1942 Penny Value: Complete Price Guide and Identification

A standard circulated 1942 wheat penny trades between $0.05 and $0.50, while pristine red uncirculated specimens can reach $50–$120+.

Exceptional pieces—such as high-grade red examples and rare error coins—command hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To understand your coin's worth, you must first identify its mint mark (none for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco), evaluate its condition and color, and check for any mint errors.

"Most 1942 pennies you'll encounter are worth only a few cents in circulated condition, but the highest-quality red examples from San Francisco or Denver can surprise even experienced collectors. The solution is understanding that grade, color, and mint mark work together—a common Brown coin stays common, but a Red MS67 from San Francisco enters a completely different value tier." — Laura Bennett, Senior Numismatic Analyst at Coin ID Scanner

Last Updated: July 2026

Disclaimer: Price information is for general guidance only and does not replace consultation with a professional numismatist or certified grading service. Market values fluctuate based on condition, demand, and authentication.

What Is a 1942 Penny Worth Today?

Price depends on mint mark, condition, and color. Circulated 1942 wheat pennies are worth cents; uncirculated examples bring dollars. Collectors prize bright red (RD) specimens and rare errors most highly.

Below are reference prices for Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver ("D"), and San Francisco ("S"). Much depends on preservation.

Grade	Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)	Denver ("D")	San Francisco ("S")
Good (G-4)	$0.05–$0.10	$0.10–$0.15	$0.10–$0.25
Fine (F-12)	$0.10–$0.25	$0.15–$0.30	$0.20–$0.35
Very Fine (VF-20)	$0.20–$0.40	$0.30–$0.50	$0.40–$0.60
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$0.40–$0.75	$0.60–$1.00	$0.80–$1.20
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$0.75–$1.50	$1.00–$2.00	$1.50–$3.00
MS60 BN	$2–$4	$3–$6	$4–$8
MS63 RB	$6–$12	$8–$16	$10–$20
MS65 RD	$25–$60	$35–$80	$50–$120+
MS66 RD	$60–$150	$80–$200	$120–$300
MS67 RD	$200–$600	$400–$1,200	$800–$2,500

Notes:

• Red (RD) examples usually cost more than Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN).
• Exceptionally high grades MS66–MS67 RD, proof coins, and rare errors can be worth multiples of these figures.
• Prices benchmarked Q3–2026; updates quarterly.

For context on the broader Lincoln Wheat series, see our complete guide: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value.

Why the 1942 Wheat Penny Matters to Collectors

The 1942 penny is a wartime Lincoln wheat cent struck in bronze before the U.S. switched to steel in 1943.

The coin's historical connection to World War II and its status as the last full year of bronze production add appeal for both beginners and advanced collectors. For many, a 1942 wheat penny represents an accessible entry point into numismatics—affordable in lower grades, yet capable of commanding serious premiums when preserved in top condition.

How to Find the Mint Mark on a 1942 Penny

The mint mark appears on the obverse, directly below the date "1942." No mark means Philadelphia; D indicates Denver; S indicates San Francisco.

You should do several things for clear mint mark identification:

• Use gloves and a 5–10× loupe to inspect the coin without damaging the surface.
• The mark is small, just a few millimeters, so good lighting and magnification help avoid misidentification.

How Mint Mark Affects Price: D, S, and No Mint Mark

Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

Mintage is 657,796,000, which makes this the highest output and the most common 1942 cent. Value remains modest in lower grades, but top-quality Red specimens MS66–MS67 can still command strong premiums. A Philadelphia cent in MS67 RD might fetch $200–$600 at auction.

Denver (D Mint Mark)

Mintage is 206,698,000 pieces, which makes it rarer than Philadelphia. High-grade Red examples MS65–MS67 are scarce and bring higher prices than comparable Philadelphia coins. An MS68 RD sold for $12,650 at Heritage Auctions in 2008—a testament to how condition and color drive value in this series.

San Francisco (S Mint Mark)

Mintage is 85,590,000 pieces—the lowest of the three. This scarcity drives collector demand, especially for MS65 RD and higher.

Prices for top-grade Red examples can reach several thousand dollars. An MS68 RD record sale reached $12,650 in 2006 at Heritage Auctions.

In short: 1942-D and 1942-S wheat penny values differ from 1942 wheat penny no mint mark based on mintage. Lower mintage and better preservation mean higher collector value.

For comparison with the previous year, explore 1941 wheat penny value.

