The 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny holds a unique place in American numismatic history. As part of the beloved Lincoln cent series, it’s a coin that attracts both beginner and seasoned collectors. Whether you’re wondering about the coin’s value, mint varieties, or the historical context behind its minting, this guide provides everything you need to know about the 1925 Wheat Penny.
History of the 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait. By 1925, the coin had already become a staple of American pocket change.
The 1925 Lincoln cent was struck during the Roaring Twenties—a time of significant economic growth and industrial expansion in the United States. Minted just four years before the Great Depression, this coin is a small yet tangible artifact of American history during a transformative era.
Mint Locations and Mintage Numbers
The 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny was produced at three different U.S. Mint facilities:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): 139,949,000 coins
- Denver (D mint mark): 22,580,000 coins
- San Francisco (S mint mark): 26,380,000 coins
The Philadelphia mint produced the highest number of 1925 pennies, making them the most common. The Denver and San Francisco issues are significantly scarcer, especially in higher grades, and are more desirable among collectors.
Key Features and Design
The 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny features:
- Obverse: A right-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” arch above his head, “LIBERTY” appears to his left, and the date “1925” to his right.
- Reverse: Two wheat ears flank the inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across the top.
The simplicity of Brenner’s design, combined with its strong historical and patriotic symbolism, has made the Lincoln Wheat cent a cornerstone of American coin collecting.
1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide
The value of a 1925 Wheat Penny varies depending on its condition (grade), mint mark, and whether it has any unique characteristics like errors. Here’s a general value breakdown as of 2025:
1925 (No Mint Mark) – Philadelphia
- Good (G4): $0.10–$0.25
- Fine (F12): $0.35–$0.50
- Extremely Fine (EF40): $1.00–$2.00
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS63): $5.00–$25.00
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65+): $40.00–$150+
1925-D – Denver
- Good (G4): $1.00–$2.00
- Fine (F12): $3.00–$5.00
- Extremely Fine (EF40): $15.00–$30.00
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS63): $50.00–$200
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65+): $300–$1,000+
1925-S – San Francisco
- Good (G4): $1.00–$2.00
- Fine (F12): $4.00–$6.00
- Extremely Fine (EF40): $20.00–$40.00
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS63): $80.00–$300
- Gem Uncirculated (MS65+): $400–$1,200+
The 1925-S is considered the most challenging to find in higher grades, making it the key semi-key date among the three for the year.
Valuable 1925 Penny Errors and Varieties
Some 1925 Lincoln cents may command significantly higher prices due to mint errors or unusual die varieties. These include:
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Rare but valuable if present; collectors look for doubling on the date and lettering.
- Off-Center Strikes: Coins not properly centered during minting can be worth $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the degree of the error.
- Die Cracks or Cuds: These minor anomalies may increase the value slightly, particularly for error collectors.
If you suspect you have an error coin, consider submitting it to a professional coin grading service for authentication and appraisal.
How to Identify a Fake or Altered 1925 Penny
Because of the growing market for rare Wheat Pennies, counterfeits do exist—especially of the rarer mint marks. Be cautious of coins that appear altered (e.g., added “S” or “D” mint marks). To avoid scams:
- Buy from reputable dealers
- Look for coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC
- Educate yourself on typical counterfeit characteristics
Collecting Tips for the 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re starting a Lincoln cent collection, the 1925 Wheat Penny is a great addition—particularly the Denver and San Francisco mint versions. Here are some tips for collecting:
- Buy graded coins if you’re investing in higher-value examples.
- Store coins properly in acid-free holders or coin albums to prevent corrosion.
- Use a magnifying glass to inspect for errors and evaluate strike quality.
- Start with circulated coins if you’re collecting on a budget.
Building a complete Lincoln Wheat cent set from 1909 to 1958 is a popular goal among collectors, and the 1925-D and 1925-S are essential dates for completing that series.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1925 Lincoln Penny
You can find 1925 Wheat Pennies through:
- Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon
- Auction sites such as Heritage Auctions and GreatCollections
- Local coin shops and coin shows
- Online coin dealers like JM Bullion, SD Bullion, or Apmex
When selling, you’ll get the best price from collectors looking for specific dates or high-grade examples, especially those certified by third-party grading services.
Final Thoughts
The 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny may seem like just another old coin, but it’s a historical artifact with a story. Whether you’re a casual collector or a numismatics enthusiast, owning this coin is a way to hold a piece of American history in your hand.
For most, it’s an accessible entry point into the fascinating world of coin collecting. But for those lucky enough to find a rare mint error or a gem uncirculated 1925-D or 1925-S penny, it can also be a surprisingly valuable investment.