The 1953 Wheat Penny is a highly sought-after coin by collectors. In circulated conditions, the 1953 wheat penny value is between $0.05 and $0.22 from all three Mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco). However, if the coin is uncirculated, it can be worth from $0.55 to $33, depending on the condition, mint mark, and type of strike.
Coin collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby. The best part about it is that every time you go out coin collecting, you never know what you’re going to find. Sometimes you find something rare and valuable, and other times you find something common like a 1953 Wheat Penny.
Do you have a 1953 wheat penny in your coin collection? If so, what is its value? Lucky for you, we’ve put together a 1953 Wheat Penny Value and Price Chart to help answer those questions! Whether you’re just starting out in coin collecting or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s always interesting to check the value of different coins. So dive in and take a look at what your 1953 wheat penny is worth!
History of 1953 Wheat Pennies
Few people know the name Victor David Brenner, but everyone knows his work. Brenner was a Latvian-born sculptor and engraver who is best remembered for designing the Lincoln wheat penny. Brenner’s design was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
Wheat pennies were first minted in 1909 and were in circulation until 1958. The coin got its nickname from the design on the reverse side, which features two stalks of wheat. In 1953, the US Mint continued the tradition of producing large amounts of pennies. The mint also struck coins at all three of its major facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Today, wheat pennies are treasured by collectors for their historic value and unique design. Although they no longer circulate as currency, these coins continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember them.
Are 1953 Wheat Pennies Rare?
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1953 Wheat Pennies |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1953 P | 257,000,000 |
| Denver | 1953 D | 701,000,000 |
| San Francisco | 1953 S | 182,000,000 |
Although 1953 Wheat Pennies are not rare, they are still sought after by many coin collectors. More than 1.1 billion 1953 Lincoln cents were made for circulation, with most of them being minted in the Denver Mint – 700,515,000 coins. This is surprising given that the Philadelphia Mint usually makes the most Lincoln cents. However, this time Philadelphia only minted 256,755,000 coins. The San Francisco Mint produced 181,835,000 coins and there were also 128,800 proof coins minted.
What Does a 1953 Lincoln Penny Look Like?
|
1953 Lincoln Penny |
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| Year | 1936 |
| EDGE | Plain |
| DIAMETER | 19.00 millimeters |
| WEIGHT | 3.11 grams |
| METAL | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| DESIGNER | Victor David Brenner |
The 1953 Lincoln penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, giving it a brownish color. It weighs 3.11 grams and is 19.05 mm in diameter.
Over time, the copper in pennies begins to react with the oxygen in the air, causing the coins to develop a patina. This process is called oxidation, and it is responsible for the pennies’ changing color. While some people may view this as a sign of wear and tear, others see it as a natural way for the pennies to develop a unique appearance.
There are three primary types of copper patina: RD (Red), RB (Red Brown), and BN (Brown). As with other copper cents, the RD is worth more than the RB, and the RB is worth more than the BN.
The obverse (heads side) of the coin features a bust of Abraham Lincoln with the words “In God We Trust”, “Liberty” and the date. The reverse (tail side) features the words “One Cent” inside a wheat wreath. The words “E Pluribus Unum” and “United States of America” are also featured on the reverse.
On the obverse side of the coin, just below the date, you would see a small letter. This is the coin’s mint mark, and it indicates where the coin was produced. Coins without a mint mark were made at the Philadelphia Mint, while those with an “S” mint mark were produced at the San Francisco Mint. Those with a “D” mint mark were struck at the Denver Mint. The mint mark is an important piece of information for collectors, as it can affect the value of the coin.
How Much is a 1953 Penny Worth?
Condition |
1953 (P) |
1953 D |
1953 S |
Circulated |
$0.05 |
$0.05 |
$0.05 |
About Uncirculated |
$0.22 |
$0.22 |
$0.22 |
MS 60 |
$0.55 |
$0.55 |
$0.66 |
MS 63 |
$1.11 |
$1.11 |
$2.22 |
MS 65 |
$19-$31 |
$11-$19 |
$17-$28 |
Proof |
$33 |
/ |
/ |
1953 penny price chart
If you found a 1953 Lincoln penny in your change, you might be wondering if it’s worth anything more than its face value of one cent. The answer depends on the condition of the coin and the mint mark, which indicates where it was produced.
In circulated conditions, all four types of 1953 pennies are worth between $0.05 and $0.22 each. That’s not much, however, it could be worth more if you have uncirculated coins.
