If you’re a coin collector or about to be, the 1910 penny is a fantastic addition to your collection. The 1910 penny is one of the most popular coins among collectors. Since there are only a few types of the coin, some types are a bit scarce and worth a lot, especially when they’re in mint condition.
But, the 1910 penny worth can be less than a door but also worth a couple of hundred dollars, depending on your type. If you have a 1910 Lincoln wheat penny, you might be wondering what it is worth. It’s also important to check the worth if you decide to add one to your collection.
This guide will answer the question, how much is a 1910 penny worth, and all you need to know about the errors.
No. |
Location |
Year |
Value |
Minted |
1 |
Philadelphia |
1910 |
$0.25 – $500+ |
146,801,218 |
2 |
San Francisco |
1910 S |
$12 – $100 |
6,045,000 |
3 |
Philadelphia |
1910 proof |
$200+ |
2,405 |
How Much is a 1910 Penny Worth?
In general, the pennies have a value between $0.25 and $100, depending on the coin’s condition and whether it has a mint mark. But if you can get the most valuable coins, they usually cost about $600.
The 1910 Lincoln wheat penny started its production in 1909. It has a face value of one cent and was produced in two Philadelphia mint facilities and one San Francisco mint. It is made with 95% copper, while 5% is zinc and tin.
The 1910 wheat penny was designed by Victor D. Brenner and had a diameter of 0.750 inches. The mass of the penny should be 0.1 troy ounces, so it’s important to check the details before you conclude whether it is a 1910 wheat penny.
| Condition | Value |
| Good | $0.38 – $0.54 |
| Fine | $0.88 |
| Extremely Fine | $1.56 – $4.41 |
| Uncirculated | $11 |
| Mint State 60 | $20 |
| Mint State 65 | $27 |
| Proof 63 | $593 |
There are other popular Lincoln penny varieties aside from 1910. Learn more about it in this video:
Highest Priced 1910 Pennies
So far, the most valuable 1910 Lincoln penny was a 1910 S MS 67 RED, which was auctioned for as high as $43,125. It was sold in 2005 and is the most expensive one sold.
After this was a 1910 penny worth $19,200, the 1910 Lincoln wheat penny had an error: a re-punched mint mark with a double mintage.
Finally is the 1910 MS 67+ RED Lincoln wheat penny worth $10,869. Aside from these, you can find other 1910 pennies at lower prices, with the highest set at almost $600. These Lincoln cents can be found in circulated and uncirculated conditions.
Even in 2022, a rare wheat penny was sold for $203 online. It didn’t have a mintmark, so it was minted in Philadelphia.
Factors that Determine the Worth of a 1910 Wheat Penny
When you have a 1910 Lincoln penny, three main factors determine its value. If you have a 1910 penny or want to buy one, you need to identify its date and the type of mintmark, the condition to check its grade, and other features that might reduce or increase its value.
Date and Mint Mark
The date and mintmark are the first things you should check when you have a 1910 penny. If you’re collecting Lincoln coins in the early year, you will have to differentiate them based on where they were made.
A mint mark is a tiny letter you see under the date of your 1910 wheat penny. It states the US Mint facility where the coin was made. Some 1910 pennies don’t have a mint mark; this is the Philadelphia Mint. Then, those with the S mark were made in the San Francisco mint and are rarer and more valuable than those without.
But there is also the 1910 proof penny. These proof coins were made in the US Mint facility in Philadelphia, mostly for coin collectors. You can easily identify proof coins based on the square rims, matte surface, and sharp design in general.
Condition
The grade of your 1910 Lincoln wheat penny depends on the condition. You can examine the coin to determine the grade and compare them to others. When you carry out a close inspection of the detail and wear, that’s the best indication of the condition.
When checking the condition of Lincoln wheat pennies, you should start with the uncirculated grade. Since these are the best grades, it gives you an example of what the original coin should look like. You can compare this to other coins to determine their grade.
Also, when checking the condition of your 1910 wheat penny, you should tilt the coin under light and check the most subtle details.
Other Special Qualities
There are other qualities or elements to consider when determining your penny’s value. Although some of the damages on the coin are not easily visible, it is a huge consideration for a collector to determine value.
Look out for scratches and nicks at the edges of the coin. If there is damage, the value of the coin will drop significantly. Errors are also important in determining the value of 1910 Lincoln pennies.
There are different errors to remember when choosing a 1910 penny, and some errors even increase the value.
What are the 1910 Penny Wheat Conditions
The four main conditions for a 1910 wheat penny coin are good, fine, extremely fine, and uncirculated. While some of the pennies you might find are worth a few cents, others can cost a couple of hundred dollars.
Different factors determine the coin’s value, as we explored earlier in this guide, but the main factor is the different grades. This is the first thing a collector checks, including signs of wear and tear and color toning.
