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1953 Wheat Penny Value (Rare Errors & Varieties)

1953 Wheat Penny Value (Rare Errors & Varieties)

Although many pennies are worth $0.01 (their listed denomination), some are worth thousands. But what’s the 1953 penny value?

The value of a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny varies significantly. These coins can be worth as little as $0.05 and as much as $8,500!

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to determine a 1953 Wheat Reverse cent’s value. We’ll also examine the major varieties and rare errors that can influence the 1953 penny’s worth.

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Chart

VarietyMS/PR-63MS/PR-65MS/PR-67
1953-P Penny BN$1.5$5$32
1953-P Penny RB$3.5$17.5$47.5
1953-P Penny RD/$27$2,600
1953-D Penny BN$1.5$5$35
1953-D Penny RB$3.5$10.5$360
1953-D Penny RD$6.5$20$900
1953-S Penny BN$1.5$5$30
1953-S Penny RB$3.5$11.5$68
1953-S Penny RD$6.5$14$260
1953-P Proof Penny BN$5$14$35
1953-P Proof Penny RB$12.5$25$55
1953-P Proof Penny RD$15$44$115
1953-P Proof Penny RDC$35$125$950
1953-P Proof Penny RDU/$450$3,000

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny: History

By the time the U.S. Mint struck the first 1953 Lincoln Wheat pennies, the coin’s design had graced the humble one-cent U.S. penny for more than four decades.

In fact, the penny’s design, size, metal composition, and weight hadn’t changed in the slightest since 1909. Only the steel 1943 Lincoln Wheat pennies and the VDB 1909 pennies broke from this standard mold.

So, for all intents and purposes, the 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent is practically identical to nearly every penny that came before it (starting in 1909). The primary differences come down to mintage volumes and the date listed on these pennies.

For example, the Philadelphia Mint struck far more pennies in 1953 than in 1952; almost 70 million more, to be precise. That said, the Denver Mint still led the way in terms of penny production, outpacing the Philadelphia Mint for the third consecutive year.

This change in production means that 1953-P Lincoln Wheat cents (which lack a mint mark) are actually less common than 1953-D Lincoln Wheat cents. The reverse was true for most of the Lincoln Wheat penny’s history, which collectors should consider when evaluating a 1953 penny’s worth.

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny: Design

The 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny is so-called because its obverse (front) face features a profile image of President Abraham Lincoln, while its reverse (back) face features two stalks of wheat. Notably, this design didn’t originate in 1953.

Instead, it was first employed in 1909, becoming the then-new design for the U.S. penny. It was created by Victor David Brenner, whose initials (VDB) were stamped onto some of the first Lincoln Wheat cents in 1909. This is what gives them their colloquial title, VDB pennies.

When identifying a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny, the primary indicator you’ll need to look for is the year date (1953). However, you can also use other identifying design markers to confirm you’ve got a 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent in your possession.

Obverse

1953-Wheat-Penny-Obverse
photo source: PCGS

The obverse side of a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny has:

  • The “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto displayed in an arch at the top of the coin
  • The raised image (device) of Abraham Lincoln’s profile that extends from beneath the motto to the bottommost edge of the coin
  • The legend “LIBERTY” on the left-hand side of the coin, level with Lincoln’s collar
  • The year (date) “1953” on the lower right-hand side of the coin, almost parallel with Lincoln’s bow tie (but slightly below it)
  • A small capital letter “D” or “S” mint mark below the year date (or no mint mark if struck at the Philadelphia Mint facility)

Reverse

1953-Wheat-Penny-Reverse
photo source: PCGS

The reverse side of a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny has:

  • The “E PLURIBUS UNUM” motto displayed in an arch at the top of the coin (separated by interpoints)
  • The coin denomination “ONE CENT” on the upper middle portion of the coin’s center
  • The issuing country, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” displayed beneath the denomination
  • Two wheat stalks encircling the sides of “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” bending upward to match the natural curve of the coin’s sides

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny: Features and Specifications

Apart from design, all 1953 Lincoln Wheat pennies share a set of common features. The only exceptions are rare error coins, which might feature unusual metal compositions or minute design mistakes.

