The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a small but significant piece of American numismatic history. As one of the last pennies in the “Wheat” series before the transition to the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959, the 1951 penny holds a special place among collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a curious enthusiast, understanding the history, varieties, errors, and value of the 1951 Lincoln Wheat Cent can be both fascinating and rewarding.
History of the 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Lincoln Cent, was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait.
By 1951, the Lincoln Cent had already become a staple of American currency. The 1951 penny continued the design tradition with Lincoln’s bust on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted at three locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D mint mark)
- San Francisco (S mint mark)
Mintage Figures
Here’s a breakdown of the 1951 Wheat Penny mintage by mint:
- 1951 (Philadelphia): 284,576,000 coins
- 1951-D (Denver): 625,355,000 coins
- 1951-S (San Francisco): 136,010,000 coins
With over 1 billion coins struck across all mints, the 1951 penny is not considered rare. However, coins in uncirculated or high-grade condition, especially with errors, can still fetch a premium in today’s market.
Design Features
- Obverse: Features a right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1951.”
- Reverse: Shows two wheat ears flanking the phrases “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The design remained unchanged since 1909 until it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.
Metal Composition and Weight
The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny was struck from a composition of:
- 95% copper
- 5% tin and zinc
Each coin weighs 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 mm.
Because of its high copper content, these pennies are often worth more than face value even when heavily circulated.
1951 Wheat Penny Value
The value of a 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on its mint mark, condition, and rarity, especially for coins with unique errors.
1951 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
- Circulated (G to XF): $0.05 – $0.25
- Uncirculated (MS60 to MS65): $0.50 – $4
- Gem BU (MS66+): $10 or more
1951-D Wheat Penny (Denver)
- Circulated: $0.05 – $0.20
- Uncirculated: $0.50 – $3
- MS66+ Red: $10 – $50+
The 1951-D is the most common of the three and generally less valuable unless in pristine red condition.
1951-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco)
- Circulated: $0.10 – $0.35
- Uncirculated: $1 – $6
- MS66+ Red: $15 – $100+
Among the three, the 1951-S is often more desirable in high grade due to better strike quality and lower mintage.
Grading and Color Designation
Like other copper coins, Lincoln Cents are graded not only on wear but also on color:
- BN (Brown): Most common; shows full oxidation
- RB (Red-Brown): Partial original red color
- RD (Red): Original mint red color, highest value
Coins with full red (RD) surfaces in Mint State grades command the highest premiums.
Notable Errors and Varieties
Some 1951 Wheat Pennies exhibit interesting mint errors or varieties that can significantly increase value:
1. Double Die Obverse (DDO)
Look for signs of doubling on the date, LIBERTY, or IN GOD WE TRUST. While no major DDO is officially recognized for the 1951 penny, minor doubling can still attract collector interest.
2. Off-Center Strike
A penny struck off-center can be worth $5 to $100+, depending on the degree of the error and how much of the design is still visible.
3. BIE Error
This occurs when a die break between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY” creates the appearance of the word “BIE”. These are minor die breaks but fun and collectible, often selling for $5 to $20.
4. Re-punched Mint Mark (RPM)
Some 1951-D and 1951-S coins show re-punched mint marks, where the mintmark was struck more than once. These varieties are popular and can be worth $5 to $50 depending on grade and visibility.
How to Identify a Valuable 1951 Penny
To determine if your 1951 Wheat Penny is worth more than face value:
- Check the mint mark – Look for “D” or “S” below the date.
- Inspect the coin’s color – Full red (RD) coins are more valuable.
- Examine the condition – Coins without wear, nicks, or discoloration fetch higher prices.
- Look for errors – Use a magnifier to find doubling, off-center strikes, or die breaks.
- Get it graded – Coins graded by PCGS or NGC carry more value and buyer trust.
Where to Buy or Sell 1951 Lincoln Wheat Pennies
You can buy or sell 1951 pennies at:
- Local coin shops
- Online marketplaces like eBay
- Coin shows or conventions
- Auction sites such as Heritage Auctions
- Bullion and collectible sites like SD Bullion or APMEX (for bulk wheat cents)
Before selling, it’s wise to check recent auction prices or consult with a reputable coin dealer.
Final Thoughts
The 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny may not be a rare coin, but its historical charm, iconic design, and potential for collectible value make it a staple for coin collectors. Whether you have one from pocket change or inherited a collection, it’s worth examining closely. Coins in high-grade condition, especially with original red color or rare errors, can command impressive premiums.
If you’re just starting out in coin collecting, the 1951 Wheat Penny is an affordable and accessible piece to begin your journey into numismatics.