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The 1910 Wheat Penny Value Guide That Actually Gets It Right

A 1910-S wheat penny graded MS67+RD sold for $48,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Your penny is worth one cent at face value — but a rare RPM error or gem-quality survivor could be worth hundreds or thousands. Let's find out exactly where yours falls.

This guide covers every Philadelphia and San Francisco 1910 Lincoln cent, all documented error varieties, grading by condition, and a free instant calculator — no signup needed.

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1910 wheat penny obverse and reverse showing Lincoln portrait and wheat stalk reverse design
$48,000 Top auction sale — 1910-S MS67+RD (Heritage, Jan 2025)
152.8M Total 1910 Lincoln cents struck across both mints
4,118 Matte proof specimens struck for collectors in 1910
$19,200 RPM FS-502 error record (MS67RD, Stack's Bowers 2018)

Free 1910 Wheat Penny Value Calculator

Select your coin's mint mark, condition, and any errors to get an estimated value range based on real auction and dealer data.

Step 1 — Mint Mark
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Error / Variety (check all that apply)

If you're not sure about your coin's mint mark, condition, or errors yet, the 1910 Wheat Penny Coin Value Checker free tool lets you upload photos and get an AI-assisted reading before you use this calculator.

Describe Your Coin for a Detailed Assessment

Not sure which buttons to click above? Describe what you see in plain English and the tool will analyze your description and suggest what you might have.

Mention these things if you can

  • Mint mark — S below date, or no letter?
  • Overall color — shiny red, brown, or mixed?
  • Any doubling visible on "E PLURIBUS UNUM"?
  • The S mint mark — does it look doubled?
  • Is part of the design off the coin's edge?

Also helpful

  • Any raised lines or cracks on the surface?
  • Is a piece of the rim missing or clipped?
  • Where did you find it — roll, collection, change?
  • Has it ever been cleaned or polished?
  • Approximate size of any off-center shift

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1910-S/S RPM FS-502 Self-Checker

The RPM FS-502 is the most sought-after 1910 wheat penny variety, with a confirmed auction record of $19,200 in MS67 Red. Use this checker to see if your 1910-S might have the error — you'll need a 10× loupe.

Side-by-side comparison of normal 1910-S mint mark versus RPM FS-502 doubled S error variety
Common — Normal 1910-S
Single clean "S"

One crisp S mint mark below the date. No shadow, no ghost letter, no secondary impression visible even under 10× magnification.

Rare — RPM FS-502
"S" with ghost above

A faint secondary S impression is visible slightly above and offset from the primary. Under 10× it shows as a curved shadow or partial second letter north of the main S.

1910 Wheat Penny Value Chart at a Glance

Values below are based on PCGS and NGC population data and recent auction results. Color designation (RD/RB/BN) dramatically affects uncirculated values — Red examples can be worth 2–4× more than Brown at the same numerical grade. For a full step-by-step in-depth 1910 penny identification walkthrough and reference, including photos of each grade level, that guide covers every nuance.

Variety Worn (G–F) Circulated (VF–AU) Uncirculated (MS 60–64) Gem MS (MS 65+)
1910 Philadelphia (no mint mark) $0.50–$2 $2–$12 $20–$90 $135–$600+
1910 Philadelphia — Red (RD) — — $30–$110 $220–$10,869+
1910-S San Francisco ★ (RPM FS-502) $25–$55 $80–$300 $500–$2,500 $1,740–$19,200+
1910-S San Francisco (standard) $13–$25 $30–$90 $110–$500 $650–$48,000+
1910-S RPM FS-501 $20–$40 $50–$170 $200–$1,260 $800–$3,000+
1910 Doubled Die Reverse $10–$25 $25–$75 $75–$200 $200–$500+
1910 Off-Center Strike $5–$30 $15–$75 $75–$200 $200–$250+
1910 Matte Proof (PR) ☆ Rarest — — — $675–$52,875+

★ RPM FS-502 row highlighted. ☆ Matte Proof row highlighted — rarest issue. Values are ranges from multiple verified sources; individual coins vary. Consult PCGS Price Guide for current precise figures.

