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10 Most Valuable 1945 Wheat Penny in the US.
The 1945 Wheat Penny holds historical significance as it marked the end of World War II. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat on the reverse side.
It has been in production in the USA from 1909 to 1958. Though some may consider it common, collectors and historians are attracted to it. The penny contains small bits of recovered ammunition shells, used to train US military soldiers.
The 1945 penny is part of the popular Wheat Penny or Lincoln Penny collection, known for its historical journey through two world wars and the Great Depression.
The Lincoln Center, as it is officially known, was the first penny to feature an American president, which caused controversy at the time. Overall, its long-running minting and historical significance make it an important addition to any collection.
Is the 1945 Penny Valuable?
The 1945 penny is generally considered common and popular among collectors. While some may not see it as highly valuable compared to other coins, it holds significance due to its long history and association with the end of World War II. Beginners in coin collecting often seek to collect as many 1945 pennies as possible because of their abundance and historical importance. The fact that it was minted after a significant era in human history adds to its appeal. The value of a 1945 penny can vary depending on its condition and state; those in perfect condition can be especially valuable and sought after by collectors.
Here are 10 Most Valuable 1945 Wheat Penny in the US
1. 1945-S Doubled Die Obverse:
The 1945-S Doubled Die Obverse is a rare and sought-after error coin known for its prominent doubling on the obverse side.
- Key features include the easily visible doubling, the image of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, and the “S” mintmark denoting San Francisco.
- The value of this coin ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and the extent of doubling. Proper authentication and grading by a reputable coin grading service are essential to determine its precise value.
2. 1945-S Over D:
The 1945-S Over D penny is a rare error coin with the “S” mintmark mistakenly struck over a “D” mintmark, creating a distinctive feature.
- Its key features include the mintmark and the classic design of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and wheat ears on the reverse
- Â This sought-after variety can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and collector interest. Proper authentication and grading are essential to determine its accurate value.
3. 1945-S Repunched Mintmark (RPM):
The 1945-S Repunched Mintmark (RPM) penny is a valuable and sought-after variety known for its distinctive mintmark feature.
- This error occurs when the mintmark is stamped more than once, creating a noticeable doubling effect on the mintmark itself. On the obverse side, it features Abraham Lincoln’s image with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, while the reverse displays wheat ears and the year “1945.”
- As a rare and desirable variety, the value of the 1945-S RPM penny can range from a few hundred to even thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and collector demand. Proper authentication and grading are essential to determine its value accurately and preserve its significance in numismatic collections.
4.1945-D Repunched Mintmark (RPM):
The 1945-D Repunched Mintmark (RPM) penny is a sought-after variety with a repunched mintmark on the “D” minted coins.
- This error occurs when the mintmark is stamped more than once, resulting in a noticeable doubling effect. On the obverse side, it features Abraham Lincoln’s image with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, while the reverse displays wheat ears and the year “1945.”
- As a rare and desirable variety, the value of the 1945-D RPM penny can range from a few hundred to potentially thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and collector demand. Proper authentication and grading are essential to determine its value accurately and preserve its significance in numismatic collections.
5.1945 Doubled Die Reverse:
- The 1945 Doubled Die Reverse penny is a valuable error coin known for its prominent doubling on the reverse side.
The words “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” exhibit visible doubling, making it distinct from regular 1945 pennies and highly sought after by collectors. On the obverse side, it features Abraham Lincoln’s image with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, while the reverse showcases wheat ears and the year “1945.” - Â Due to its desirability, the value of the 1945 Doubled Die Reverse penny can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and collector demand. Proper authentication and grading are crucial to determine its value accurately and preserve its significance as a prized collectible.
6.1945-S Doubled Die Reverse:
The 1945-S Doubled Die Reverse penny is a rare and sought-after variety known for its prominent doubling on the reverse side of the coin.
- This error creates a unique and distinctive characteristic in certain elements, setting it apart from regular 1945-S pennies. Featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, the reverse side showcases wheat ears, “ONE CENT,” and the “S” mintmark for San Francisco Mint.
- Â Due to its scarcity, the value of the 1945-S Doubled Die Reverse penny can vary significantly, ranging from hundreds to potentially thousands of dollars, making it highly desirable for coin collectors. Proper authentication and grading are essential to accurately determine its value and secure its place as a prized and valuable collectible.