1942 Steel Penny: Myth or Rare Error?

"True 1942 steel planchet errors are exceedingly rare. If you believe you have found one, authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before making any value assumptions." — Laura Bennett, Coin ID Scanner

The search query "1942 steel penny" usually reflects confusion: mass steel/zinc production began in 1943 to conserve copper during wartime. Standard 1942 cents are bronze of 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc.

Any 1942 steel penny would be an extremely rare experimental or error piece with astronomical value, but in 99.9% of cases, what people see is either a standard bronze 1942 cent or a steel 1943 cent. A magnet test helps: steel attracts a magnet, bronze does not.

Quick Test: Hold a small magnet near your coin. If it sticks, you likely have a 1943 steel cent or a reprocessed/plated coin, not a real 1942 bronze cent. The real bronze 1942 cents do not attract magnets.

For more on the 1943 steel issue, see 1943 steel penny value and clarify the 1943 penny myth.

Errors and Varieties to Look For on 1942 Pennies

Doubled Die Obverse

DDO, especially FS-101 through FS-104, is visible doubling on letters "IN GOD WE TRUST" or date. Rare errors increase value from tens to hundreds or thousands of dollars in top grades. A 1942 DDO in MS65 RB sold for up to $1,200 in 2022.

Repunched Mintmark (RPM, S/S or D/D)

A second strike on the mint mark creates noticeable doubling under magnification—a desirable variety for collectors. The 1942-S/S RPM FS-512 in MS67 RD sold for $1,763 in 2020 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions.

Lamination

Metal peeling or flaking. Dramatic examples add value, though precise pricing varies widely based on severity. Minor laminations might add $10–$50; major flaking on a high-grade coin can push premiums into the hundreds.

Off-Center Strike

The stronger the displacement and the clearer the date, the higher the value. A 50%+ off-center strike with visible date can fetch $400+. Collectors prize these for their visual drama and rarity.

Die Cracks/Cuds

Raised lines or blobs from die breaks. Dramatic examples bring premiums up to $75+. A large cud on a high-grade coin can be especially desirable.

Auction Records

• 1942-S/S/S DDO & RPM FS-101/301 (MS67 RD): Only 3 examples graded by PCGS; record price $2,350 on eBay in 2019.
• 1942 1C J-2079 Aluminum (Proof 66): Experimental strike; sold for $199,750 at Heritage Auctions on April 23, 2014.

How Condition Affects Price

Circulated

Visible wear, weak wheat lines; inexpensive. A Good-4 example might show only faint outlines of Lincoln's features and heavily worn wheat stalks.

About Uncirculated (AU)

Light wear traces, high relief. The coin retains most of its original detail, with only slight friction on the highest points.

Uncirculated (MS)

No wear; color matters: BN < RB < RD. An MS coin shows full mint luster and sharp strike, but color designation can shift value.

Color Definitions (PCGS/NGC standards)

• Red (RD): ≥95% original mint red luster; highest premium.
• Red-Brown (RB): 5–95% original red color; moderate premium.
• Brown (BN): <5% original red color; lowest premium.

Consider professional grading (PCGS/NGC) for coins potentially worth over $100. Certification provides authentication, precise grade, and color designation—all of which help maximize resale value.

"Even a less experienced eye can easily spot color variation, which significantly contributes to the coin's visual appeal and value. A 1942-S in MS65 RD can be 3–5 times more valuable than the same grade in BN." — Coin Grading Standards, PCGS

For comparison with the nearby year, see 1940 wheat penny value.

Identification & Specifications

Technical Specifications and Design: Obverse and Reverse

The wheat reverse and Lincoln obverse define this type. Below are basic specifications: composition, weight, diameter, edge, obverse, reverse, designer initials.

Parameter	Value
Composition	Bronze: ~95% copper, ~5% tin and zinc
Weight	~3.11 g
Diameter	19.05 mm
Edge	Plain
Obverse Description	Lincoln portrait facing right; "IN GOD WE TRUST"; "LIBERTY"; date "1942"; mint mark (if present); raised rim
Reverse Description	Two wheat stalks; "ONE CENT"; "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"; "E PLURIBUS UNUM"; lettering in field
Designer	Victor David Brenner (initials V.D.B. under Lincoln's shoulder, added 1918)

Designer History

Victor David Brenner created the Lincoln obverse design in 1909. His initials "V.D.B." originally appeared prominently on the reverse but were removed in August 1909 after public criticism.

