Contents:
Knowing how much is a 1927 Wheat Penny worth requires checking its crucial aspects:
Condition: Coins in better condition, or higher "grades," command significantly higher prices. A 1927 Wheat Penny's value, for instance, can fluctuate from a few cents to hundreds of dollars based solely on its state of preservation.
Mint Mark: Locate any small letter on the coin, usually "D" for Denver or "S" for San Francisco. If there's no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. This seemingly minor detail can indicate its rarity, as some mints produced fewer coins.
Errors and Varieties: Carefully inspect the coin for any anomalies.This design suffers from manufacturing flaws, including redundant elements, misaligned components, odd shapes, and other errors in production. Such "errors" often lead to a substantial increase in the market price of a coin. Consulting current error guides can help you determine the specific worth of an error 1927 Lincoln Penny.
Mintage Figure: Research how many coins of that specific type and year were originally produced. Generally, coins with lower mintage numbers are scarcer and therefore more valuable to collectors. Check the mintage of your currency through the online coin identifier.
1927 Wheat Penny No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) Value
The 1927 Penny No Mint Mark indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While billions were made, finding high-grade examples, especially those with crisp "Full Red" color, can still be a rewarding discovery.
Coin Specifications:
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.05 millimeters
Mintage: 144,440,000
Special Features: Features the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the 1927 wheat back penny. Absence of a mint mark is typical for Philadelphia business strikes.
Market Value
Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn | $0.20 - $0.25 |
VG-8 (Very Good) | Well-worn, design elements clear but flat | $0.25 - $0.30 |
F-12 (Fine) | Moderate even wear | $0.30 - $0.35 |
VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear on high points, clear details | $0.50 - $0.75 |
XF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear, minor imperfections | $2 - $3 |
AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Slight traces of wear, most luster intact | $5 - $8 |
MS-60 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, possible minor flaws | $10 - $20 |
MS-63 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, attractive strike | $12 - $32 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike | $40 - $100 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Red-Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike, partial red color | $120 - $250 |
MS-66 (Superb Gem MS - Red) | Uncirculated, excellent strike, nearly full red | $400 - $800 |
MS-67 (Superb Gem MS - Red) | Uncirculated, exceptional strike, Full Red | $1,620~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
1927-D Wheat Penny (Denver) Value
The Denver Mint produced a significantly lower mintage of 1927-D Wheat Pennies compared to Philadelphia, identifiable by the "D" mint mark. This makes them less common, especially in higher uncirculated grades.To determine the 1927 D Penny value, you should examine its condition and any existing errors
Coin Specifications:
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.05 millimeters
Mintage: 27,170,000
Mint Mark: "D" (Denver)
Special Features: Struck at the Denver Mint. Quality of strike can vary, with premium for well-defined details.
Market Value
Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn | $0.75 - $1.25 |
VG-8 (Very Good) | Well-worn, design elements clear but flat | $1.50 - $2.50 |
F-12 (Fine) | Moderate even wear | $2.75 - $6.50 |
VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear on high points, clear details | $8 - $12 |
XF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear, minor imperfections | $14 - $18 |
AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Slight traces of wear, most luster intact | $24 - $28 |
MS-60 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, possible minor flaws | $65 - $88 |
MS-63 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, attractive strike | $100 - $105 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike | $310 - $325 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Red-Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike, partial red color | $500 - $800 |
MS-66 (Superb Gem MS - Red) | Uncirculated, excellent strike, nearly full red | $1,000 - $1,500 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Red) | Uncirculated, strong strike, Full Red | $2,000~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
1927-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco) Value
The 1927 S Penny value is generally higher due to its lower mintage at the San Francisco Mint. The rare occurrence of this particular design pattern especially when its original color remains intact increases its value for collectors.
Coin Specifications:
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19.05 millimeters
Mintage: 14,276,000
Mint Mark: "S" (San Francisco)
Special Features: Struck at the San Francisco Mint. Often characterized by softer strikes, making coins with strong details highly desirable.
Market Value
Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn | $1 - $1.50 |
VG-8 (Very Good) | Well-worn, design elements clear but flat | $2 - $3 |
F-12 (Fine) | Moderate even wear | $2.50 - $4.50 |
VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear on high points, clear details | $8 - $12 |
XF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear, minor imperfections | $15.50 - $24 |
AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | Slight traces of wear, most luster intact | $38 - $45 |
MS-60 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, possible minor flaws | $75 - $214 |
MS-63 (Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, attractive strike | $190 - $200 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike | $850 - $1,690 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Red-Brown) | Uncirculated, strong strike, partial red color | $2,500 - $5,000 |
MS-66 (Superb Gem MS - Red) | Uncirculated, excellent strike, nearly full red | $5,000 - $10,000 |
MS-65 (Gem Mint State - Red) | Uncirculated, strong strike, Full Red | $11,900~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs)
Repunched Mint Marks occur when the mint mark (D or S) on the die is punched more than once, with a slight shift between the punches. The 1927 D Wheat Penny value is influenced by its mintage figures and how well its details are preserved. This results in a doubled or blurred appearance of the mint mark.