🪙 CoinHix lets you photograph your 1910 wheat penny and get an instant estimated value on the go — a coin identifier and value app.

The Valuable 1910 Wheat Penny Errors — Complete Guide

In 1910, mint mark punching was still done by hand — a die worker struck the "S" into each working die individually. That manual process, combined with the pressure of producing record volumes of cents, created ideal conditions for mint errors. Below are the five most significant 1910 wheat penny varieties, ranked by documented collector demand and auction value, with specific identification details for each.

1910-S/S RPM FS-502 error showing secondary S mint mark impression above primary S mint mark under magnification
Most Famous $25 – $19,200+

1910-S/S Repunched Mint Mark — FS-502 (PCGS #37651)

The RPM FS-502 is the crown jewel of 1910 wheat penny collecting. It occurred when a die worker hand-punched the "S" mint mark into a working die, realized the placement was off, and struck it again — leaving the original misplaced impression permanently embedded in the die steel. Every coin struck from that die carries both impressions: the final primary S and a faint ghost S displaced northward.

To identify the FS-502 specifically, you need a 5×–10× loupe aimed at the mint mark below the date. Look for a curved secondary S shape above and slightly offset from the main letter. The FS-501 sister variety shows the secondary impression below the primary; if your ghost S is north of the main letter, you have the more sought-after FS-502. The doubling should appear as raised metal, not a scratch.

The price premium for verified RPM examples is substantial. An MS67 Red FS-502 sold for $19,200 at Stack's Bowers in October 2018 — more than triple the value of a non-RPM 1910-S at the same grade. Even circulated brown examples from worn coin rolls routinely sell for $25–$55, a solid premium over the base 1910-S price. PCGS population data for MS66 RD and above sits in the single digits, confirming genuine rarity at top grades.

How to spot it

Use a 10× loupe on the S mint mark below the date. Search for a faint curved secondary S impression shifted northward (above) from the primary letter — visible as raised metal, not a scratch or post-mint damage.

Mint mark

S (San Francisco) only — this error cannot occur on Philadelphia (no mint mark) coins since Philadelphia used no mint mark in 1910.

Notable

Catalogued as PCGS #37651 and FS-1910S-501 in the Cherrypickers' Guide. MS67RD sold for $19,200 at Stack's Bowers, October 2018. PCGS population in MS66 RD and above is in the single digits — genuine condition rarity.

1910-S/S RPM FS-501 error showing secondary S mint mark impression below the primary S mint mark
Rarest at Top Grades $20 – $3,000+

1910-S/S Repunched Mint Mark — FS-501 (Cherrypickers' Guide)

The FS-501 is the sister variety to the FS-502, sharing the same cause: a hand-punched S mint mark applied twice into the working die in slightly different positions. While the FS-502 shows the secondary impression above the primary letter, the FS-501's ghost S falls below — southward of the main mark. Both varieties were catalogued by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton in the authoritative Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, the standard reference for Lincoln cent collectors.

Under a 10× loupe, look for a faint curved line or partial S shape directly below and slightly offset from the primary S mint mark. The displaced impression may appear as a subtle serif extension or a curved shadow at the base of the letter. Because the FS-501 is displaced southward rather than northward, it can be harder to distinguish from the lower curve of the primary S itself — making careful positioning of your magnifier critical.

The FS-501 appears to be scarcer than FS-502 at top-color grades, with Heritage Auctions showing no documented RD-designation sales at the MS66 level or above. A Heritage sale in April 2023 realized $169 for an AU-50 example, and a November 2023 sale brought $1,260 for MS-64 RB — meaningful premiums over standard 1910-S coins at equivalent grades. Circulated examples frequently sell in the $20–$40 range when correctly identified.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, look for the secondary S impression below (south of) the primary mint mark. The ghost letter appears at the base, potentially merging with the lower curve — position your light at a low angle to reveal the raised secondary impression.

