The 1917-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $1.50 in heavily worn condition to over $1,000 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these century-old coins in your pocket change or an old jar is an exciting discovery that connects you directly to the era of World War I.

Condition	Estimated Value
Good (G-4)	$1.50 – $2.50
Fine (F-12)	$4.00 – $8.00
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$35.00 – $60.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$250.00 – $450.00

History of the 1917-S Lincoln Wheat Cent

The 1917-S Wheat Penny was minted at the San Francisco Mint during a pivotal year in American history. As the United States entered World War I, the demand for small currency increased significantly to facilitate the booming wartime economy. This specific coin features the iconic bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner, which had first appeared in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

If you are just starting your collection, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the fine details of these early copper coins. The “S” mint mark, located just below the date, indicates that this penny was produced in San Francisco, which typically saw lower production numbers than the main mint in Philadelphia. While millions were made, the vast majority spent decades in circulation, making high-quality survivors quite rare today.

In the world of coin collecting, or “numismatics,” the story behind the coin adds as much value as the metal itself. CoinKnow users often find that the 1917-S is a favorite because it represents a time when the San Francisco mint started ramping up production to meet the needs of a growing Western United States. Understanding the historical context helps you appreciate why a simple penny might be worth hundreds of dollars to a serious collector.

Condition and Grading the 1917-S Penny

When determining the value of your 1917-S Wheat Penny, the condition is the most critical factor. Most coins found in old collections are “Circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear from being used to buy goods and services. A coin that has lost most of its detail—where Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat stalks on the back are smooth—is considered “Good” or “Very Good.”

Professional grading services evaluate these coins on a scale from 1 to 70. For the everyday collector, visual cues are key. On a “Fine” grade coin, the lines in the wheat ears are visible but worn. By the time you reach “About Uncirculated” or “Mint State,” the coin retains its original luster and sharp details. You can check the latest 1917-S penny price data for Red (RD) specimens to see how quickly the value jumps as the condition improves.

For those who are unsure about their coin’s grade, CoinKnow provides a high-resolution scanning feature that compares your coin to a database of graded images. This allows you to get a ballpark estimate of whether your coin should be professionally certified. Remember, even a small scratch or an old attempt at cleaning the coin can drastically lower its market value, so always handle your 1917-S penny by the edges.

Grade Level	Visual Characteristics
Good (G-4)	Lincoln’s head is a flat outline; date is readable.
Fine (F-12)	Wheat lines show some detail; Lincoln’s coat is distinct.
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	Sharp details on the ear and hair; minor wear.
Mint State (MS-60+)	No wear; original copper color and shine present.

Rarity of Mint State and Color Designations

One unique aspect of copper coins like the 1917-S Wheat Penny is the color designation. Copper oxidizes over time, turning from a bright orange-red to a dark chocolate brown. Collectors categorize these as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). A “Red” 1917-S penny in mint condition is exceptionally rare and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

The San Francisco mint was notorious during this period for “weak strikes,” meaning the details might not look as sharp as those from Philadelphia, even if the coin was never used. This makes finding a perfectly struck 1917-S even more difficult for specialists. You can view more detailed 1917 penny value and rarity info to see how these color and strike nuances impact the bottom line for investors.

If you find a coin that still looks like it was minted yesterday, avoid touching the surface with your fingers. The oils from your skin can cause spots that will turn brown over time. Keeping your 1917-S in a PVC-free flip or holder is the best way to preserve its current color. CoinKnow also offers a collection tracker that lets you log the color and condition of your finds to watch their value grow over time.

Color Class	Typical Value (MS-63)
Brown (BN)	$150 – $250
Red-Brown (RB)	$300 – $550
Red (RD)	$800 – $1,500+

Are There Any Rare 1917-S Errors?

Error coins are a major “get” for collectors. While the 1917-S Wheat Penny doesn’t have a famous variety like the 1955 Doubled Die, there are several known errors to look for. The most common are “Die Cracks,” which appear as raised lines of metal on the surface of the coin where the coin die began to break during production.

Other errors include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the coin was not properly aligned in the press, resulting in a partial image. These are highly sought after and can significantly increase the 1917-S Wheat Penny value. Some 1917 pennies also show “Lamination Errors,” where the copper skin of the coin appears to be peeling or cracked due to impurities in the metal alloy used at the mint.

Using a tool like CoinKnow can help you identify if a weird marking on your coin is a valuable mint error or just “post-mint damage.” Post-mint damage (PMD) refers to scratches or dents that happened after the coin left the mint, and unfortunately, these do not add value. Genuine mint errors, however, can make even a worn 1917-S worth a significant premium to the right buyer.

Where to Sell Your 1917-S Wheat Penny

Once you’ve identified your coin and estimated its value, you might record its details in CoinKnow and decide it’s time to sell. You have several options, depending on the coin’s value. For common, worn 1917-S pennies worth a few dollars, local coin shops or eBay are your best bets. They are easy to ship and have a consistent market of collectors looking to fill holes in their folders.

If you believe you have a high-grade “Red” specimen or a major error, you should consider professional authentication from companies like PCGS or NGC. A certified coin is much easier to sell at a high price because the buyer has a guarantee of its authenticity and grade. Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers handle these high-end sales, where 1917-S pennies have been known to break price records.

Be wary of selling valuable coins to pawn shops or “We Buy Gold” stores, as they often pay only a fraction of the actual numismatic value. Educating yourself on the market trends via reputable price guides and mobile apps ensures that you get a fair price for your piece of American history. Always compare recent “Solds” on auction sites rather than “Asking Prices” to see what people are actually paying.

Selling Venue	Pros	Cons
Local Coin Shop	Immediate cash; expert advice.	Lower payout (wholesale).
Online Auctions (eBay)	Reaches global collectors.	Fees and shipping logistics.
Heritage Auctions	Best for high-value rarities.	High commissions; long wait.

Conclusion: The Lasting Appeal of the 1917-S

The 1917-S Wheat Penny remains a staple for both beginner and seasoned collectors. Its status as an early “S-mint” cent makes it slightly more elusive than its Philadelphia counterpart, providing a fun challenge for those trying to complete a collection. Whether your coin is worth $2 or $2,000, it represents a moment in time when America was changing rapidly.

For the everyday American who finds one of these in an old piggy bank, the value often lies in the thrill of the hunt. By using digital tools and physical guides, you can turn a dusty old penny into a well-documented piece of your personal portfolio. Keep an eye on those mint marks, preserve the condition of your coins, and you may find that the 1917-S is just the beginning of a rewarding hobby in coin collecting.

FAQ

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-S Wheat Penny?

A: The “S” mint mark is located on the front (obverse) of the coin, directly below the four-digit date “1917.” If there is no letter there, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Is the 1917-S Wheat Penny made of real bronze?

A: Yes, pennies from 1917 were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This alloy is often referred to as bronze or “French Bronze,” giving the coins their classic look and durability.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1917-S Penny?

A: Extremely rare specimens in “Red” Mint State 66 can sell for over $5,000 at major auctions. However, these are exceptionally rare and most 1917-S pennies found today are in circulated condition.

Q: Should I clean my 1917-S Wheat Penny to make it worth more?

A: No! You should never clean old coins. Collectors prefer the natural patina and wear. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives will significantly reduce its value and can make it “un-gradable” by professional services.