The 1910-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $15 in worn condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these century-old coins in your change or an old jar is an exciting discovery because the “S” mint mark signifies a much lower production number than common pennies.

Condition	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$15 – $18
Fine (F-12)	$25 – $30
Extremely Fine (XF-45)	$55 – $70
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$150 – $220
Gem Mint (MS-65 Red)	$1,000+

Why the 1910-S Wheat Penny Is So Special to Collectors

If you have just discovered a wheat cent from 1910, the first thing you should check for is the mint mark. While the Philadelphia mint produced over 146 million pennies that year, the San Francisco mint (marked with a small “S” under the date) only struck 6,015,000 coins. In the world of numismatics, lowercase “mintage” numbers usually mean higher values. You can easily verify the specifics of your coin using a top coin identifier app to ensure you aren’t missing a rare variety.

The 1910-S is technically the third year of the Lincoln Penny series, which replaced the Indian Head Penny in 1909. Because the design was still relatively new, many people saved them, but few survived in truly pristine condition. For a casual hunter, even a heavily circulated 1910-S is a “key date” light, meaning it carries a significant premium over its face value. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you instantly recognize if your coin is a “filler” or a high-value specimen.

The metal composition is also a factor. These pennies are 95% copper, giving them a distinct weight and “ring” compared to the zinc pennies we use today. However, the true value lies in that “S” mint mark. Without it, a 1910 penny is common; with it, you have a piece of history that collectors are always looking to buy.

Understanding 1910-S Wheat Penny Grading and Condition

The price of a 1910-S penny depends almost entirely on its “grade.” Collectors use a 70-point scale to determine how much wear a coin has endured. A coin that has been sitting in a pocket for years will be “Good” or “Fine,” while a coin that looks like it just came from the mint is “Uncirculated.”

When checking your coin, look at the wheat stalks on the back. If the lines in the wheat ears are clear and distinct, your coin is likely in “Extra Fine” or better condition. If the lines are worn smooth, it is a lower grade. Accurate 1910-S penny price data shows that even a small jump in detail can lead to a $40 or $50 increase in value. If you are unsure of the grade, the CoinKnow app provides high-resolution comparisons to help you categorize your find.

Color also plays a role in the value of copper coins. Experts classify pennies as Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), or Red (RD). A “Red” coin is one that still has its original copper luster from 1910. These are extremely rare and are the coins that sell for four-figure sums at auctions. Most 1910-S pennies found in the wild today will be Brown.

Grade Designation	Visual Description	Value Range
Brown (BN)	Dark chocolate color, no luster	$15 – $150
Red-Brown (RB)	Some orange-red color remains	$180 – $350
Red (RD)	Original bright copper luster	$500 – $1,200+

Where to Find the Mint Mark on a 1910 Cent

For beginners, locating the mint mark is the most important step in valuing their coin. On the 1910 Lincoln Penny, the mint mark is located on the “heads” side (obverse), directly below the date. If you see a tiny “S,” it was minted in San Francisco.

If there is no letter under the date, it was minted in Philadelphia. Philadelphia pennies from 1910 are very common. While a 1910-S in average condition might sell for $20, a Philadelphia 1910 penny in that same condition might only be worth $1. This makes the “S” one of the most profitable letters for a treasure hunter to find.

Always use a magnifying glass or a 1910 penny value resource to confirm the mint mark. Sometimes dirt or “gunk” can hide the “S,” or a scratch might look like a letter. Cleaning the coin to find the mark is a big mistake—never clean your coins, as it removes the natural surface and destroys the collector value. Instead, use the CoinKnow app to zoom in and identify the mark safely.

1910-S Wheat Penny Errors and Varieties

While the standard 1910-S is valuable on its own, some collectors look for specific mint errors that can drive the price even higher. One common thing to look for is a “Re-punched Mint Mark” (RPM). This happens when the person at the mint struck the “S” into the die twice, creating a doubled look to the letter.

Other errors include “Die Cracks,” which look like raised jagged lines across the surface of the coin. These occur when the metal stamps used to make the pennies begin to break. While 1910-S errors aren’t as famous as the 1955 Doubled Die, they still command a premium from specialized collectors.

Error Type	Rarity	Added Value
Re-punched S	Uncommon	$20 – $100 extra
Minor Die Crack	Common	$5 – $10 extra
Off-Center Strike	Rare	$100+

Tips for Selling and Storing Your 1910-S Penny

If you believe you have found a 1910-S Wheat Penny worth significant money, your first priority should be protection. Place the coin in a cardboard “2×2” holder or a plastic flip. This prevents your skin oils from causing further oxidation and protects the delicate edges of the coin from nicks and scratches.

When it comes time to sell, avoid pawn shops. Pawn shops generally offer a small fraction of the coin’s actual worth because they need to flip it quickly. Instead, look for local coin shops with good reputations, or consider reputable online auction sites if you have a high-grade specimen.

Before selling, always check the current market trends. Use CoinKnow to see what similar coins have recently sold for. Education is your best tool to ensure you get a fair price for your piece of American history.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1910-S penny made of real gold or just colored copper?

A: It is definitely not gold. It is made of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc. High-grade pennies can look shiny and “orange-gold,” which is called original mint luster, but the metal itself is copper.

Q: Why is my 1910 penny worth so much less than the 1910-S?

A: Scarcity is the reason. The Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) made over 146 million of them. The San Francisco mint (S) only made about 6 million. Because there are fewer “S” pennies to go around, collectors are willing to pay more for them.

Q: Should I clean my 1910-S penny to make it look “Red” again?

A: No! Never clean a collectible coin. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches and removes the “patina” that collectors value. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value instantly.

Q: Where is the “S” located on the coin?

A: You will find the small “S” mint mark on the front side of the coin, located just underneath the year 1910. If the space under 1910 is blank, it was made in Philadelphia.