1947 Wheat Penny Value Guide

The 1947 Wheat Penny is a staple of mid-century American numismatics, featuring Victor David Brenner’s iconic Lincoln bust and the classic wheat stalk reverse. As part of a series minted from 1909 to 1958, this specific year represents the post-WWII era of high-volume copper production.

What Is 1947 Wheat Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1947 Wheat Penny is $1 - $3 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Minting location, as coins from San Francisco or Denver may carry different premiums than Philadelphia strikes.
• Overall strike quality and the presence of original mint luster, which increases value above the $1-$3 base.
• The amount of wear on the wheat stalks and Lincolns hair, with Uncirculated grades fetching the highest prices.
• Presence of errors or die cracks, which are highly sought after by specialized Lincoln Cent collectors.

How to Identify 1947 Wheat Penny?

• Look for the 1947 date clearly struck on the obverse side below the In God We Trust motto.
• Verify the reverse features two stalks of wheat framing the words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
• Check for mint marks like S for San Francisco or D for Denver located directly below the date.
• Confirm the material composition of copper, zinc, and tin, which gives the coin its distinct reddish-brown patina.

History of 1947 Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the obverse features a bust of Lincoln, while the reverse, known as the 'Wheat Cent' design, depicts two stalks of wheat. This design was minted from 1909 to 1958, becoming one of the most beloved and longest-running coin designs in U.S. history before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.