Special Features: Look for a clear overlap or separation of the "D" or "S" mint mark.
Market Value
Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
RPM (G-4 to F-12) | Clear doubling on mint mark, coin shows moderate wear | $5 - $15 |
RPM (VF-20 to XF-40) | Clear doubling on mint mark, light wear | $15 - $50 |
RPM (AU-50 to MS-60, Brown) | Clear doubling on mint mark, uncirculated, brown tone | $25 - $100 |
1927-D D/D North (MS-64RB) | Recognized variety, significant premium, red-brown tone | $1,175~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
A 1927 Penny error, such as a doubled die, can significantly increase its desirability and price. Doubled Die Obverse errors result from the coin die receiving more than one impression from the master hub, with each impression being slightly offset, leading to a visible doubling of design elements on the obverse (front) of the coin.
Special Features: Look for doubling on elements like the date, "LIBERTY," or "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Market Value
Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
Minor DDO (F-12 to XF-40) | Subtle doubling visible with magnification | $10 - $50 |
Prominent DDO (AU-50) | Clear doubling, trace of wear | $100 - $250 |
Prominent DDO (MS-60~, Brown) | Clear doubling on uncirculated coin, brown tone | $200 - $500 |
Prominent DDO (MS-63~, Red-Brown) | Clear doubling, attractive strike, red-brown tone | $500 - $1,500 |
Identified 1927 DDO (MS-60~, Red) | Recognized variety, significant premium, full red | $2,600~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
Lamination Errors
The 1927 Penny coin value is determined by a combination of its grade, mint of origin, and any existing errors. Lamination errors occur when impurities or gas bubbles within the coin's metal alloy cause a portion of the coin's surface to peel or flake away, either before or after striking.
Special Features: Displays raised, peeling, or missing areas of metal on the coin's surface.
Market Value
Degree of Error & Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
Minor Lamination (Circulated) | Small peeling/flaking, not overly distracting | $5 - $20 |
Significant Lamination (Circulated) | Noticeable peeling/flaking, visually distinct | $20 - $75 |
Major Lamination (AU-50 to MS-60) | Large or multiple peels/flakes, highly prominent | $75 - $250~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
Woodgrain Error
Locating a 1927 Wheat Penny error can turn a common coin into a rare and valuable find. Woodgrain errors, also known as "woodies," are a distinctive form of toning that can occur on copper coins like the Wheat Penny. This effect typically appears as alternating light and dark streaks across the coin's surface, resembling the grain of wood.
Special Features: The woodgrain appearance is often attributed to improper or incomplete mixing of the copper alloy during the planchet manufacturing process. Different concentrations of metals tone differently over time, revealing the striated pattern. This effect was more common on older copper cents from the early 20th century, particularly from the San Francisco Mint, but can be found on other issues as well.
Market Value
Degree of Effect & Grade | Description | Price (USD) |
Minor Woodgrain (Circulated) | Subtle woodgrain effect, visible but not prominent | $2 - $10 |
Distinct Woodgrain (Circulated) | Clear and appealing woodgrain pattern | $10 - $50 |
Prominent Woodgrain (AU-50 to MS-60) | Strong, well-defined woodgrain, good eye appeal | $50 - $150 |
Exceptional Woodgrain (MS-60~, Toned) | Highly attractive, distinct woodgrain, may fetch a premium due to aesthetic appeal | $150 - $500~ |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.
Why "Full Red" Coins Are Expensive
The value of 1927 Wheat Penny coins can be greatly influenced by their color, such as "Full Red." Professional grading services assign color designations:
BN (Brown): The coin has oxidized and turned a predominantly brown color.
RB (Red-Brown): A mix of original red luster and brown toning.
RD (Full Red): The coin retains at least 95% of its original bright copper-red luster.
The exceptional value of "Full Red" coins stems from several factors:
Extreme Rarity: The 1927 Penny value today reflects both its numismatic rarity and market demand among collectors. For a coin to retain its vibrant red luster for decades, it must have been stored in near-perfect, airtight conditions, away from light and contaminants.
Pristine Aesthetics: The brilliant, untarnished red color is highly attractive to collectors. It signifies a coin that is truly "mint fresh" and has not suffered the effects of time and exposure.Collectors often ask, "how much is a 1927 Penny worth," as its value can range widely based on its specific attributes.
Collector Demand: The combination of scarcity and visual appeal drives intense competition among collectors for high-grade Full Red examples. This high demand, coupled with limited supply, pushes prices significantly higher, often into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, distinguishing them sharply from their Brown or Red-Brown counterparts.
Every coin holds value to collectors who start their hobby since it becomes the initial point for collecting coins regardless of its price or its position as an error coin. The overall value of 1927 Penny coins is a blend of their scarcity, condition, and any unique characteristics. Always examine your coins closely, as even a seemingly ordinary Penny might hold a hidden story and significant Penny 1927 value.
Facebook 
X (Twitter) 
Pinterest 
LinkedIn 
