1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide

The 1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a staple of American numismatics, representing the mid-era of Victor David Brenner's iconic wheat stalk design. Struck during the Great Depression era, these copper coins are highly sought after by entry-level collectors for their historical connection to the centennial of Lincoln's birth.

What Is 1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny is $0 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Numerical grade: Coins in Uncirculated (MS60+) condition command higher prices than those with heavy wear on the wheat ears.
• Mint Mark: Examples from the San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) mints often carry a slight premium over Philadelphia strikes.
• Color designation: Collectors pay significantly more for 'Red' (RD) designated coins compared to 'Red-Brown' (RB) or 'Brown' (BN) examples.
• Surface preservation: The absence of carbon spots, scratches, or signs of cleaning greatly preserves the market value.

How to Identify 1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny?

• Look for the '1937' date clearly struck on the obverse side below the chin of Abraham Lincoln.
• Verify the 'Wheat' reverse featuring two stylized stalks of durum wheat flanking the words 'ONE CENT'.
• Check for mint marks 'D' (Denver) or 'S' (San Francisco) below the date; no mark indicates the Philadelphia mint.
• Confirm the composition is 95% copper, which gives authentic circulated examples a distinct reddish-brown patina.

History of 1937 Lincoln Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Cent, first issued in 1909, marked the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 'wheat' reverse design, depicting two stalks of wheat, was used from 1909 to 1958. These coins are a popular entry point for many coin collectors due to their historical significance and widespread availability.