Still, non-error 1953 Lincoln Wheat pennies:

  • Are composed of 5% zinc and tin and 95% copper
  • Weigh 3.11g (about 0.11oz)
  • Have a diameter of 19mm (about 0.75in)
  • Feature a plain (non-grooved) edge

How Much Is a 1953 Wheat Penny Worth?

A 1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny in circulated condition is worth between $0.05 in good condition (G-4) and $0.10 in about uncirculated condition (AU-50). Uncirculated condition (mint state) 1953 Lincoln Wheat pennies are worth as much as $12.50 (MS-66).

That said, the true value of a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny comes down to more than condition alone. Coloration and mint marks can also impact coin values.

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny: Value Comparison

When determining the value of a 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny, it’s crucial to consider all major varieties, including the:

  • 1953-P (No Mint Mark) Lincoln Wheat penny
  • 1953-D Lincoln Wheat penny
  • 1953-S Lincoln Wheat penny
  • 1953-P Proof Lincoln Wheat penny

Naturally, coloration (brown, red and brown, red) and condition also play a role in the value of these coins. Still, let’s quickly explore each variety to discover how much they’re worth!

1953-P (No Mint Mark) Lincoln Wheat Penny Value

1953-P-No-Mint-Mark-Lincoln-Wheat-Penny
photo source: PCGS

Virtually all pennies struck at the Philadelphia Mint lack a mint mark. The only exceptions are the 2017-P Lincoln Shield pennies.

Consequently, you can quickly identify a 1953 Philadelphia Mint penny by its lack of a mint mark.

Unlike previous iterations of the Lincoln Wheat cent, the Philadelphia Mint penny of 1953 wasn’t the most numerous version. The Philadelphia Mint struck just over 256 million of these coins, while the Denver Mint struck more than 700 million!

As a result, the 1953-P Lincoln Wheat penny isn’t the most common type from 1953. It is, on the other hand, one of the most valuable, especially when in mint-state (MS) condition and featuring a red (RD) coloration.

For further clarification, let’s delve into the specific values of these coins.

Brown

As pennies enter circulation and age, their once-bright copper-red surfaces oxidize and become a muddy brown. It’s estimated that about 25 million 1953-P (No Mint Mark) Wheat pennies are this color, making them far more common and numerous than red and brown (RB) and red (RD) examples.

The value of a BN 1953-P Lincoln Wheat cent varies between $0.05 (good condition, G-4) and $12.50 (mint state, MS-66). A BN 1953-P Lincoln Wheat cent in about uncirculated condition (AU-50) has an estimated value of $0.10.

Red and Brown

Only about 5,000 1953-P (No Mint Mark) Lincoln Wheat pennies fall into the red and brown (RB) category. These coins have an estimated value of between $0.75 (MS-60) and $47.50 (MS-67).

Red

Red (RD) 1953-P (No Mint Mark) Lincoln Wheat pennies are some of the most sought-after one-cent coins from 1953. These shiny coins exhibit few (if any) signs of damage from circulation, and they retain their original red hue, making them attractive to collectors.

An RD 1953-P (No Mint Mark) Lincoln Wheat penny is worth between $17 (MS-64) and $4,800 (MS-67+).

1953-D Lincoln Wheat Penny Value

1953-D-Lincoln-Wheat-Penny
photo source: PCGS

Pennies minted at the Denver Mint facility feature a small capital letter “D” below the date. This letter is a mint mark, and it helps collectors identify where a coin was struck.

In 1953, the Denver Mint produced more pennies than any other U.S. Mint facility, making 1953-D Lincoln Wheat pennies exceptionally common.

In fact, it’s estimated that about 70 million of these coins are still around today. But, just like pennies struck at the Philadelphia Mint, some 1953-D Wheat pennies are more valuable than others.

