The 1935-S Wheat Penny is worth anywhere from $0.10 in heavily worn condition to over $100 or more in top mint state grades. If you’ve got one sitting in an old jar or an inherited coin collection, you may be holding something more valuable than a simple one-cent piece.
What Makes the 1935-S Wheat Penny Special
The 1935-S Wheat Penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is why it carries the small “S” mintmark just below the date on the obverse side. This coin is part of the famous Lincoln Wheat Penny series, minted from 1909 to 1958. While the 1935-S isn’t considered a key date or major rarity, it’s still a coin that collectors actively seek out — especially in higher grades.
In circulated conditions, most of these coins show visible wear on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat stalks on the reverse. That’s totally normal for coins that passed through millions of hands over decades. But even a lightly circulated example can fetch a solid price from the right buyer.
If you’ve recently found an old penny and aren’t sure what you’re looking at, a free coin identifier app can help you quickly figure out the date, mintmark, and estimated value without needing to visit a coin shop.
1935-S Wheat Penny Value by Grade
Coin grading plays a huge role in determining what your 1935-S Wheat Penny is actually worth. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 to 70, with circulated coins falling in the lower range and mint state (MS) coins climbing toward the top. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavy wear, outline visible | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, some detail | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear, sharp details | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| MS-63 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, minor marks | $20 – $40 |
| MS-65 (Gem Mint State) | Bright luster, few blemishes | $60 – $125+ |
For the most current and precise figures, you can check live 1935-S Wheat Penny mint state price data that tracks real auction results and dealer prices. Values shift more than people expect, so updated data really matters.
How to Check Your 1935-S Penny’s Condition at Home
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get a rough idea of your coin’s grade. Grab a magnifying glass and look at Lincoln’s portrait — specifically his cheekbone and the hair above his ear. If those areas look flat and worn smooth, you’re likely looking at a Good or Very Good coin.
If you can still see individual hair strands and the wheat stalks on the back show clear parallel lines, that pushes you into the Fine to Very Fine range. An uncirculated coin will show original mint luster — a slight shine or “cartwheel” effect when you tilt it under light.
CoinHix makes this process even easier. The app lets you scan your coin and get a fast estimate based on its condition and current market prices, no coin show required. It’s a solid starting point before deciding whether to get a coin professionally graded.
Where to Sell a 1935-S Wheat Penny
Once you know what you have, the next question is where to sell it. For common-grade circulated examples, local coin dealers or online platforms like eBay or Etsy are perfectly fine. For higher-grade mint state coins grading MS-63 and above, consider getting your coin certified by PCGS or NGC first — it almost always increases buyer confidence and can significantly raise your sale price.
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions also handle Lincoln Wheat Pennies regularly. Before listing anywhere, do a quick search for recently sold examples of the 1935 penny’s current market value so you price it competitively and don’t leave money on the table.
CoinHix also connects you to current coin market trends, helping you time your sale when demand is higher. It’s one of those tools that pays for itself quickly if you’re serious about getting the best price.
Key Facts About the 1935-S Wheat Penny
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1935 |
| Mint | San Francisco (S) |
| Mintage | 38,702,000 |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Designer | Victor D. Brenner |
| Diameter | 19mm |
FAQ About the 1935-S Wheat Penny
Q: Is a 1935-S Wheat Penny rare?
A: Not particularly. With nearly 39 million minted, it’s considered a common date in the Wheat Penny series. That said, high-grade uncirculated examples are harder to find and command solid premiums from collectors.
Q: What does the “S” mintmark mean on a 1935 Wheat Penny?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint, which was one of three facilities producing Lincoln cents in 1935. You’ll find the mintmark on the obverse side of the coin, just below the date to the right.
Q: Should I clean my 1935-S Wheat Penny before selling it?
A: No — never clean a coin you’re planning to sell. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which almost always lowers a coin’s value in the eyes of collectors and graders. A naturally toned coin in original condition is far more desirable than one that’s been polished.