Uncirculated 1953 no mint mark wheat penny value and 1953 D wheat penny value is $0.55 in MS 60 grade and $1.11 in MS 63 grade. Uncirculated 1953 S wheat penny value is $0.66 in MS 60 grade and $2.22 in MS 63 grade.
In MS 65 grade, 1953 no mint mark penny is worth between $19 and $31, 1953 S wheat penny is worth between $17 and $28, while 1953 D wheat penny is worth slightly less – $11-$19.
Most 1953 pennies are worth only a few cents or dollars, but proof coins are much more valuable. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and usually have a higher quality than regular circulation coins. In general, proof coins from 1953 are worth $33 and up.
What is the Most Expensive 1953 Wheat Penny Ever Sold?
The most expensive 1953 wheat penny ever sold is a Lincoln Cent graded MS 67 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) with Red (RD) patina. The coin was sold for $14,100 in 2014 and features a strong strike and rich luster. The coin is virtually free of even the tiniest carbon spots, making it a highly desirable specimen for collectors.
In 2016, a 1953 proof coin graded PR 67 by PCGS with Red (RD) patina was sold for $9,409.40, making it the second most expensive 1953 wheat penny ever sold. This coin is one of only a handful of proof coins with this grade and patina combination.
Finding the Value of Your 1953 Wheat Penny
If you have a 1953 wheat penny, you may be wondering how much it is worth. To get a better idea of your 1953 wheat penny value, compare it to similar pieces that have been sold recently. Pay attention to the coin’s condition and whether it is an ordinary or rare variety.
- A circulated 1953 D wheat penny sold for $1.10.
- Uncirculated 1953 S wheat penny recently sold for $2.95.
- A set of uncirculated coins from all three mints sold for $4.95.
- Uncirculated 1953 D wheat penny graded MS 66 by NGC with Red cameo sold for $36.
- A 1953 proof wheat penny graded PR 64 by PCGS with a Red cameo sold for around $150.
If you are looking to sell your coin, it is important to do your research and compare your coin to similar pieces that have recently been sold. This will help you determine a fair price for your coin and ensure that you get the most money possible for your piece.
Factors Determining the 1953 Penny Value
There are a few things to consider when trying to determine the 1953 penny value. The condition of the coin, its mint mark, and its rarity all play a role in how much it is worth. Even within those factors, there are various grades that contribute to the overall cost. So, what are some of the things collectors look for when pricing these coins? Let’s explore!
Condition
Coin grading is the process of assessing the condition of a coin and assigning it a numerical score on a scale of 1 to 70. The higher the score, the more valuable the coin. When it comes to determining the 1953 penny value, the condition is everything. A coin that has been well-preserved will always be worth more than one that shows signs of wear and tear.
The grading scale for coins goes from Poor to Mint State, with Poor being the lowest quality and Mint State being the highest. A coin in Poor condition will have a lot of wear and tear, while a coin in Mint State will look like it just came off the presses.
Mint Mark
In 1953, the United States Mint produced three types of pennies: those with no mint mark, those with a “D” mint mark, and those with an “S” mint mark. The coins with no mint mark were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the coins with a “D” mint mark were produced at the Denver Mint, and the coins with an “S” mint mark were produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Of these three types of pennies, the ones with an “S” mint mark are usually worth more in higher Mint State conditions, but it doesn’t always have to be the case. This is because fewer of them were produced. So, if you have a 1953 penny, be sure to check the mint mark.
Type of Strike
Business strikes are those produced for circulation and have a light appearance due to multiple impressions on the coin die. On the other hand, proof strikes are specially made for collectors and have a much more distinct appearance. When determining the value of a 1953 penny, it’s important to know whether it’s a business strike or a proof strike.
Rare Varieties
In 1953, the United States Mint produced more than one billion Lincoln pennies. Of those, there are a handful of errors and rare varieties that can be worth hundreds of dollars. So, if you’re ever lucky enough to find one of these rare coins, be sure to hang on to it! It could be worth a lot of money.
1953 Penny Rare Varieties
While most coins are minted with precision and care, errors do happen from time to time. These coins can be highly sought-after by collectors, as they are often unique and interesting pieces. Let’s take a look at some Lincoln penny rare varieties:
Type of variety |
Approximate value |
1953 Penny Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet |
$1000 and up |
1953 Off-Center Lincoln Penny |
$50 and up |
1953 Double Die Penny |
$3-$10 |
Extra Eyelid Lincoln Penny |
$3-$10 |
1953 wheat penny error list and price chart
1953 Penny Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet
In 1953, the U.S. Mint produced pennies that were mistakenly struck on silver dime planchets. As a result, these coins are now worth more than $1,000 even in circulated condition. The error occurred when the Mint failed to properly empty the supply of silver dimes from the presses before striking the pennies. Consequently, a small number of pennies were struck on silver dime planchets instead of copper-plated zinc.
