Is your 1951 D Lincoln Wheat Penny hiding a fortune? This rare coin can be worth up to $6,600! Learn what makes it so special, including its unique mint mark D which means it was minted in Denver, and historical significance. Discover how to identify high-grade examples and errors that enhance a 1951 copper penny value.
Did you know that an old 1965 Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth way more than just its face value? In fact, a rare high-quality proof example was once sold for a whopping $15,000 in an auction! So, if you have this small cent in your collection, this guide is all you need to identify all its rare features, like grades, color, and errors worth money!
Interesting History of the 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny continued the legacy of Victor David Brenner’s iconic wheat stalks design, first introduced in 1909. The year 1951 marked a significant period in American history, as the nation experienced post-World War II economic prosperity while simultaneously facing the challenges of the Korean War.
This year, the United States Mint operated at maximum capacity, producing over 1 billion coins across the three main facilities – Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, with Philadelphia also producing proof coins.
| 1951 Lincoln Wheat Cent | Key Features & Facts |
| Coin Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Minting Location | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco |
| Minting Year | 1951 |
| Face Value | 1-cent (0.01$) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Thickness | 1.52 mm |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
| Mint Marks | D – Denver S – San Francisco No Mint Mark – Philadelphia |
| Total Mintage | 1,045,998,500 coins |
How to Identify a Real 1951 Lincoln Cent (Design & Physical Features)
Remember, a 1951 Lincoln wheat penny will only be worth anything if it’s genuine! And understanding its design elements and physical characteristics is crucial in order to authenticate the coin.
1951 Lincoln Penny Obverse:
- A right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln
- The US motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top
- “LIBERTY” to Lincoln’s left (back)
- “1951” to Lincoln’s right (lower right)
- The mint mark S or D, if present, below the date
- Initials “VDB” on Lincoln’s shoulder (difficult to trace)
1951 Lincoln Penny Reverse:
- “ONE CENT” in large letters in the center
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below the denomination
- Two wheat stalks surrounding the denomination & nation’s name
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top
Coin Composition, Weight & Size
The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny was struck using the traditional composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, maintaining the standard specifications as well as the iconic orange-red color for the series.
Each 1951 penny coin weighs precisely 3.11 grams and measures 19mm in diameter with a thickness of 1.55mm. The edge features a plain (smooth) design, distinguishing it from other denominations of the era, like the silver dollars with reeded edges.
Assessing a 1951 Lincoln Penny Value (4 Key Factors)
A typical 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny in circulated condition is worth between $0.02 and $0.25. However, the value can increase dramatically to a whopping $10,000 based on several key factors, including grade, color, mint mark, and mint errors or varieties.
1. Coin Grades & Designations (Condition & Color)
The value of a 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny is primarily determined by two crucial factors: its grade (condition) and color designation. In circulated condition, most 1951 pennies are worth a few cents, whereas mint state examples can command significantly higher prices.
The coins are professionally graded on Sheldon Scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). Circulated grades from Good, G-4 through About Uncirculated, AU-58 typically bring $0.02 to $5.
Uncirculated pieces in MS-60 through MS-65 can fetch $2 to $35, while premium grades of MS-66 to MS-68 or above (if found) reaching $50 to $5,000 or more!
The 1951 penny’s color plays an equally important role in determining value. Depending on the amount of toning, there are three color designations for copper pennies:
- Red (RD) pennies, showing at least 95% original mint luster, command the highest premiums. A 1951 MS-65RD can bring $50-$100, while an MS-67+RD might exceed $20,000.
- Red-Brown (RB) pennies, displaying 5% to 94% original red color, typically sell for $15 in MS-63RB to $200 in MS-66RB.
- Brown (BN) pieces, though the most common, can still achieve respectable prices, ranging from $5 in MS-63BN to $75 in MS-66BN.
2. 1951 Lincoln Cent Mint Marks
The different mintages and mint marks on a coin from different facilities directly impact its rarity and, hence, value! The 1951 Lincoln cent was produced at the three main facilities, with three valuable varieties:
| Coin Grades | Condition Details | 1951 No Mint Mark Penny Value | 1951 D Wheat Penny Value | 1951 D Wheat Penny Value |
| Poor (0) to Extremely Fine (XF45) | Significant wear, faded but visible details | 1-3 cents | 1-3 cents | 2-5 cents |
| Almost Uncirculated (AU50) to Mint State (AU58+) | Slight wear on highest points, visible marks or blemishes | 20 cents to 50 cents | 10 cents to 30 cents | 20 cents to 50 cents |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS64) | Uncirculated with minimal wear | $4 – $15 | $3 – $10 | $4 – $20 |
| Mint State (MS65 – MS66+) | Nearly flawless with very minor imperfections | $20 – $385+ | $15 – $80 | $20 – $120 |
| Mint State (MS67 – MS67+) | Well-preserved with no major flaws | $400 – $10,350+ | $100 – $1,500+ | $160 – $1,550+ |
| Mint State (MS68 or Above) | Nearly perfect, luster, no major marks or flaws | N/A | Up to $6,600 or more | N/A |
1951 No Mint Mark Penny Value (Mintage – 284,576,000)
The Philadelphia Mint was the highest production facility for the 1951 penny with a mintage of 284,576,000 pieces, identified by no mint mark. Usually, the Philadelphia pennies feature a medium-quality strike, but can still be collectible in a gem mint state.