Brown

Brown (BN) 1953-D Lincoln Wheat pennies have an estimated value ranging from $0.05 (good condition, G-4) to $12.50 (mint state, MS-66). An about uncirculated (AU-50) BN 1953-D Lincoln Wheat cent has an estimated value of $0.10.

Red and Brown

Red and brown (RB) 1953-D Lincoln Wheat pennies are far more scarce than brown ones. These coins have an estimated value ranging from $0.75 (MS-60) to $21 (MS-66).

Red

As with all pennies, red (RD) ones are the most prized of the lot. Red 1953-D Lincoln Wheat pennies are worth between $2.50 (MS-60) and $4,600 (MS-67+). All told, these are slightly less valuable than the ones struck at the Philadelphia Mint facility during the same year.

1953-S Lincoln Wheat Penny Value

1953-S-Lincoln-Wheat-Penny
photo source: PCGS

Out of the 181 million Lincoln Wheat pennies struck at the San Francisco Mint facility in 1953, there might only be about 18 million still in existence. These coins (which feature a capital letter “S” beneath the year date on the obverse side) are also separated into three categories based on coloration.

Brown

Brown (BN) 1953-S Lincoln Wheat pennies have an estimated value ranging from $0.05 (good condition, G-4) to $12.50 (MS-66). Average-condition examples (about uncirculated, AU-50) have an approximate value of $0.10.

Red and Brown

Red and brown (RB) 1953-S Lincoln Wheat pennies can be worth as much as $68 (MS-67) or as little as $0.75 (MS-60).

Red

Red (RD) 1953-S Lincoln Wheat pennies are less valuable than RD pennies struck at other mint facilities in 1953.

For example, an MS-67+ RD 1953-S Lincoln Wheat penny has an estimated value of $2,575, while an MS-60 example has an estimated value of only $2.50.

1953-P Proof Lincoln Wheat Penny Value

1953-P-Proof-Lincoln-Wheat-Penny
photo source: PCGS

Proof pennies aren’t designed to enter circulation. Instead, they’re primarily designed for coin collectors (numismatists). These coins are essentially flawless, featuring highly polished faces and well-defined designs.

Only the Philadelphia Mint produced proof pennies in 1953. It produced 128,800 of these pennies, the finest of which are ultra cameo (also called deep cameo) coins.

A cameo coin has an almost two-tone coloration, typically with a bright device (raised portion) and a much darker field (background). The coins with the most dramatic differences in shade are deep cameo or ultra cameo specimens.

Like regular strike Wheat Reverse pennies, the value of proof pennies varies depending on their color and condition.

However, unlike circulated pennies (or those struck for circulation), proof pennies are generally only one of two colors: Red and brown or red. In addition, proof pennies from 1953 are typically in mint state (MS) condition, rarely earning a grade lower than PR-63.

Red and Brown

Of all 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat cents, red and brown (RB) examples are the least valuable. A PR-63 RB 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent has an estimated value of $12.50, while a PR-67 RB 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent has an estimated value of $55.

Red

Red (RD) 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat pennies are far more valuable than their slightly browner counterparts. An RD 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat penny has an estimated value varying between $15 (PR-63) and $2,750 (PR-69).

However, cameo and deep cameo (ultra cameo) proof pennies have much higher estimated values.

For example, an RD Proof Cameo 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat penny has an estimated value ranging from $35 (PR-63) to $3,750 (PR-68). But an RD Proof Ultra Cameo 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat penny has an estimated value of between $385 (PR-64) and $8,500 (PR-68).

In fact, the RD Proof Ultra Cameo 1953 Proof Lincoln Wheat penny is the most valuable penny produced in 1953.

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny: Rare Errors

The vast majority of pennies struck in 1953 are entirely error-free. However, some pennies produced by the U.S. Mint in 1953 featured a few flaws.

Some of the most notable examples include the following:

  • 1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Repunched Mint Mark
  • 1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Struck on Cuba Centavo Planchet
  • 1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Struck on Dime Planchet

But do error pennies sell for more than regular ones? And which error penny from 1953 is worth the most?

Let’s examine these rare errors to find out!