1953 Double Die Lincoln Penny
This highly coveted coin is a result of a printing error, known as a doubled die. This occurs when the die that is used to strike the coin is misaligned, causing the design to be imprinted twice. As a result, the coin has two sets of certain design elements. While this may seem like a small mistake, it has resulted in a penny that is extremely valuable to collectors. In fact, prices for this coin can range from $3 to $10, depending on its condition.
Extra Eyelid Lincoln Penny
The Extra Eyelid Lincoln Penny is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. This unique coin is the result of a double die error that makes it look like Abraham Lincoln has an extra eyelid. While most examples of this coin are only worth a few dollars, some of the more well-preserved examples can fetch up to $10.
1953 Off-Center Lincoln Penny
This coin is valuable because it is not perfectly centered when it was struck by the mint. How does this happen? It occurs when the coin blank is not properly aligned before it goes into the coin die. When the die strikes the blank, it imprints the design off-center. Depending on how far off-center the strike is, these coins can be worth over $50.
5 Most Valuable 1953 Wheat Pennies Ever Sold
| 5 Most Valuable 1953 D Wheat Penny | ||||
| No. | Type | Condition | Sold Date | Price |
| 1 | 1953 Lincoln Cent | MS67 Red | Jan 8, 2014 | $14,100.00 |
| 2 | 1953 Cent | PR67 Red Deep Cameo | Mar 4, 2016 | $9,409.40 |
| 3 | 1953 Lincoln Cent | PR67+ Red Deep Cameo | Jun 9, 2016 | $9,400.00 |
| 4 | 1953 Lincoln Cent | PR67+ Red Deep Cameo | Aug 10, 2016 | $9,106.25 |
| 5 | 1953 Lincoln Cent | MS67 Red | Aug 5, 2014 | $8,812.50 |
1. 1953 Lincoln Cent, MS67 Red Sold on Jan 8, 2014 for: $14,100.00
2. 1953 Cent, PR67 Red Deep Cameo Sold on Mar 4, 2016 for: $9,409.40
3. 1953 Lincoln Cent, PR67+ Red Deep Cameo Sold on Jun 9, 2016 for: $9,400.00
4. 1953 Lincoln Cent, PR67+ Red Deep Cameo Sold on Aug 10, 2016 for: $9,106.25
5. 1953 Lincoln Cent, MS67 Red Sold on Aug 5, 2014 for: $8,812.50
FAQ
How much is a 1953 D wheat penny worth?
How much is a 1953 D wheat penny worth? Well, it all depends on the condition of the penny. A 1953 D wheat penny is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.01 to a couple of thousand dollars in the highest grades.
What makes a 1953 wheat penny rare?
The 1953 wheat penny is not a rare coin by any stretch of the imagination. They had very high mintage numbers that year, so there are plenty of them out there. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable. If you find a 1953 wheat penny in pristine condition, it could be worth a nice amount of money. In addition, some error varieties of the 1953 wheat penny are more valuable than others.
How much can you sell a 1953 penny for?
A 1953 penny can be worth a lot of money depending on its condition. If the coin is in good condition, it can be sold for around $0.55. However, if the coin is in mint condition, it can be worth up to $33. So, if you have a 1953 penny, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look to see what kind of shape it’s in. With a little bit of luck, you might have a coin that’s worth quite a bit of money.
What is the Holy Grail penny?
The Holy Grail Penny is a rare copper penny from 1943. Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, making them highly coveted by collectors. The coin gets its nickname from the fact that it is one of the few pennies minted in that year that is made from copper. The Holy Grail Penny is also notable for its history; it is believed to have been minted in error, which makes it even more sought-after by collectors.
Final Thoughts
The value of a 1953 wheat penny depends on several factors, including the condition of the coin, the mint mark, and the type of strike. In a circulated condition, all four types of 1953 pennies are worth between $0.05 and $0.22 each. Uncirculated coins can be worth from $0.55 to $33, depending on their condition and mint mark.
As we mentioned in the article, the value of your coins will increase if you have error coins. So, if you think you might have any, be sure to have them evaluated by a professional. Thanks for reading and good luck with your coin collecting!