The values of a 1951 no mint mark range from $0.02 in circulated grades to $10,000+ for MS-67RD examples. For example, the most expensive MS67 Red 1951 no mint mark penny sold for a whopping $10,350 at Heritage Auctions!
1951 D Lincoln Penny Value (Mintage – 625,355,000)
The Denver Mint, denoted by a “D” mint mark, struck 625,355,000 pennies in 1951. While readily available in most grades, Denver coins in MS-67RD can bring $100-$230, with MS68 grades commanding higher premiums, reaching up to $5,000 or more.
The highest record auction price released for a rare MS68 Red 1951 D penny is $6,600 on Heritage Auctions!
1951 S Wheat Penny Value (Mintage – 136,010,000)
The value of a 1951 S penny ranges from $20 to $400 in MS65 to MS67 grades, with the rarest MS67+ Red example fetching $1,000 to $4,200, like this example sold for $4,230 at Heritage Auctions!
3. 1951 Lincoln Penny Proof Strike
In addition to the regular circulation pennies, the Philadelphia Mint produced 57,500 proof pennies in 1951, creating special collector treasures with exceptional detail and finish. These proof coins come in three distinct varieties, each commanding different premium values.
Standard 1951 penny proofs display uniform mirror-like surfaces and typically sell for $20-$1,500 in grades ranging from PR-62 Red to PR-69 Red.
Cameo proofs, featuring frosted devices against mirror fields, are rarer and command a 50-100% premium over standard proofs. For example, PR-65CAM 1951 penny proof examples bring $150-$250, PR67CAM are worth $350 to $2,100, and the rarest PR68CAM specimens fetch $2,300 to a whopping $10,000, like this example sold for $9,987 on Heritage Auctions!
The most desirable are Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo proofs, showcasing the most dramatic contrast between frosty devices and mirror fields. Being extremely rare, only a few 1951 Ultra Cameo penny proofs have been found.
Out of these, an PR66UCAM example sold for $2,400, while the rarest PR68UCAM example fetched the highest price of $15,076!
4. Valuable 1951 Lincoln Penny Errors
The 1951 penny series includes several valuable error varieties that excite collectors and command significant premiums.
Struck on a Silver Dime
Among the most valuable 1951 error pennies are the ones struck on silver dime planchets, an error occurring when penny dies accidentally strike dime blanks. You can spot them by their silvery gray color and a smaller diameter of 17.91 mm instead of 19.05 mm.
These wrong planchet strikes can fetch $1,000-$5,000 or more, depending on condition and strike clarity. An MS64 example of a rare 1951 penny struck on dime was bought on Heritage Auctions for a stunning price of $3,840!
Broadstruck Error
Broadstruck errors occur when coins are struck without a collar die, resulting in wider, thinner coins! This rare 1951 penny error can be worth $40-$200 depending on condition and strike quality, like this MS63 Brown example sold for $47 in a coin auction, while another MS64Bn example sold for over $100 on eBay!
Off-center Strike Error
Off-center strikes happen when the coin blank is misaligned during striking, resulting in part of the design being missing from the surface. The value of this rare error varies based on the percentage off-center and date visibility.
10-20% off-center brings $20-$50, while more dramatic off-center strikes with visible date commands $100-$400, like an MS63 Red and Brown example with 60% off-center sold for over $190 at Heritage Auctions!
Double Struck and Rotated In Collar
Double struck in rotated collar errors show two distinct impressions at different angles. You can spot them by misaligned Lincoln and wheat designs. 1951 pennies with this error can bring $200-$1,000 based on the strikes’ quality and the coin’s condition. An XF45 1951 double struck penny sold for almost $385 on Heritage Auctions!
Other common errors like the Doubled Die errors, Cud Die Break errors, and Curved Clip errors may also increase your 1951 penny value. So, make sure to spot these and other rare features discussed in this value guide to find the most valuable 1951 wheat penny!
