1929 Penny Value: How Much Is Your Wheat Cent Worth? (S Mint Key Date)

1929 Penny Value: How Much Is Your Wheat Cent Worth? (S Mint Key Date)

Have you ever asked yourself how much is a 1929 penny worth? This coin, familiar to every American, has more interesting things in it than it seems at first glance.

Have you ever asked yourself how much is a 1929 penny worth? This coin, familiar to every American, has more interesting things in it than it seems at first glance.

Today the interest in numismatics is growing and this 1 cent coin is increasingly becoming a subject of discussion for novice collectors. Why is the 1929 Lincoln Wheat penny in the center of attention? All the matter is that the coin has an interesting historical context, offers available 1929 penny error examples to study in practice and the value of 1929 penny does not reach billions of dollars, but still exceeds the face value of the coin several tens of times. In a word, it is an ideal option for study.

But how do you know for sure what you're dealing with? Today, there are some really interesting tools to identify coins that help you quickly spot a valuable find. So yes, it is possible that the same 1929 Lincoln penny that you have in your pocket is worth more than just one cent or dollar.

If you've ever wondered how much is a penny from 1929 worth or how to determine exactly what is a 1929 penny worth, you're in the right place. Let's discuss 1929 penny value today, what varieties exist, and what to look for when evaluating it.

An experienced collector carefully examines a 1929 penny through a magnifying glass.

History and Features

This cent came into circulation in 1909 and quickly became an icon among American coins. The historical value of 1929 Wheat penny is quite high as the reverse of the coin contains a recognizable portrait of President Abraham Lincoln for the first time. Afterwards, these Lincoln cents will be loved by many people. Afterwards, these Lincoln cents will be loved by many people. It was not just a change of design - it was a symbol of a new era.

In the 1920s, the coin was already confidently taking its place in the pockets of Americans. However, it was 1929 that became a turning point:

  • It was the last year before the Great Depression, an economic crisis that turned the country's financial life upside down.

  • Minting of cents remained plentiful, but things began to change dramatically in the 1930s: coin quality declined, and some mintages decreased.

  • Many 1929 cents went into active circulation and have reached our days badly worn. That is why well-preserved specimens are now worth their weight in gold, especially in AU and MS grades.

The coin has three variations by minting location: Philadelphia - 1929 penny no mint mark; Denver - 1929 penny D; and San Francisco - cent with S mark. Each is interesting to collectors in its own way, especially when it comes to high preservation or minting errors. So, the 1929 D penny value, 1929 S Wheat penny value, and 1929 penny value no mint mark are three completely different stories.

So, if you want to accurately determine 1929 Wheat penny value today - start with the varieties and condition of your piece first.

Main Things to Know: Design, Metal, Mintage

The 1929 coins are from the Wheat Cents (or Lincoln Cent). They were minted at three mints and are of interest to both novice and experienced collectors today.

Main Characteristics of These Pieces

 

Characteristic

Parameter

Denomination

1 cent

Series

Lincoln Wheat Penny

Material

95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

Diameter

19.05 mm

Thickness

1.52 mm

Weight

3.11 grams

Design (obverse)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln

Design (reverse)

Wheat ears, inscription ONE CENT.

Designer

Victor D. Brenner

Year of issue

1929

Mints

Philadelphia (unmarked), Denver (D), San Francisco (S).

Circulation by mint

Philadelphia: 185,262,000

         Denver: 41,730,000

San Francisco: 50,148,000

Three Coin Variations

  1. 1929 No Mint Mark Cent (Philadelphia)

Obverse and reverse of the ordinary 1929 wheat penny no mint mark

This is the most massive version, issued in Philadelphia. Over 185 million pieces entered circulation and many of them were actively used, making coins in poor condition quite common. However, they should not be written off.

1929 no mint Wheat penny value increases dramatically when there is a high grade (MS-60 or higher). For example, 1929 no mint mark penny value in MS-65 Red condition starts at $55, but at auctions the price can exceed $100, especially if the coin has a bright hue and fully legible details.

  1. 1929 D Cent (Denver Mint)

Both sodes of regular 1929 penny D mint mark.

This one has a mintage of about 41 million, making it less common than the Philadelphia version.

It is less common in circulation, especially in good condition. 1929 d Wheat penny value can reach $150 and up in high grades. The AU and MS coins with the original red copper (Red) tint are especially prized.

Interestingly, among 1929 D specimens there are repunched mint marks (RPM) that are included in the 1929-d penny error list, which only adds to the rarity and value of the coin

  1. 1929 S Penny (San Francisco Mint)

Obverse and reverse of usual 1929 s wheat penny

The coin with the “S” designation was minted in San Francisco and at first glance has a slightly higher mintage than the Denver coin, but it is not easy to find a specimen above VF.

