notable 1911 Penny Auction Results
| Item | Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911-S MS-67 Red | $16,450 | January 2020 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1911 MS-67+ Red | $3,290 | August 2019 | Stack's Bowers |
| 1911-D MS-66 Red | $4,700 | April 2021 | Heritage Auctions |
| 1911 Proof-67 Red Cameo | $5,875 | February 2022 | Legend Rare Coin Auctions |
Note: Auction results represent past sales and may not reflect current market values. Always consult with a professional appraiser for accurate valuations.
Color Designations and Their Impact on Value
- Red (RD): Coins that retain 95% or more of their original mint luster and copper-red color
- Red-Brown (RB): Coins with 5-95% of their original red color
- Brown (BN): Coins that have lost most of their original red color
The color designation dramatically affects value, with red specimens commanding significant premiums:
For example, a 1911 penny in MS-65 condition might be valued at:
- MS-65 Brown: $125-$150
- MS-65 Red-Brown: $150-$180
- MS-65 Red: $200-$250
This color premium becomes even more pronounced with the scarcer Denver and San Francisco issues.
Valuable 1911 Penny Errors and Varieties
1. Doubled Die Errors
Doubled die errors occur during the die manufacturing process, resulting in a doubling of certain design elements. On 1911 pennies, look for doubling in:
- The date
- “LIBERTY” inscription
- Lincoln’s ear or bowtie
Depending on the prominence of the doubling and the coin’s condition, these errors can add anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars to the value.
2. Repunched Mint Marks
Repunched mint marks (RPM) show evidence of the mint mark being punched multiple times, slightly offset from each other. For 1911-D and 1911-S pennies, RPM errors can double or triple the coin’s value.
3. Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly centered during striking. Values vary based on the percentage off-center and whether the date is visible:
- 5-10% off-center: $15-$30
- 20-50% off-center with visible date: $50-$150
- 50%+ off-center with visible date: $150-$300
4. “L” of Liberty on Rim Error
A particularly interesting error mentioned in some sources is a 1911 penny where the “L” of LIBERTY touches or extends to the rim. This variety can command premiums depending on the prominence of the error.
How to Determine Your 1911 Penny's Value
1911 Penny Valuation Checklist
Authentication and Grading
For 1911 pennies in exceptional condition or with potential errors, professional grading can be worthwhile. Services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) provide:
- Authentication of genuine coins
- Professional grade assignment
- Color designation
- Error/variety attribution
- Protective holder (“slab”) to preserve condition
Professional grading typically costs $20-$30 per coin but can significantly increase marketability and value for better specimens.
Buying and Selling 1911 Pennies
Where to Buy 1911 Pennies
- Coin Dealers: Local coin shops often have inventory of common dates like 1911 Philadelphia pennies
- Online Marketplaces: eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Great Collections regularly auction 1911 pennies
- Coin Shows: Events where dealers gather to buy, sell, and trade coins
- Collector Forums: Online communities like CoinTalk where collectors trade directly
Where to Sell 1911 Pennies
- Direct to Collectors: Often yields the best prices but requires networking
- Coin Dealers: Offer immediate payment but at wholesale prices (typically 50-70% of retail)
- Consignment Auctions: Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, and other auction houses for valuable specimens
- Online Listings: eBay and similar platforms allow reaching a wide audience
Tips for Buyers and Sellers
- For Buyers: Always verify authenticity, especially for higher-priced coins
- For Sellers: Consider professional grading for any 1911 penny in Extremely Fine or better condition
- For Both: Research recent comparable sales to establish fair market value
Preserving Your 1911 Penny
Storage Recommendations
- Coin Holders: Use inert, PVC-free holders like Mylar flips or hard plastic capsules
- Albums and Folders: Quality numismatic albums provide organization and protection
- Environmental Control: Store in low-humidity environments with stable temperatures
- Handling Practices: Hold coins by their edges only, and consider using cotton gloves
What to Avoid
- Paper Envelopes: Can contain acids that damage coins over time
- PVC Flips: Release damaging plasticizers that cause “green slime” on coins
- Cleaning: Never clean your coins as this significantly reduces their value
- Excessive Handling: Skin oils and potential drops can damage or degrade coins
Common Questions About 1911 Penny Values
What makes a 1911 penny rare?