Mint mark

S (San Francisco) only. No Philadelphia equivalent exists. Requires careful magnification to distinguish from the FS-502 variety.

Notable

Catalogued in the Cherrypickers' Guide by Fivaz-Stanton. Heritage Auctions sold an MS-64 RB FS-501 for $1,260 in November 2023, and an AU-50 example for $169 in April 2023 — both showing solid premiums over standard 1910-S pricing.

1910 wheat penny doubled die reverse error showing doubling in E PLURIBUS UNUM inscription on the reverse
Most Accessible Premium $10 – $500+

1910 Wheat Penny Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

A Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) occurs during the die production process, not during the coin's striking. When the hub — the master positive impression — presses the design into a working die blank, it sometimes strikes twice in slightly different rotational or positional alignments. The resulting die carries both impressions, and every coin struck from it shows the doubled design permanently embedded in the metal.

On 1910 Lincoln cents, the DDR most commonly manifests as slight thickening or shadowing in the letters of "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on the reverse. Under a 10× loupe, the individual letters may show a faint secondary outline on one side. The wheat stalk grain lines can also exhibit doubled detail — look for two distinct lines where a single crisp line should appear. This doubling is part of the planchet's struck design, not a scratched surface.

The DDR is more widely distributed than the RPM varieties because it can appear on Philadelphia coins as well as San Francisco issues. Collectors pay a meaningful premium — typically starting around $25–$75 in circulated grades and reaching $200 or more for gem uncirculated examples with strong, well-preserved doubling. The strength of the doubling (how clearly separated the two impressions appear) is the primary driver of value within this variety class.

How to spot it

Examine the reverse motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" under a 10× loupe. Look for letters with a faint shadow or double outline on one side. Also check the grain lines in the wheat stalks for doubled parallel lines where only one should be present.

Mint mark

Can appear on Philadelphia (no mark) or S (San Francisco) issues. DDR errors originate in die production and are not exclusive to one mint facility.

Notable

DDR strength varies across die states — early die state strikes show the strongest, most separated doubling and command the highest premiums. Circulated examples with visible doubling typically sell for $25–$100 depending on grade and doubling clarity, per documented dealer pricing.

1910 wheat penny off-center strike error showing Lincoln design shifted off the planchet with blank crescent visible
Best for Drama $5 – $250+

1910 Wheat Penny Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when a coin blank (planchet) fails to seat correctly between the dies before the press descends. The misaligned planchet receives a full strike, but because it is offset, part of the design lands on blank metal and part of the design misses the planchet entirely — leaving a distinctive crescent of unstruck copper on one side. The error originated from mechanical misfeeds in the presses used at both the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints during 1910's high-volume production runs.

On a 1910 penny, the visual effect depends on how far off-center the shift was. A minor 5–10% offset might just clip the rim or partially remove the "L" in LIBERTY. A major 50% offset, where only half the design is present, is dramatically eye-catching and highly collectible. Crucially, coins where the full date "1910" is still readable command significantly higher prices than examples where the date is partially or fully missing off the planchet's edge.

Values climb steeply with the percentage of offset and the coin's overall grade. A circulated example with a 10–15% off-center shift might sell for $15–$30. A boldly off-center example at 50% with the date visible and in mint state condition can bring $200–$250 or more. The double-struck variant — where the coin received a first normal strike and then a second off-center strike — is even rarer and can reach several hundred to over a thousand dollars for circulated examples.

How to spot it

Look for a blank crescent of smooth copper along one edge of the coin. Lincoln's portrait or the reverse wheat design will be visibly shifted toward the opposite edge. Verify the date is still readable — this preserves maximum value for the error.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mark) and S (San Francisco) both. Error occurs at the press stage, independent of the mint mark punch. Both mint facilities had mechanical misfeeds during 1910.

Notable

A double-struck 1910 penny (VF35 grade, second strike 25% off-center) sold for $990 at Heritage Auctions, per documented auction records. Collectors prize examples where the date remains visible regardless of the offset percentage.

