1919-S Wheat Penny Value Guide What Is This San Francisco Cent Worth Today
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The 1919-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $0.50 in heavily worn condition to over $200 or more in higher mint state grades. If you found one of these old Lincoln cents in a jar, a drawer, or an old coin collection, you might be sitting on something worth a closer look.
What Makes the 1919-S Wheat Penny Special
The “S” in 1919-S tells you this coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, one of three facilities striking Lincoln Wheat Pennies that year. The other two were Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D). A total of 139,760,000 pennies were produced in San Francisco in 1919 — that’s a healthy mintage, but age and condition have made nice examples harder to find than you’d expect.
To spot the mint mark, flip the coin over to the reverse side. You’ll see two wheat stalks on either side, with the words “ONE CENT” in the center. Just below that, between the bottom of the lettering and the rim, you’ll find the small “S” mint mark.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, a coin identifier and value app can help you scan the coin and instantly confirm the date, mint mark, and estimated value — no magnifying glass required.
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How Much Is the 1919-S Wheat Penny Worth by Grade
Condition is everything when it comes to coin values. Collectors use a grading scale from 1 to 70, and even a small difference in grade can mean a big jump in price. Here’s a general value guide for the 1919-S Wheat Penny based on common grades:
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| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | Moderate wear, some detail | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Fine (F-12) | Even wear, letters clear | $4 – $8 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Light to moderate wear | $10 – $20 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $25 – $45 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Slight wear, mostly sharp | $50 – $80 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $100 – $200+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data on graded examples, you can browse recent 1919-S Wheat Penny auction prices and certified coin values by grade to see what collectors are actually paying right now.
Red, Brown, and RD — Why Coin Color Affects the 1919-S Penny Value
Uncirculated copper coins are also graded by their color, and it makes a real difference in price. A coin that has kept its original red luster (designated “RD”) is worth significantly more than one that has turned mostly brown (“BN”) over the decades.
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Here’s the breakdown:
– Brown (BN): Most common for older coins; lower collector premium
– Red-Brown (RB): Partial original mint color remaining; mid-range value
– Red (RD): Original copper shine mostly intact; highest collector value
A 1919-S Wheat Penny graded MS-64 Red can easily sell for $300 to $500 or more at auction. These are rare survivors that spent over 100 years without being circulated or damaged — and collectors pay a serious premium for them.
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CoinKnow makes it easy to understand these color designations and how they apply to your specific coin. The app walks you through what to look for and gives you a value estimate right on your phone screen.
What to Look for Before You Sell or Grade Your 1919-S Wheat Penny
Before you do anything with your coin, take a moment to assess it carefully. Don’t clean it — cleaning a coin, even gently, can destroy its value in the eyes of collectors and grading services.
Look for:
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– Clear date and mint mark — If both are visible without straining, that’s a good sign
– Strong wheat stalk detail on the reverse
– Lincoln’s portrait — The cheek, jaw, and hair above the ear wear down first
– Luster — Under a light, does the coin have any shimmer? That could indicate an uncirculated piece
If your coin looks like it might be in AU or Mint State condition, it could be worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified grade can significantly increase the coin’s resale value and buyer confidence.
You can also check out a detailed breakdown of 1919 penny values across all mint marks and grades to compare where your coin fits in the broader market.
CoinKnow is another great resource to keep handy. Just photograph the coin and let the app analyze the details — it’s especially useful if you’re new to coin collecting and want a quick second opinion before making any decisions.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my penny is the 1919-S and not the Philadelphia or Denver version?
A: Check the reverse of the coin just below the “ONE CENT” text. If you see a small “S,” it’s the San Francisco mint. No letter means Philadelphia, and “D” means Denver. A magnifying glass or loupe makes this much easier to read on worn examples.
Q: Is a 1919-S Wheat Penny worth getting professionally graded?
A: It depends on the condition. If your coin is heavily worn, grading fees probably won’t be worth it. But if the coin looks uncirculated or close to it — sharp details, possible luster, no major damage — professional grading through PCGS or NGC can make the coin more valuable and easier to sell.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1919-S Wheat Penny?
A: eBay is a popular option because you can reach a large audience of collectors. Coin shows and local coin dealers are also worth exploring. For higher-grade examples, auction houses that specialize in coins often get the best results. Always compare recent sold prices before listing your coin.