Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1917-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $1.50 in worn condition to over $2,000 in high-grade mint state. While many of these century-old coins are common, finding one with the “S” mint mark in your pocket change is an exciting discovery for any casual collector.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $1.25 – $2.50 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60 Brown) | $100.00 – $150.00 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-65 Red) | $1,800+ |
Understanding the History of the 1917-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
If you’ve discovered an old penny with a small “S” under the date, you are holding a piece of World War I era history. In 1917, the San Francisco Mint produced over 27 million of these cents. While this sounds like a large number, it is significantly lower than the production at the Philadelphia Mint that same year.
For the everyday American, identifying these coins quickly is the first step toward potential profit. Many people use a top coin identifier app to instantly distinguish between common dates and rare mint marks. Using CoinKnow, you can snap a photo of your 1917-S penny to get an immediate sense of its rarity and historical context.
The “S” mint mark signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. During this era, San Francisco coins often had lower survival rates in high grades because they were released into heavy circulation on the West Coast. Today, finding a 1917-S penny in “Red” condition (original copper luster) is a rare feat that attracts serious investor interest.
That Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The Critical Importance of the Mint Mark
When evaluating a 1917 Wheat Penny, location is everything. The 1917-S is generally more valuable than the 1917 Philadelphia (no mint mark) in almost every grade. Collectors look for the tiny “S” located directly below the date 1917 on the obverse (front) of the coin.
If your coin is heavily worn, the “S” might be faint or partially merged with the date. Experts recommend using a magnifying glass or an app like CoinKnow to verify the mint mark before selling. A genuine 1917-S can command a premium even in lower grades where a Philadelphia coin might only be worth a few cents.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The San Francisco Mint in 1917 was known for producing coins with varying strike qualities. Some 1917-S pennies appear “mushy” or soft in detail even if they haven’t been circulated much. This makes high-definition specimens with sharp details particularly valuable to those building a “registry set” of Lincoln Cents.
The Grading Scale: How Condition Affects Price
To determine the exact 1917-S Wheat Penny price data, you must understand the grading scale. In the world of numismatics, coins are graded from 1 to 70. Most coins found in jars or old boxes fall into the “Good” (G) to “Very Fine” (VF) categories.
A “Good” 1917-S penny will have a heavily worn wheat stalk on the back and Lincoln’s outline will be flat. As you move up to “Extremely Fine,” you should see clear separation in the lines of the wheat ears. “Uncirculated” coins are those that never made it into public hands and still look as they did the day they left the mint.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 Good | Letters flat, rims touching tops of letters. | $1.50 |
| VG-8 Very Good | Complete rims, Lincoln’s eye visible. | $2.75 |
| F-12 Fine | Wheat lines visible but worn. | $4.50 |
| VF-20 Very Fine | Ear and cheek show slight wear. | $10.00 |
Color Classification: Red vs. Brown
For copper coins like the 1917-S Wheat Penny, the color is nearly as important as the grade. Copper reacts with oxygen over time, turning from a bright orange-red to a dark chocolate brown. Professionals use three categories: RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown).
A 1917-S in “Brown” condition is the most common. If you find a 1917-S that still looks bright and shiny, do not clean it! Cleaning a coin can destroy its value instantly. A natural “Red” 1917-S is incredibly rare because most oxidized over the last century.
Check your coin against the 1917-S Wheat Penny value information to see how color shifts the price. For instance, an MS-65 Brown might be worth $300, while an MS-65 Red can soar past $2,500 at auction. CoinKnow can help you identify if the luster on your coin is original or if it has been artificially enhanced.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Rare 1917-S Varieties and Errors to Look For
While a standard 1917-S is valuable, certain “errors” can make the price skyrocket. In 1917, the minting process was less automated than it is today, leading to several interesting anomalies. One common search for collectors is the “Doubled Die” error, though the 1917 Philadelphia is more famous for this than the San Francisco strike.
Another thing to look for is “Clipped Planchets,” where the coin looks like a bite was taken out of it during the manufacturing process. “Lamination errors,” where the surface of the penny appears to be peeling, are also found on 1917-S pennies. These errors can add $20 to $100 to the value of a circulated coin.
Die cracks are also common on 1917-S cents. These appear as raised lines of metal on the surface. While small die cracks don’t add much value, large “BIE” errors—where a small vertical line appears between the ‘B’ and ‘E’ in ‘LIBERTY’—are sought after by specialized Wheat Penny enthusiasts.
Where to Sell Your 1917-S Wheat Penny
If you’ve determined that your coin is worth more than a few dollars, your next step is deciding where to sell. For a common worn 1917-S, a local coin shop is the easiest route. However, keep in mind that dealers need to make a profit and will likely offer you about 50-70% of the retail value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
For higher-grade coins worth over $100, consider online marketplaces or reputable auction houses. Using CoinKnow to document your coin’s condition can help you provide better descriptions to potential buyers. Always ensure you have clear, high-resolution photos of both the “1917-S” date and the wheat stalks on the reverse.
| Selling Channel | Best For… | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Low-medium value coins | Instant cash; lower payout. |
| eBay | Mid-range coins ($20-$200) | Large audience; seller fees apply. |
| Heritage Auctions | High-grade/Certified coins | Top dollar; takes time. |
Final Advice for New Coin Hunters
Discovering a 1917-S Wheat Penny is a gateway into the hobby of numismatics. Even if your coin isn’t the “big winner” worth thousands, it still carries significant historical value and is worth more than its face value.
Remember to handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting skin oils on the surface. Store them in acid-free holders or “2×2” flips to prevent further oxidation. As you search through more pennies, you’ll begin to recognize the subtle differences that turn a simple cent into a valuable treasure.
FAQ
Q: Why is my 1917-S penny so dark?
A: This is normal oxidation for copper coins. After 100 years, most pennies turn a “Brown” (BN) color. While “Red” pennies are worth more, a dark brown 1917-S is still a genuine collectible and should not be polished or cleaned, as cleaning will reduce its market value.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is there a 1917-S Doubled Die penny?
A: While there are minor doubled dies for the 1917-S, the famous “major” Doubled Die occurred at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). However, always check the “S” mint mark for “re-punched” varieties, which can occasionally be found and are worth a premium to error collectors.
Q: How can I tell if my 1917-S is a “Mint State” coin?
A: A Mint State (uncirculated) coin will have “luster,” which is a satin-like shine that moves across the coin’s surface when you rotate it under a light. If the highest points of the coin—like Lincoln’s cheek or the tips of the wheat stalks—look dull or flat, the coin has likely been in circulation.
Q: How much did a 1917-S Penny sell for at its highest price?
A: In extremely high grades, like MS-66 Red, the 1917-S has been known to sell for over $5,000 at professional auctions. These specimens are exceptionally rare and usually certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.