Good
This is a poor condition that your 1910 Lincoln wheat penny can be in. When your coin is graded as Good, it would be hard to see the face lines and other important details on Lincoln’s face.
In Good grade oins, the neckline is on the same level as the jawline and chin. But you will be able to identify the lettering easily. Even if their condition is poor, collectors still look out for Good coins because of their significance, so don’t be discouraged if you have this.
Fine
Fine grade 1910 pennies have more signs of wear and fading on the surface. All the points of the coin that are supposed to be sharp when minted would become much flatter and equal to initially low points.
Also, coins in a Fine grade have a few noticeable details on the hair and coat. You can check the chin on President Lincoln first to check the condition. You will also notice that the chin lines and jawlines are nearly flattened.
Extremely Fine
Another grade to remember when examining the 1910 wheat penny is in Extremely Fine grade. In this grade group, there will be a lot of copper toning on the surface. You will also find wear around the surface, but it won’t be concentrated in one place.
You can compare the Lincoln’s chin on the penny in an Extremely Fine condition to one in mint condition. There are other little details to check, which include the height between the cheek and lower jawline.
Uncirculated
The most valuable wheat penny coins are those that the uncirculated coins. As the name implies, these uncirculated coins are in mint condition and never left the US Mint. Uncirculated 1910 pennies have no sign of wear or color toning on the surface.
Although the copper color will fade with time, this feature won’t affect the final price. When you get a 1910 wheat penny, you should examine the top layer of copper to find signs of wear and fading. Lincoln’s beard is one of the most important parts of a 1910 penny.
The higher and lower areas of the beard and face should be intact even if the color has faded. There should also be no metal damage to the metal, and the chin should be clear.
Errors on 1910 Lincoln Pennies
There were not a lot of errors on the 1910 Lincoln penny series, but those that have been identified affected the price. Here are the different errors on these pennies:
Doubled Die
Some 1910 Lincoln wheat pennies have a doubled die, which you can identify in the thickness of the inscription. You will see an inscription of E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse, which adds a slight thickness to the coin.
You can’t find many double die pennies today, and they are not traded. So, it would be hard to find one if you want to add to your collection. The doubled die coin value is between $25 and $100+.
With Die Cracks
One of the well-known errors on 1910 Lincoln wheat pennies is the die cracks. Almost every 1910 wheat penny with a die crack can be collected. Some of these error coins are even worth more than those without errors. You can get between $5 and $10 for pennies with die cracks.
Off-Center
Another error on your 1910 Lincoln wheat penny to look out for is the off-center. The coin’s value depends on where the center is and the condition of the penny. They are valued at between $5 and $250.
For instance, if you have an uncirculated penny with up to a 90% off-center, you can sell or buy it for up to $200. On the other hand, if you have a circulated 1910 Lincoln penny with 50% off-center, you can get it for $10.
Pre-Punched Mint Marks
Finally, you can find 1910 pennies with re-punched int marks. These mint marks can be found on the obverse. The marks were caused by striking a punch several times from different positions and angles.
The 1910 wheat pennies with a re-punched mint mark are also popular among many collectors and can range between $5 and $25. The value depends on the condition and the space between the edge and the mint mark.
Where Can You Buy 1910 Pennies
If you’re putting together a collection of early Lincoln cents or need a 1910 Lincoln penny for any other reason, there are different ways to get these coins.
Online Stores
The easiest way to get 1910 pennies to add to your collection is online. Simply search for the coin you want on eBay and other platforms like Amazon and Etsy. When purchasing the coin online, it’s important to read the description and check the coin to see its condition and mintmark.
Local Coin Dealers
Although it’s not easy to find local coin dealers near you, they offer a safe bet for buying 1910 wheat pennies and other precious metals. You can check the coin in person, and rest assured that you’re purchasing from someone that has already checked the condition.
Check out this video to learn more about choosing a good coin dealer:
Auction House
While this is a reliable way to get a 1910 penny, you need to check if they are in stock before choosing this as your purchase method. 1910 wheat pennies are popular, which means you can easily find them at a reliable dealer or auction house. But remember that you might have to pay way more for the coin if others are also auctioning for it.
How to Sell Your 1910 Penny
You can sell your 1910 penny using the same platforms where you can buy it from. The most convenient way to sell your penny is with an online store like eBay. When doing this, take clear pictures of the coin and describe it clearly in the product description.
Before selling your coin, it’s important to follow our guides in checking the condition. Check the date, mintmark, and condition. You should also check any other errors or damages to the coin and ensure you can prove its authenticity.
Final Thoughts
The 1910 penny is worth between $0.25 and $500+, depending on the condition, mintmark, and the special elements. Some mint errors are even worth more than the standard copper coins. You can improve your coin collection by purchasing on eBay and other online stores, local coin dealers, and auction houses.
On the other hand, you can also sell your 1910 wheat penny to other collectors and dealers. Ensure you verify the value first before selling it.