1910 wheat penny clipped planchet error showing curved bite missing from the coin edge
Hidden Gem $50 – $500+

1910 Wheat Penny Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet error arises before the coin is struck, during the blanking operation. The blanking press cuts circular planchet discs from a long strip of bronze. When the strip is fed through the press and the cutting punch overlaps a previously punched hole — or catches the very edge of the strip — the resulting blank has a curved or straight piece missing from its circumference. The coin is then struck normally from this defective blank, and the clip becomes a permanent part of the finished coin.

On 1910 wheat pennies, clipped planchets typically show a smooth curved notch along the rim — called a "curved clip" because it mirrors the arc of the adjacent punched hole. The absence of metal on that side means Lincoln's portrait or the reverse wheat design may be partially incomplete at the clip's location. The rim in the clipped area will be flat and smooth, lacking the normal milled edge. Straight clips, caused by the strip's edge rather than a prior punch, also occur but are less common.

Value depends primarily on the clip's size relative to the coin's total circumference. Minor clips affecting less than 5% of the coin's edge typically sell for $50–$150 in circulated condition. Dramatic major clips — where a large, clearly defined bite is missing — can bring $300–$500 or more depending on the coin's grade and the visual impact of the error. Uncirculated examples with bold clips are significantly more desirable than worn ones among specialist error collectors.

How to spot it

Check the coin's edge for a smooth, curved notch where the normal milled rim is absent. The clip should have a clean arc consistent with the diameter of an adjacent planchet punch — not a jagged break or post-mint damage like a bent edge.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mark) and S (San Francisco) both. Clipped planchet errors occur at the blanking stage, upstream of mint-specific striking — both facilities used the same blanking equipment type.

Notable

Collectors apply the "Blakesley Effect" test: the design opposite the clip will often show weakness or incomplete detail due to reduced metal pressure. A confirmed Blakesley Effect strengthens authentication of a genuine clip versus post-mint edge damage.

Found one of these errors on your coin? Run it through the calculator to estimate what it could be worth.

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1910 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Historical image related to 1910 Lincoln wheat penny production at the Philadelphia or San Francisco Mint
Mint Mint Mark Mintage Strike Type Survival Notes
Philadelphia None 146,801,218 Business Strike Very common in all circulated grades; original rolls saved, so MS survivors exist
Philadelphia None 4,118 Matte Proof Extremely rare; matte (not brilliant) finish; usually BN; only experts can distinguish from business strikes without TPS grading
San Francisco S 6,045,000 Business Strike Semi-key date; scarce in all grades; gem RD examples genuinely rare; ~14 known in MS-67
Total (All) — 152,850,336 — —
Composition specs: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze alloy) · Weight: 3.11 grams · Diameter: 19.00 mm · Edge: Plain (smooth) · Designer: Victor David Brenner · Series: Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909–1958 · Struck using coin alignment (medal turn)

How to Grade Your 1910 Wheat Penny

Grading strip showing 1910 wheat pennies in Good, Fine, Extremely Fine, and Mint State condition levels
Worn
Good–Fine (G–F / G-4 to F-12)

Lincoln's portrait is fully outlined but major high points — cheekbone, jaw, and ear — are flat and merged. Hair above the ear shows minimal individual strand detail. The date and mint mark are readable. "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY" are complete. Wheat stalks on the reverse are outlined but grain lines are faint or absent. Most circulating 1910 pennies fall into this range. Values: Philadelphia $0.50–$2; San Francisco $13–$25.

Circulated
Very Fine–About Uncirculated (VF–AU / VF-20 to AU-58)

VF coins show Lincoln's cheekbone and the major hair strands with moderate wear on the highest points. By EF-40, Lincoln's hair shows full detail except for slight smoothing on the very tip of his cheek. AU coins retain 90%+ of original luster in protected recesses; only a trace of wear appears on the highest points. The wheat stalk grain lines should be nearly complete across this range. Values: Philadelphia $2–$12; San Francisco $30–$90.

