The 1941 Lincoln Penny is a classic piece of U.S. coinage with a face value of just $0.01. This coin is made of 95% copper, while the other 5% is a mixture of tin and zinc. It weighs 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19.05 mm with a smooth, plain edge.
During this time, the U.S. was entering World War II, and materials like copper and tin were in short supply. This shortage led to changes in coin production, and by 1943, pennies were made of zinc-coated steel—nicknamed the “war-time” cents.
The Lincoln penny design we know today originated as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. Back in 1909, on the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, President Roosevelt commissioned a new penny design featuring Lincoln’s bust, created by sculptor Victor David Brenner. This design remained until 1958 when the wheat reverse was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial.
What Does the 1941 Lincoln Penny Look Like?
The obverse (front) side of the coin features the iconic profile of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. You’ll also see the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the year “1941”.
On the reverse (back), you’ll find two ears of wheat surrounding the words “ONE CENT,” along with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This wheat-centric design gave rise to the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
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1941 Lincoln Penny Varieties
One of the most interesting aspects of the 1941 Lincoln Penny is that it was produced in four different varieties across three different U.S. mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Here’s a breakdown of the four varieties:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage Figures |
|---|---|---|
| 1941-D | Denver | 128,700,000 |
| 1941-S | San Francisco | 92,360,000 |
| 1941-P | Philadelphia | 887,018,000 |
| 1941-Proof | Philadelphia | 21,100 |
Over 1.1 billion Lincoln Pennies were minted in 1941, making it one of the more common coins of its time. However, certain varieties and errors are what make these pennies valuable to collectors.
1941-D Lincoln Penny (Denver Mint)
Quantity Produced: 128,700,000
Face Value: $0.01
Price (in circulated condition): $0.15 to $3
The 1941-D Lincoln Penny is relatively common, and plenty of these coins exist in higher uncirculated grades, especially in MS66 Red condition. You may still find some fine pieces in MS67 Red condition, making them desirable for collectors.
1941-P Lincoln Penny (Philadelphia Mint)
Quantity Produced: 887,018,000
Face Value: $0.01
Price (in circulated condition): $0.15 to $1.50
The Philadelphia-minted 1941 Penny had one of the highest mintage numbers of any Lincoln cent series. This means there are still many circulated and uncirculated examples available today. However, the rarest and most valuable pieces are in gem uncirculated condition.
1941-S Lincoln Penny (San Francisco Mint)
Quantity Produced: 92,360,000
Face Value: $0.01
Price (in circulated condition): $0.15 to $3
The 1941-S Penny is slightly less common than the Denver and Philadelphia varieties, and while it’s still relatively easy to find, it can be harder to locate in high Mint State grades. That’s where the real value comes in for collectors.
1941 Proof Lincoln Penny
Quantity Produced: 21,100
Face Value: $0.01
Price (uncirculated condition): $15.75 or more
With only 21,100 proof pennies minted in Philadelphia in 1941, these are far rarer than their circulated counterparts. Collectors often seek out these proof coins in PR64 to PR66 condition. However, many proof coins from this time have noticeable spotting or discoloration.
1941 Lincoln Penny Errors
Given the massive production numbers for the 1941 Lincoln Penny, it’s not surprising that there were a number of error coins minted. These errors make the coins unique and more valuable to collectors. Some common types of errors include:
- Lamination Flaw (Split Planchet): This happens when the metal separates on the surface of the coin due to contaminants in the alloy.
- Doubled Die on the Obverse (DDO): A misalignment during the die creation process results in a doubled image on the coin.
These errors can significantly increase the value of the coin, making it an exciting find for collectors.
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How Much Is the 1941 Lincoln Penny Worth Today?
The value of a 1941 Lincoln Penny varies depending on its condition, variety, and any mint errors it may have. Here’s a rough guide:
- Circulated coins: $0.02 to $0.04
- Uncirculated coins: $1.71 to $2.30
For example, a 1941-D penny in MS68 condition recently sold for $6,600 on eBay, while a 1941 Proof Penny in PR67 Red condition fetched $28,200 at a Heritage Auctions sale. These prices highlight the significant difference between average circulated coins and those in mint or proof condition.
How Coins Are Graded
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from P-1 (poor) to MS-70 (perfect mint state). Here’s a quick overview of the most common grades:
- G-4 (Good): Very worn, but major details are still visible.
- VF-20 (Very Fine): Light wear, but finer details like the inscription and date are visible.
- AU-50 (Almost Uncirculated): Slight signs of wear on the highest points of the design.
- MS-65 (Mint State Choice): No wear, great luster, and very few contact marks.
Collectors and sellers use this grading system to determine the value of coins, and rare higher-grade coins can command much higher prices.
Where to Buy or Sell 1941 Lincoln Pennies
You can buy or sell your 1941 Lincoln Penny collection in many places. Popular options include online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, as well as local pawn shops, antique stores, or coin dealers. For expert advice on coin grading or valuation, you can also consult professionals like PCGS or NGC.
FAQs
Is the 1941 Penny rare?
No, most 1941 pennies aren’t rare due to their high mintage. However, certain high-grade, uncirculated, or error coins can be valuable.
How do I know if my 1941 penny is valuable?
The best way is to have your penny graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
What errors should I look for on a 1941 penny?
Common errors include doubled dies, lamination flaws, and broadstrike errors. These can add significant value to your coin.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.