The rarity of a 1911 penny is primarily determined by three factors:
Mint Mark: The San Francisco (S) mint produced the fewest 1911 pennies, making them the rarest of the regular issues, followed by Denver (D) pennies. Philadelphia pennies (no mint mark) are the most common.
Condition: Uncirculated examples, particularly those with full original red color, are exceptionally rare as most pennies from this era entered circulation.
Errors and Varieties: Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and off-center strikes are rare manufacturing errors that can significantly increase a 1911 penny’s value.
Additionally, proof specimens (1,725 minted) are inherently rare as they were specifically made for collectors and not for general circulation.
How much is a 1911 penny worth with no mint mark?
A 1911 penny with no mint mark (from the Philadelphia Mint) typically ranges in value from:
- $0.45 to $0.75 in Good (G-4) condition
- $2 to $3 in Fine (F-12) condition
- $5 to $7 in Extremely Fine (EF-40) condition
- $35 to $45 in Mint State (MS-60) condition
- $200 to $250 in Gem Mint State (MS-65) condition
The value can increase dramatically for coins with original red color or exceptional preservation. For instance, a perfect MS-67+ Red specimen sold for $3,290 at auction in 2019. Proof versions, which have mirror-like fields, generally sell for $300 to $500.
What are the most valuable 1911 penny errors?
The most valuable 1911 penny errors include:
Major Doubled Die Obverse: Where significant doubling appears in the date, LIBERTY, or Lincoln’s features, these can sell for $500-$2,000 depending on condition.
Significant Off-Center Strikes: Pennies struck 50% or more off-center while still showing the complete date can command $150-$300.
Repunched Mint Marks: Particularly on the scarcer 1911-S, these can add 50-100% to the coin’s value.
Wrong Planchet Errors: Extremely rare cases where a 1911 cent was struck on a planchet intended for another denomination can sell for thousands.
“L” on Rim Error: Where the L in LIBERTY extends to or touches the rim can add a premium depending on the prominence of the error.
Is it worth getting my 1911 penny professionally graded?
Professional grading is typically worth considering for your 1911 penny if:
- It appears to be in Extremely Fine (EF-40) or better condition
- It has substantial original red color
- It’s a scarcer variety (1911-D or 1911-S)
- You’ve identified a potential valuable error
Professional grading costs approximately $20-$30 per coin plus shipping and insurance. For common 1911 Philadelphia pennies in circulated condition, the grading cost would likely exceed any added value. However, for better specimens, professional certification can:
- Confirm authenticity
- Establish an objective grade
- Properly attribute any varieties or errors
- Enhance marketability and potentially value
For any 1911 penny that might be worth over $100, professional grading is generally recommended.
How do I tell if my 1911 penny is copper or bronze?
All genuine 1911 pennies are made of bronze, which is an alloy primarily composed of copper. Specifically, 1911 Lincoln cents were minted with a composition of:
- 95% copper
- 5% tin and zinc
This bronze composition gives the coins their distinctive reddish-brown color when new, which typically darkens to brown over time. The weight of a genuine 1911 penny should be approximately 3.11 grams.
If your coin appears to be a different color (such as silver or gold), it has likely been plated after leaving the mint. Such altered coins generally have reduced collector value compared to unaltered specimens.
The U.S. Mint did not change the composition of the penny to zinc until 1982, long after the Wheat cent design had been replaced.
External Resources for 1911 Penny Values
PCGS CoinFacts: 1911 Lincoln Cent
USA Coin Book: 1911 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Coin Value Checker: 1911 Wheat Penny
JM Bullion: 1911 Lincoln Penny Value
Bullion Sharks: 1911 Wheat Penny
Lincoln Wheat Pennies Value Guide
Conclusion: Is Your 1911 Penny a Hidden Treasure?
The key factors that determine your 1911 penny’s value are:
Mint Mark: San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) issues are worth significantly more than Philadelphia (no mint mark) pennies.
Condition: Uncirculated coins with original mint luster command substantial premiums, especially those with full red color.
Errors and Varieties: Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and other striking errors can multiply a coin’s value.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who just discovered a 1911 penny in an old collection, taking the time to properly identify and evaluate your coin can be both rewarding and potentially profitable. Remember that proper storage and handling are essential to preserving both the historical significance and monetary value of these century-old pieces of American history.
If you believe you have a particularly valuable specimen, consider consulting with a professional numismatist or having your coin authenticated and graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC. For most collectors, however, the real value of a 1911 penny lies in the tangible connection it provides to our nation’s past.