1929 S penny value correspondingly starts at $130, but particularly attractive pieces (certified by leading grading companies) can sell for $300 and up at prestigious auctions. This variety is often referred to as semi-key date, especially among MS-grades.

Minting errors, including 1929-S penny error varieties - double strikes, offsets, and rare combinations with damaged stamps - are of particular interest to collectors.

What Is A 1929 Wheat Penny Worth: Actual Numbers

How to say is a 1929 penny worth anything? The answer depends on a number of factors:

  • The color of the coin also matters. A reddish hue - Red significantly increases the value of a 1929 Wheat penny compared to Brown or Red-Brown.

  • Also remember: auction value ≠ base price. Coins offered at well-known auctions (e.g. Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers) often sell for prices 2-5 times higher than the catalog value.

Approximate Penny 1929 Value Chart

Grade

Hue and Condition

1929 No Mint Mark

1929 D

1929 S

G-4

$0.10

$0.25

$0.50

VF-20

$0.35

$1.00

$2.00

XF-40

$0.75

$3.00

$4.50

MS-60

Brown (BN)

$6.00

$12.00

$18.00

Red-Brown (RB)

$9.00

$16.00

$24.00

Red (RD)

$15.00

$25.00

$35.00

MS-65

Brown (BN)

$25.00

$40.00

$60.00

Red-Brown (RB)

$35.00

$55.00

$75.00

Red (RD)

$55.00+

$90.00+

$130.00+

 

Prices may vary depending on market conditions, demand and other factors.

Not sure about the prices? Want to check how much is a 1929-D penny worth? You have the answer! With the Coin ID Scanner app you can:

  • Learn the historical background of any coin.

  • Compare the image of the coin with the large database (more than 150,000 coins) to provide the relevant data.

  • Check the current 1929 Wheat penny no mint mark value or cost of any other coin.

  • Manage your collection digitally.

This is especially convenient for someone who is just starting out in numismatics or who wants to quickly check the value of a coin find.

1929 Wheat Penny Error List: Top 5 Interesting Variations

Many already know that the minting errors can significantly increase the value of even a seemingly ordinary specimen. Such coins are rare, they are unique in their nature, that is why they are in demand among collectors. Below you can see the most valuable erroneous variations of the cent of this year, which will be a worthy addition to the collection.

  1. 1929 D/D RPM (Repunched Mint Mark)

1929 D penny error with RPM detail – rare find for collectors.
  • Look for a duplication of the mint mark “D” below the date

  • Second imprint may be slightly offset up, down, or sideways

  • Viewed well under magnification

This variation is characteristic of the 1929 D one and is among the most notorious RPM errors of this year. With a clear duplication and high grade (MS), its price can go as high as $100-$300.

  1. 1929 S/S RPM (Repunched Mint Mark)

1929 S wheat penny with repunched mint mark – valuable error that increases 1929 S penny value for collectors
  • Duplication of the “S” mint mark

  • You should usually look for the double outline at the bottom of the mint mark

  • Magnifying glass is your best study tool

One of the rare varieties for the 1929 s Wheat penny, especially valuable in red hues (RD). At the MS-64 RD grade, the price can exceed $350, which answers the question: how much is a 1929 s penny worth in case of errors.

  1. Off-Center Strike Example (with no and S mint marks)

Both sides of valuable 1929 s penny error with noticeable design offset
  • Part of the coin image is offset to the edge

  • Part of the design or bezel may be missing

  • Offset from 5% to 50%

Offset errors occur on all 1929 varieties, including Philadelphia exemplars. This 1929 Wheat penny value no mint mark and S mint mark depends on the degree of offset and date readability. A coin with an offset of 15-25% may be worth $50 to $150. If the offset is significant and the date is completely visible, the price may be even higher.

  1. 1929 S Double Die Obverse Example

Obverse and reverse of 1929 s wheat penny with DDO error.
  • Doubling of design elements on the obverse - noticeable on the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, as well as on the digits of the date 1929.

  • The doubling can be either slight or distinct, depending on the copy.

  • Best seen on coins at XF and above.

These coins are of interest to collectors, if they are in high grades and with well-defined error. The value can range from  $30 to $150 or more, depending on the intensity of the doubling and the condition of the coin.

  1. 1929 D Die Break Variant

1929 wheat penny error example with visible die break across Lincoln's portrait.
  • Fractures in the date, portrait or rim area

  • Appears as raised lines on the surface of the coin

  • Often accompanied by other minor faults

While die crack is a common mistake, large or visually spectacular cracks can add $10-$60+ to a coin's base value. This is especially true for Philadelphia coins in different conditions.

Is the 1929 Lincoln Cent Worth Looking for?

The question of how much is a 1929 Wheat penny worth is not just about price, but a combination of rarity, condition and nuances of minting. Even among common specimens, you can find worthy collectibles. And if you have a cent this year but have not yet checked it out, now is the time to do so.


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