1932 D Lincoln Wheat Cent Value Guide
- Period
- 1932
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Copper, Tin, Zinc
- Category
- Wheat cent
The 1932 D Lincoln Wheat Cent is a notable collectible due to its relatively low mintage of 10,500,000, a direct consequence of reduced coinage demand during the Great Depression. Struck at the Denver Mint, this copper-alloy coin is a favorite for series specialists and is frequently found in vintage Littleton Coin Company packaging.
What affects the value of 1932 D Lincoln Wheat Cent?
- The presence of original red luster significantly increases the value beyond the standard $10-$15 range.
- Mintage scarcity caused by the 1932 economic downturn makes high-grade Mint State examples particularly desirable.
- Surface preservation, including the absence of scratches, corrosion, or heavy wear on Lincoln's cheek and the wheat ears.
- Provenance, such as examples still housed in original mid-20th-century Littleton Coin Company retail packaging.
How to Identify 1932 D Lincoln Wheat Cent?
- Locate the 'D' mint mark positioned directly below the 1932 date on the obverse side.
- Verify the copper-tin-zinc composition which gives authentic specimens a distinct weight and metallic ring.
- Examine the reverse for the two stylized wheat stalks flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
- Check for the designer initials 'VDB' which are not present on this specific year's design but confirm the Victor David Brenner portrait style.
History of 1932 D Lincoln Wheat Cent
The 1932 D Lincoln Cent is a lower-mintage date within the Wheat Penny series, with only 10,500,000 struck at the Denver Mint. This was a direct result of the Great Depression, which significantly lowered the demand for new coinage. Finding these in Littleton Coin Company's vintage retail packaging is common for collectors who purchased via mail-order during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Related items
Have one in hand?
Snap it. Relic tells you what it is and what it's likely worth.
Scan yours with Relic →