Uncirculated
Mint State 60–64 (MS-60 to MS-64)

No wear from circulation — every design element is fully struck and original. However, bag marks, contact marks, and abrasions from rolling and handling at the mint are expected. MS-60/61 coins have significant surface marks or weak strikes. MS-63 shows only minor marks not in focal areas. MS-64 coins are choice — marks are present but do not detract noticeably. Color designation (BN/RB/RD) becomes critical at this level. Values: Philadelphia $20–$90 BN; San Francisco $110–$500 BN.

Gem MS
Gem Mint State 65+ (MS-65 to MS-67+)

MS-65 Gem coins display strong luster, a sharp strike with full wheat grain definition, and only minor contact marks visible under 5× magnification. MS-66 Superb Gem examples are genuinely scarce for 1910 cents. MS-67 examples are rare — approximately 14 are known for the 1910-S RD according to auction catalog notes. At this level, original Red color is paramount: an MS-67 RD 1910-S realized $48,000 in January 2025. Any carbon spot, toning, or rim nick drops the grade significantly. Values: Philadelphia $135–$10,869; San Francisco $650–$48,000+.

🔍 Pro tip on color designation: The three color grades — Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) — are assigned only to uncirculated copper coins. RD requires 90%+ of the original bright copper mint luster to be intact. Because copper oxidizes naturally over more than a century, most surviving 1910 cents now grade Brown. Never attempt to restore color by dipping in chemicals or wiping the surface; both treatments are immediately detectable under magnification and permanently reduce collector value by 50–90%.

📱 CoinHix lets you compare your coin's surface against graded reference images to match your 1910 wheat penny to a condition tier — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1910 Wheat Penny

The right venue depends on your coin's value. A heavily worn 1910-P might do fine at a local coin shop, while a gem-red 1910-S or a verified RPM error deserves an auction house audience.

🏆 Heritage Auctions

The world's largest numismatic auction house. Best for certified (PCGS/NGC) coins in high grades or confirmed error varieties. The $48,000 and $19,200 records for 1910 cents were both realized here or through comparable major auction venues. Consignment fees apply; expect 4–8 weeks from submission to sale. Ideal for MS-65+ or any confirmed RPM variety.

🛒 eBay

The largest peer-to-peer coin market. For 1910 wheat pennies worth $10–$200, eBay typically offers the fastest sale and widest buyer pool. Check recently sold prices for 1910 wheat pennies on eBay to set realistic expectations before listing. Use "completed listings" filters to see real market comps rather than wishful asking prices. Take clear photos of both sides and any errors.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Convenient for quick transactions without shipping risk. Dealers typically offer 50–70% of retail value to allow their markup — expect less than auction prices. Best suited for circulated 1910-P cents worth under $20. Bring multiple quotes from at least two shops. An honest dealer will tell you if your coin deserves professional grading before selling.

👥 Reddit (r/coins & r/Silverbugs)

The r/CoinSales and r/Coins4Sale communities allow direct collector-to-collector sales with no fees. Great for mid-range pieces ($20–$150) where auction fees would eat into proceeds. Buyers are knowledgeable and price-conscious. Always use tracked shipping and PayPal Goods & Services for buyer/seller protection on transactions over $50.

💡 Get it graded first — the math usually works: Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $25–$50 per coin at standard service levels. For any 1910-S penny, any coin you suspect is a confirmed RPM variety, or any 1910 cent you believe grades MS-64 or better, grading fees are almost always recovered in the higher sale price a certified coin commands. An unverified "looks like MS-65" coin sells for half what a PCGS MS-65-certified coin realizes at auction.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1910 Wheat Penny Value

How much is a 1910 wheat penny worth?

A worn 1910 Philadelphia wheat penny (no mint mark) is typically worth $0.50–$4. In circulated grades it ranges from $1–$12. Uncirculated examples with original red color (MS-65 RD) can bring $200–$300. The top recorded sale for a 1910-S wheat penny is $48,000 for an MS67+RD example at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Proof specimens struck for collectors have sold for over $52,000 in top grades.

