The 1952 Wheat Penny, also known as the Lincoln Penny, was minted by the U.S. government as part of the Lincoln penny series that began in 1909. This coin, with its distinctive wheat stalks on the reverse side, has long been a favorite among collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
So, how much is a 1952 wheat penny worth today? Let’s dive into its composition, history, unique varieties, and what factors make this coin so collectible.
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Composition and Design of the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny is made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc—a composition used for pennies from 1909 until 1982, except in 1943 when they were struck in zinc-coated steel. This 1952 penny is a valuable piece of history, showcasing Victor David Brenner’s iconic design. The obverse side features Abraham Lincoln with the inscriptions:
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 1952
On the reverse side, the two wheat stalks give the coin its name and represent a design used on pennies from 1909 to 1958.
Specifications of the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Value: 1 cent
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 millimeters
- Edge: Plain
When it was released, this coin quickly became popular. It was one of the first U.S. coins to feature a president’s portrait, which marked a turning point in American coinage.
Types of 1952 Lincoln Wheat Pennies
In 1952, the U.S. Mint produced four main types of Lincoln Wheat Pennies across different facilities. Here’s an overview of each variety:
| Type | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1952-D Wheat Penny | Denver | 746,130,000 |
| 1952 Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark) | Philadelphia | 186,775,000 |
| 1952 Proof Wheat Penny | Philadelphia | 81,980 |
| 1952-S Wheat Penny | San Francisco | 137,800,004 |
With a combined mintage of over a billion coins, the 1952 Wheat Penny became one of the most commonly produced pennies of the era.
1952 Wheat Penny Varieties and Key Features
1952-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Mint Location: Denver
- Mint Mark: D
- Quantity Produced: 746,130,000
- Value: Typically $0.01 to $0.25 in circulated condition
The Denver Mint produced a significant number of pennies in 1952. Coins from this mint are known for their higher quality, with many examples in excellent condition displaying a rich, red color.
1952 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark)
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 186,775,000
- Value: Generally $0.01 to $0.35 in circulated condition
Philadelphia pennies from 1952 do not have a mint mark. These coins often have light staining and spotting, which is typical of Philadelphia Mint products from this time.
1952 Proof Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 81,980
- Value: Around $17 or more in uncirculated condition
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Philadelphia also minted proof versions of the 1952 penny, with production numbers rising to meet growing interest among collectors. This increase from previous years reflects the coin’s desirability in proof form.
1952-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Mint Location: San Francisco
- Mint Mark: S
- Quantity Produced: 137,800,004
- Value: $0.01 to $0.35 in circulated condition
The 1952-S penny is common in higher grades, though its design can lack detail due to the San Francisco Mint’s practice of refinishing dies.
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1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny Errors
With over a billion pennies minted, some 1952 pennies come with production errors that can add to their value. These errors include:
- Off-Center Strike: This happens when the die strikes the coin blank at an incorrect angle, resulting in a misaligned image.
- Clipped Planchet: In this error, part of the coin is missing due to a miscut blank.
- Die Crack: This error appears as a crack line on the coin, caused by the die breaking under repeated use.
- Lamination Error: A foreign material in the coin’s metal blend can cause a crusted or peeling effect.
Current Value of the 1952 Wheat Penny
While the face value of the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny is just 1 cent, the copper in the coin raises its melt value slightly to $0.0269. In uncirculated condition, the penny may be worth between $0.15 and $0.35. However, rare, high-grade examples can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Auction Records for High-Grade 1952 Wheat Pennies:
| Coin | Condition | Grade | Sold Date | Sold By | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 Proof Penny | PR 68 | Deep Cameo | Sept. 2021 | Legend Rare Coin Auctions | $64,625 |
| 1952-P Penny | MS 67 | Red | Nov. 2007 | David Lawrence RC | $9,775 |
| 1952-S Penny | MS 67+ | Red | Nov. 2014 | Heritage Auctions | $4,113 |
| 1952-D Penny | MS 67+ | Red | Aug. 2016 | Heritage Auctions | $2,233 |
Understanding the Grading System
The Sheldon Scale, introduced by professional numismatists in the 1970s, rates coins based on factors like wear, luster, and eye appeal. Grades range from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), each offering distinct descriptions for the coin’s condition.
Where to Buy or Sell a 1952 Wheat Penny
If you’re interested in buying or selling a 1952 Wheat Penny, consider visiting coin shops, antique stores, and online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and JM Bullion. For rare or high-value examples, auction houses are often the best option.
FAQs
Where is the mint mark on a 1952 wheat penny?
The mint mark is on the obverse side, just under the year. Mint marks for 1952 wheat pennies can be “D” or “S.”
Is a 1952-D wheat penny rare?
Though not rare, a 1952-D penny in excellent condition with unique attributes can fetch a higher price.
How much is a 1952 wheat penny with no mint mark?
A no-mint-mark penny (from Philadelphia) is typically valued at face value but can increase in worth if in exceptional condition.
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.