The initials returned in smaller form on the obverse shoulder in 1918. This change makes 1918-and-later cents easy to distinguish from earlier issues.

Additional Price Clusters & Special Cases

Proof 1942 (Proof Strikes)

The last pre-war proof issue mintage was 32,600 per U.S. Mint records. Price ranges: PR60–PR63 $60–$150; PR65 RD $250–$450+; Cameo/Ultra Cameo—multiples higher.

Grade	Approximate Price Range
PR60	$60–$80
PR63	$100–$150
PR65 RD	$250–$450+
PR67 Cameo	$16,000–$17,625 (record, Heritage Auctions 2014)

Proof coins were struck for collectors, not circulation. They feature mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Cameo and Deep Cameo (Ultra Cameo) designations indicate strong contrast between fields and devices—a feature that commands significant premiums.

Sources for information from the table are PCGS Proof populations/price guide, NGC Census/Guide, Heritage Auctions proof records.

How to Value and Sell a 1942 Penny on Your Own

Valuation Steps:

1. Identify mint mark (under date on obverse).
2. Determine grade and color (BN/RB/RD) using visual grading scale.
3. Check for errors (DDO, RPM, lamination, off-center) with 10–30× magnification.
4. Compare to PCGS/NGC price guides and recent auction results.
5. For valuable specimens—get certification (PCGS/NGC).

Where to Sell:

• Major auctions: Heritage, Stack's Bowers, GreatCollections for top coins $500+ estimated value.
• eBay with quality photos for mid-range coins $50–$500.
• Local dealers—faster, but usually lower prices, best for common circulated coins under $50.

Comparison of Sales Channels:

Channel	Commission/Fee	Typical Payout Time	Best For	Risks
Heritage/Stack's Bowers	10–20%	30–90 days	High-value coins ($500+)	Minimum lot requirements
GreatCollections	10%	30–60 days	Mid-to-high value ($100+)	Reserve may not be met
eBay	~13% (fees + payment)	7–14 days	$50–$500 range	Buyer disputes, returns
Local dealers	50–70% of retail	Same day	Quick sale, common coins	Lower payout

PCGS/NGC standard service: $20–$50 per coin; express service: $75–$150; turnaround: 15–45 days standard, 5–10 days express. Insurance and shipping add $10–$30.

Quick Checklist for Collectors:

1. Inspect coin under magnification (10–30×).
2. Compare to grading standards (PCGS/ANA guides).
3. Check auction records for comparable sales (Heritage, Stack's Bowers).
4. Choose sales channel based on estimated value (see table above).
5. If high-value (>$100), certify before listing.

History of 1942 and World War II

War demands for copper led to composition changes: 1942 retained bronze, but 1943 switched to zinc-coated steel. This context explains myths and heightened interest in pre-war/wartime issues.

The 1942 penny was the last full year of bronze production before the temporary shift to steel, making it historically significant as a "wartime coin." Collectors often seek 1942 cents as bookends to the 1943 steel series.

When the U.S. entered World War II in 1941, copper was highly demanded for the production of assault wires, ammunition, and other military equipment. The 1942 Lincoln wheat penny was the last copper penny made during that period. Copper would only return in 1944.

For the transition back to copper, explore 1944 wheat penny value. For the immediate post-war year, see 1945 wheat penny value.

What Is NOT an Error

Reprocessed 1943 Steel Cents

Some sellers coat 1943 steel cents to mimic bronze or claim they are rare 1942 steel errors. Always verify with a magnet test and weight check: ~3.11g for bronze vs ~2.7g for steel.

A genuine 1942 bronze cent will not attract a magnet. If your coin is magnetic, it's almost certainly a 1943 steel cent—possibly altered or misrepresented.

Post-Mint Damage

Cleaning, polishing, environmental damage, corrosion, and spotting are not a mint error and significantly reduce value. Look for original surfaces and luster.

Collectors prefer coins with natural toning and untouched patina. Even light cleaning can cut value by 50% or more.

Overhyped Listings

Claims like "EXTREMELY RARE 1942 D… US $700.00" on eBay often lack third-party authentication. Real high-value coins should be PCGS/NGC certified with transparent provenance.

Beware: "EXTREMELY RARE 1942 D WHEAT PENNY WITH MINT MARK. Great condition too! This rare 1942 copper penny is very valuable, and it's even rarer than other 1942 pennies, because it has a 'D' mint mark on it!" — Example of misleading eBay listing without certified grading or authentication.

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