What is the 1910-S wheat penny value?

The 1910-S penny (San Francisco mint, 6,045,000 minted) is a semi-key date. In Good condition it's worth around $13–$20. Extremely Fine examples bring $50–$75. Uncirculated MS-65 RD coins are valued around $650. At the very top, an MS67+RD specimen sold for $48,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025, establishing the all-time auction record for this date.

What is the 1910 wheat penny RPM FS-502 error?

The 1910-S/S RPM FS-502 error (PCGS #37651) occurs when the 'S' mint mark was hand-punched into the working die twice in slightly different positions, leaving a secondary faint 'S' visible above the primary impression. It is catalogued in the Cherrypickers' Guide by Fivaz and Stanton. In MS67 Red, this variety sold for $19,200 at Stack's Bowers in October 2018. Circulated examples start around $25–$50.

How do I tell a 1910 Philadelphia penny from a 1910-S?

Look directly below the date on the obverse. A 1910-S penny has a small 'S' mint mark just beneath the year '1910.' If there is no letter there, the coin was struck at Philadelphia. The difference matters greatly for value: a worn 1910 Philadelphia penny might be worth $1, while the same grade 1910-S commands $13–$20 or more due to its much lower mintage of only 6,045,000 coins.

What does the color designation RD, RB, or BN mean on a 1910 wheat penny?

For uncirculated copper coins, grading services add a color suffix. RD (Red) means 90%+ original bright copper-red luster is present — the most valuable designation. RB (Red-Brown) means 10–90% red remains. BN (Brown) means less than 10% red; most century-old pennies now grade Brown. On a 1910 Philadelphia MS-65, RD examples bring roughly $275 versus around $135 for BN — a big difference driven solely by color.

How many 1910 wheat pennies were made?

In 1910, Philadelphia struck 146,801,218 business-strike pennies plus 4,118 matte proof coins for collectors. San Francisco struck 6,045,000 business-strike pennies. The combined total is approximately 152.8 million coins. Philadelphia's output was the highest annual Lincoln cent production to that point in the series, making most Philadelphia examples common and affordable today.

What is a 1910 matte proof penny worth?

Only 4,118 matte proof 1910 pennies were struck at Philadelphia for collectors. Unlike modern brilliant proofs, these have a dull, satiny finish with squared-off rims. Values range from around $675 in PR-63 BN to over $3,500 in PR-67 BN. The finest known, a PR-67+RD example, sold for $52,875 at Heritage Auctions in December 2019, making it the most valuable single 1910 cent ever recorded at auction.

What 1910 wheat penny errors are worth money?

The most valuable 1910 wheat penny errors are: (1) RPM FS-502 — secondary 'S' above primary, $19,200 in MS67RD; (2) RPM FS-501 — secondary 'S' below primary, hundreds to over $1,000; (3) Doubled Die Reverse — doubling in 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', worth $100+ depending on grade; (4) Off-Center Strike — $5 to $250 depending on percentage off-center; (5) Die Crack errors — typically $5–$10 premium over normal value.

Is the 1910-S wheat penny a key date?

The 1910-S is considered a semi-key date in the Lincoln wheat cent series. With only 6,045,000 minted — less than 5% of Philadelphia's output that year — it is significantly harder to find than its Philadelphia counterpart, especially in higher grades. While not as scarce as the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D, the 1910-S commands a meaningful premium at every grade level, and gem examples in full red color are genuinely rare.

Should I clean my 1910 wheat penny to make it look better?

Never clean a 1910 wheat penny. Cleaning — even with a soft cloth — permanently removes the original surface and destroys collector value. Grading services like PCGS and NGC routinely identify cleaned coins and will label them 'details' grades, which can reduce value by 50–90%. A naturally brown, uncleaned 1910 penny is always worth more to a serious collector than a shiny one that was polished. Store coins in inert holders away from humidity and air.

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