1933 Wheat Penny Value Soars To $24,500 – Historic Gem

Are you wondering if the 1933 Lincoln penny is worth adding to your coin collection? Although it’s not a rare key-date coin, it was produced in relatively low numbers, which makes it appealing to collectors, especially those building a Lincoln penny series.

This coin was minted during the Great Depression, giving it both historical and emotional value. In this guide, you’ll learn about the 1933 Lincoln cent’s background, key features, how to grade it, and rare minting errors that can boost its value.

Let’s dive in and see—what is a 1933 penny really worth?

1933 Penny Value Chart

Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1933 No Mint Mark	$2	$2.75	$5.50	$100
1933-D	$3	$6	$12.50	$110

History Of The 1933 Penny

The 1933 Lincoln penny is part of the long-running series that began in 1909.

In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt asked the U.S. Mint to update its coin designs. Famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens was chosen to redesign several coins, including the cent. Unfortunately, he passed away before completing the cent’s new look.

With Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday approaching, the Mint decided to honor him with a coin. In 1908, artist Victor David Brenner was selected to design the Lincoln penny. The coin featuring Lincoln’s portrait debuted in 1909.

Brenner’s initials, VDB, originally appeared prominently on the back of the coin, but public criticism led to their removal. They returned in 1918, placed discreetly on the front.

Although the 1933 penny was not a key-date coin, it was still produced in lower quantities than other years. Well-preserved and Mint State versions are desirable among collectors.

Features Of The 1933 Penny

Obverse Of The 1933 Penny
The front of the coin displays Abraham Lincoln facing right. Above his head is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while “LIBERTY” and the year “1933” appear on either side. Coins minted in Denver also have a small “D” below the year.

Reverse Of The 1933 Penny
The back of the coin has two wheat ears along the edges, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” In the center are the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curved along the top edge.

Other Features

• Diameter: 19.00 mm
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

1933 Penny Grading Guide

To determine a 1933 penny’s value, look at the condition of the coin. Focus on wear around Lincoln’s portrait, the date, and wheat stalks.

Uncirculated (Mint State) pennies have full detail and original shine, with little to no wear.

Grade	Description
1	Basal State
2-3	Fair to Very Fair
4-6	Good
7-10	Very Good
12-15	Fine
20-30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60-70	Mint State (MS)

For accurate grading, follow detailed coin grading guides.

1933 Penny Value Guides

The coin’s value varies depending on its condition, mintmark, and rarity. There are two versions:

• 1933 No-Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1933-D (Denver)

1933 No-Mint Mark Penny Value

The Philadelphia Mint made around 14.36 million pennies in 1933, with no mintmark.

Because of the Depression, fewer coins were needed, and some weren’t released right away. These coins are common, but uncirculated ones are still collectible.

• Circulated Coins:
  • Good: $2
  • Fine: $2.75
  • Extremely Fine: $5.50
  • About Uncirculated: $17
• Mint State Coins:
  • MS60: $20
  • MS64: $38
  • MS65: $55
  • MS66: $100
• Red Mint State:
  • MS66 Red: Up to $470
  • MS67 Red: Between $1,080 and $4,150
  • Record Sale: In 2025, an MS68 Red sold for $52,800 at Heritage Auctions.

1933-D Penny Value

The Denver Mint struck about 6.2 million pennies that year, making them scarcer.

Like the Philly pennies, they weren’t all released right away and were later hoarded.

• Circulated Coins:
  • Good: $3
  • Fine: $6
  • Extremely Fine: $12.50
  • About Uncirculated: $23
• Mint State Coins:
  • MS60: $25
  • MS63: $34
  • MS64: $40
  • MS66: $110
• Red Mint State:
  • MS60 Red: $35
  • MS64 Red: $100
  • MS65 Red: $210
  • MS67 Red: Up to $12,500
  • Record Sale: In 2025, an MS67 Red sold for $24,500.

Rare 1933 Penny Errors List

Some 1933 Lincoln cents feature mint errors, which can add extra value.

1. Grease Struck-Through Error
   Caused by grease blocking the die, resulting in missing or blurry features.
   • Value: $20–$50
2. Re-Punched Mintmark (RPM) Error
   Occurs when the mintmark is stamped more than once.
   • Value: $10–$50
3. Rim Cud Error
   A broken die rim creates a raised bump on the coin’s edge.
   • Value: $10–$50
4. Missing Clad Layer Error
   The top layer peels off, exposing copper beneath.
   • Value: $20–$100

Where To Sell Your 1933 Wheat Penny?
Ready to sell? There are online platforms where you can sell or appraise your coin for free. Check out guides that compare pros and cons of the top selling sites.