7.1945-D Doubled Die Reverse:
The 1945-D Doubled Die Reverse penny is a variety with a doubling on the back of the coin, similar to the 1945-S Doubled Die Reverse. However, the doubling on this version is not as prominent as its San Francisco Mint counterpart.
- The doubling effect adds a unique characteristic to each coin and makes it sought after by collectors. The obverse side features Abraham Lincoln facing right with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, while the reverse side displays wheat ears, “ONE CENT,” and the “D” mintmark for Denver Mint.
- The value of the 1945-D Doubled Die Reverse penny varies depending on its condition and collector interest, with values ranging from a few hundred dollars to potentially higher. Proper authentication and grading are essential to determine its value accurately and establish it as a valuable and desirable collectible.
8.1945-S "Micro S" Mintmark:
The 1945-S “Micro S” Mintmark penny is a scarce and highly sought-after variety of the 1945-S penny.
- Its distinguishing feature is the small or “micro” mintmark on the coin, setting it apart from regular 1945-S pennies. The small size of the mintmark adds to its appeal and makes it a valuable find for collectors. The coin’s obverse side depicts Abraham Lincoln facing right with the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while the reverse side showcases wheat ears and the small “S” mintmark indicating San Francisco Mint.
- The value of the 1945-S “Micro S” Mintmark penny can range from a few hundred dollars to potentially much higher, especially for coins in excellent condition. Due to its rarity, authenticating and grading the coin accurately is crucial to determine its true value as a prized and sought-after collectible.
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9.1945-S "Large S" Mintmark:
The 1945-S “Large S” Mintmark penny is a rare and sought-after variety with a visibly larger “S” mintmark.
- Its unique features, including the classic design of Abraham Lincoln and wheat ears, make it highly appealing to collectors.
- Its value can range from a few hundred dollars to potentially higher, depending on its condition and collector demand. Proper authentication and grading are crucial to establish its significance as a valuable collectible.
10.1945-S Lincoln Cent:
The 1945-S Lincoln Cent is not an error coin but can still hold value, especially in higher grades or uncirculated conditions.
- Its classic design features President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed, and wheat ears on the reverse with the “S” mintmark indicating San Francisco.
- While not rare, its historical significance and demand among collectors make it sought-after.
Factors Affecting Pricing of the 1945 Wheat Penny
The pricing of the 1945 Wheat penny is influenced by several factors:
1. Type of coin: There were three different types of 1945 Lincoln pennies produced in various mints and quantities. The rarer coin types are more valuable.
2. Coin condition: The overall condition of the 1945 wheat penny plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins in better condition are generally more valuable.
3. Unique qualities: Certain unique qualities or characteristics of the Lincoln pennies can impact their value positively or negatively.
Grading the 1945 Wheat Penny
Coin collectors often find the 1945 Lincoln penny intriguing and look for graded versions. Grading involves a professional assessment of the coin’s condition. For further understanding, you can watch a grading video.
Coins can be categorized into grades to determine their condition:
1. Uncirculated: In flawless condition, never used in transactions, and without surface wear.
2. Extremely Fine: Nearly perfect condition with minor scratches.
3. Fine: Decent shape with visible wear and tear, but imagery and lettering remain intact.
4. Good: Heavily circulated with significant wear, scratching, and loss of luster, but still desirable among collect.
FAQs:
If you’re interested in starting a coin collection or have come across a 1945 penny and want to know more about it, here is a list of frequently asked questions.
The 1945 wheat penny was designed by Victor David Brenner, who also created the original reverse with two wheat stalks and the obverse (head side) of the Lincoln cent. The wheat pennies were struck between 1909 and 1958.
The 1945 penny is not considered rare in general. However, among the different mint options, the ones from the Denver mint are the rarest, making them more sought after by collectors compared to those from the Philadelphia mint. Coins struck in Denver or San Francisco mints tend to be rarer and more valuable.
Penny without a mint mark is more common and thus less valuable than those with mint marks. The 1945 penny is worth around $0.10 in fine condition, making it not significantly valuable compared to other coins.
The Philadelphia Mint produced a total of 1,040,515,000 unmarked 1945 wheat pennies.
A 1945 no-mint mark wheat penny, which was produced by the Philadelphia mint, is the most common among the three mint mark coins. In average condition, it is worth around 15 cents, which is more than its face value.