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Repunched Mint Mark

1953-Lincoln-Wheat-Penny-Repunched-Mint-Mark
photo source: PCGS

In some ways, “repunched” Lincoln Wheat pennies are similar to doubled die obverse (DDO) ones. They essentially feature a doubling of a specific design element.

In this case, the doubling comes down to the mint mark, which overlaps with a previous mint mark punch, giving the letter a slight “double-typed” effect. The only repunched mint mark pennies from 1953 all hail from the Denver Mint.

These pennies have an estimated value ranging from $33 (BN AU-58) and $112 (RD MS-66).

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Struck on Cuba Centavo Planchet

Less than a decade before the Cuban Revolution and Bay of Pigs Invasion, the U.S. Mint produced Cuban coinage on behalf of the island nation’s government. These coins were struck on brass planchets (called centavo planchets) in the same facilities as U.S. coins.

In 1953, one of these brass planchets found its way into the wrong piece of machinery, leading to the creation of at least one 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny made of centavo metal. It’s unknown how many of these centavo pennies exist, but an MS-62 example sold at auction in September 2015 for an impressive $3,055!

1953 Lincoln Wheat Penny Struck on Dime Planchet

Back in 1953, Roosevelt dimes were composed of 90% silver. For perspective, Roosevelt dimes struck in 2020 don’t contain any silver!

But have you ever seen a silver penny? If you’re familiar with 1943 Lincoln Wheat pennies, there’s an excellent chance you’ve seen a silver-colored penny. But actual silver pennies (i.e., those containing silver) are exceptionally rare.

They’re the result of a dime planchet accidentally finding its way beneath a penny coin die. And in 1953, that’s exactly what happened.

This one-cent coin is worth far more thanks to its uniqueness and high silver content. In February 2007, this silver penny sold at auction for $402.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have additional questions about the 1953 Lincoln Wheat penny? If so, check out these frequently asked questions. You may find the answer you’re looking for just below.

Is a 1953-D Penny Rare?

Although the Philadelphia Mint traditionally has the highest penny mintage per year, the Denver Mint produced the highest volume of pennies in 1953 (out of all three operating U.S. Mint facilities). For perspective, the Denver Mint struck more than 700 million pennies in 1953, while the Philadelphia Mint struck less than 257 million.

Consequently, the 1953-D Lincoln Wheat cent is the least rare penny of its year.

Is There a Rare 1953 Penny?

According to mintage figures, the 1953-S Lincoln Wheat penny is the rarest regular strike 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent. The San Francisco Mint only struck 181,835,000 of these coins.

That said, although the 1953-S Lincoln Wheat cent is rare in terms of its mintage volume, it’s not the rarest or most valuable type of 1953 penny. Instead, the rarest 1953 Wheat Reverse penny is the 1953-P Proof Lincoln Wheat cent.

The Philadelphia Mint only produced 128,800 proof pennies in 1953, making them the rarest Lincoln Wheat pennies of that year.

What Should You Look for in a 1953 Penny?

When looking for a high-value 1953 Wheat Reverse penny, it’s crucial to look for mint mark (or lack thereof), coloration (brown, red and brown, or red), and condition. The best and most valuable 1953 pennies are red (RD) and have a condition grade of MS-60 or higher.

Proof-strike pennies (also called proof pennies) can also be quite valuable.

These coins are easy to spot thanks to their virtually flawless, shiny appearance, and they come in three standard varieties: Proof, cameo, and deep cameo. When it comes to 1953 Lincoln Wheat coins, deep cameo pennies are the most valuable.

Final Thoughts

To find the 1953 penny value, you’ll need to consider the coin’s mint mark, condition, and coloration. You’ll also want to consider whether the penny is a regular strike coin (made for circulation) or a proof-strike coin.

Proof pennies have a higher average value than heavily circulated, regular strike examples. In fact, according to the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC), the most valuable 1953 Lincoln Wheat cent is the PF RDU (Proof red ultra cameo/deep cameo) coin.

Some U.S. coins are worth a fortune. Learn more about the most valuable coins by checking out these related articles!