The 1939-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $0.15 in heavily worn condition to over $100 or more in top mint state grades. If you found one of these old Lincoln cents in a jar, drawer, or inherited coin collection, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it could be worth.
After checking the coin’s condition, one of the easiest things you can do is download a free coin identifier app to get a quick estimate before diving deeper. Apps like CoinHix let you scan your coin using your phone camera and instantly pull up value data, mint marks, and grading guides — no experience needed.
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What Is the 1939-S Wheat Penny?
The 1939-S Lincoln Wheat Penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why you’ll see the small “S” mint mark just below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. This was a standard year for Lincoln cents, with solid production numbers — but that doesn’t mean every coin is common.
The “S” mint produced coins that can be found in circulation today, but truly well-preserved examples are harder to come by than you might think. Wheat Pennies from this era were used heavily in everyday commerce, so most survivors show significant wear.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and remain one of the most collected series in American numismatics. The 1939-S is no exception — it’s a coin that beginners and experienced collectors alike seek out for type sets and date runs.
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1939-S Wheat Penny Value by Grade
The value of your 1939-S Wheat Penny depends almost entirely on its condition, or “grade.” Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70). Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1939-S is worth at different grade levels:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $0.15 – $0.35 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, some details | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on high points | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | No wear, some marks | $15 – $30 |
| MS-65 Red (Gem) | Full luster, minimal marks | $40 – $100+ |
For the most up-to-date market data, you can check 1939-S Wheat Penny MS-RD pricing and auction records directly on CoinHix, which tracks real-time sales from major auction houses.
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How to Tell If Your 1939-S Is Worth More
Not all 1939-S Wheat Pennies are created equal. A few factors can significantly increase — or decrease — what your coin is worth.
Color designation matters a lot for uncirculated coins. Red (RD) coins retain their original copper luster and command the highest prices. Red-Brown (RB) coins show partial original color, while Brown (BN) coins have fully toned and are worth less in high grades.
Strike quality is another factor. Some San Francisco Mint coins from this era came with weak strikes, meaning fine details like Lincoln’s hair and the wheat stalks on the reverse aren’t fully defined. A sharply struck coin in nice condition is always more desirable.
Surface preservation is critical. Avoid cleaning your coin — cleaned coins are immediately recognizable to experienced buyers and dramatically reduce value. If your 1939-S has original, undisturbed surfaces, keep it that way.
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Where to Find the Real Value of Your 1939 Penny
Once you’ve examined your coin and have a rough idea of its condition, there are several great resources to pin down a more exact value. For a comprehensive look at what the 1939 Wheat Penny is worth across all mint marks and grades, Coin Value App provides detailed breakdowns that are easy to understand for newcomers.
You can also use CoinHix to compare your coin against certified examples that have sold at auction. This gives you a real-world picture of what buyers are actually paying today — not just theoretical price guide numbers.
If you’re just starting out and aren’t sure whether your coin is even worth looking up, CoinHix makes it simple: scan, identify, and get value estimates all from your smartphone. It’s a practical first step before spending money on a professional appraisal.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my penny is a 1939-S or another mint?
A: Look just below the date on the front of the coin. A small “S” means San Francisco. No letter means Philadelphia, and a “D” means Denver. Each mint mark can affect value differently.
Q: Is a 1939-S Wheat Penny rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in lower grades — millions were made. However, high-grade examples with full red color and sharp strikes are genuinely scarce and worth serious money to collectors.
Q: Should I clean my 1939-S Wheat Penny before selling it?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes the original surface and destroys collector value. Always present coins in their natural, unaltered state. Buyers and grading services can detect cleaning easily.
