Finding a vintage penny coin in your pocket, especially the 1925 penny which has long caught the interest of collectors and coin enthusiasts, must be exhilarating. This unassuming coin has a value far exceeding its face value, and its story is one of mystery and intrigue.
Although not as rare as some other coins, the 1925 penny is a fascinating piece of history as part of a long-standing tradition of wheat pennies produced from 1909 to 1958. It is also part of one of the most popular and widely collected coin series in the United States: Lincoln Cent.
Let’s take a closer look at the 1925 penny and discover why it’s worth much more than meets the eye.
1925 Penny Details
- Category: Lincoln Cent
- Mint: Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver
- Total Mintage: 188,909,000
- Obverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
- Reverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
- Edge: plain
- Diameter: 19.05mm
- Thickness: 1.95mm
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: 3.11g
The 1925 penny is a highly collectible coin produced by the United States Mint during the Roaring Twenties era. It is a small copper coin that features a profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and two wheat ears on the reverse side. The coin is 19 millimeters in diameter, weighs 3.11 grams, and has a composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
The 1925 penny is unique and valuable due to its rarity compared to other pennies produced in other years. A limited number of these coins were made, with a total mintage of just over 188 million. Additionally, many of these coins were lost, damaged, or melted down for their copper content over the years, making the surviving 1925 pennies even more rare and valuable.
But it’s not just the scarcity of the 1925 penny that makes it a sought-after coin. The design is also beautiful, with its intricate wheat ear pattern on the reverse and the detailed portrait of Lincoln on the obverse.
The Obverse
The obverse of the 1925 penny presents a detailed and lifelike portrait of the 16th President of the United States. The right side of the coin is the focus of Abraham Lincoln’s commanding and contemplative gaze and the word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left side of his profile, while the year “1925” is on the right. The top of the coin has the words “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
This coin is fascinating because of the level of detail captured in Lincoln’s profile, which is widely regarded as one of the most realistic and expressive representations of the president. The design was so well-received that it was used on the penny for decades, becoming an enduring symbol of American currency and national pride.
The Reverse
On the reverse of the 1925 wheat penny’s reverse features a striking representation of two wheat stalks, with the words “ONE CENT” in the center. The artistically crafted wheat stalks display each grain of wheat in fine detail. This design feature has an aesthetic appeal and acknowledges the value of agriculture to the US economy.
Another notable feature of the reverse side is the placement of the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “out of many, one”) beneath the boldly written ‘one cent’ and at the top of the coin respectively. This reinforces the country’s sense of unity and pride, as well as its commitment to democracy and the founding of national values.
1925 Penny Value Chart |
||||
Mint mark |
Good |
Fine |
Extremely Fine |
Uncirculated (Mint State) |
| 1925 No Mint Mark Penny Value | $0.28 | $0.57 | $3.38 | $28 |
| 1925 “D” Mint Mark Penny Value | $1.16 | $2.87 | $23 | $144 |
| 1925 “S” Mint Mark Penny Value | $1.16 | $2.87 | $17 | $262 |
1925 Penny Values and Varieties Guides
The 1925 Penny was minted in large numbers in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, making up three varieties. The value of each variety differs depending on certain factors, such as coin condition and rarity. Here’s a guide on determining the value of your 1925 penny based on mint marks.
1925 No Mint Mark Penny Value
- Type: Wheat Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1925
- Face value: $0.01
- Dollar price: $0.28 to $28+
- Melt Value: $0.0263
- Quantity produced: 139,949,000
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
In 1925, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 139 million Lincoln wheat pennies, making them available in today’s coin market. However, finding these coins in the mint state can prove challenging because of the number of years spent in circulation.
The value of 1925 No Mint Mark penny has fluctuated over the years, depending on market conditions and collector demand. According to the USA Coin Book, the Estimated Value of a 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny is $0.46 in Average Condition and can be Worth $11 to $28 or more in Uncirculated Condition.
The value of the 1925 No Mint Mark penny with rare errors ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. For instance, a PCGS-graded MS64+ RB 1925 Penny is currently worth $285, while an MS68+ RD is worth $65,000.
1925 S Mint Mark Penny Value
- Type: Wheat Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1925
- Face value: $0.01
- Dollar price: $1.16 to $262+
- Melt Value: $0.0263
- Quantity produced: 26,380,000
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
A 1925 penny with an “S” mint mark indicates it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. It is typically worth more than the no mint mark penny. The 1925 S Mint Mark Penny had a mintage of just over 40 million coins, significantly lower than the Philadelphia Mint’s production that year.
The value of a 1925 S Mint Mark penny depends on its condition or grade. In circulated conditions, the coin is typically worth around $3 to $5. In uncirculated conditions, the value can range from $20 for a low-grade coin to over $200 and even thousands of dollars for a high-grade coin.
In the current coin market, a PCGS-graded MS66+ 2925-S BN has a value of $3850. Likewise, an MS65+ 1925-S RB variety is worth $10,000, while an MS65+ RD goes for $60,000.
1925 D Mint Mark Penny Value
- Type: Wheat Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: D
- Place of minting: Denver
- Year of minting: 1925
- Face value: $0.01
- Dollar price: $1.16 to $144+
- Melt Value: $0.0263
- Quantity produced: 22,580,000
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
The Denver Mint struck the 1925 penny with a “D” mint mark and produced over 28 million pieces, a relatively large mintage for the era. However, compared to the quantities produced by the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint, the D mint coins had the least amount.
As with other coins, the value of a 1925 D Mint Mark Penny depends on its condition or grade. In circulated condition, a 1925 D Mint Mark Penny is generally worth between $1 and $3. In uncirculated conditions, the value can range from $10 for a lower-grade coin to over $100 for a higher-grade one.
Some D Mint mark Penny varieties are worth thousands of dollars due to their current PCGS grading. For instance, an MS66+ 1925-D BN is worth $2,560, an MS66+ 1925-D RB is worth $6.500, and an MS66+ 1925-D RD goes for $93,000.
Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)
1925 Penny History
The 1925 Lincoln penny is significant in American numismatic history, both for its design and cultural significance. The wheat penny was first introduced in 1909 to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln. It replaced the Indian Head penny previously in circulation since 1859. In addition, it was the first coin series to feature a real person on its obverse.
The design of the 1925 Lincoln penny is considered one of the most iconic in American numismatic history. Created by Lithuanian-born sculptor Victor David Brenner, the design replaced the long-standing Indian Head penny in 1909. It featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse.
A photograph taken by Mathew Brady in 1864 inspired Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln on the 1925 penny. The portrait was considered a dramatic departure from previous coin designs, which featured allegorical figures or depictions of Lady Liberty. Brenner’s realistic, high-relief portrait captured Lincoln’s distinctive features, including his beard and deep-set eyes.
The 1925 penny’s design acknowledges the expanding significance of Lincoln’s legacy in American culture as well as the nation’s emerging sense of national identity. Lincoln was a controversial figure throughout his time in office, but in the years after his death in 1865, he was widely considered a symbol of national unity, freedom, and equality.
At the turn of the 20th century, Lincoln’s image was memorialized in many statues, monuments, and commercial areas nationwide. As a result, his legacy solidified itself as a crucial component of the national character.
More importantly, the 1925 penny was struck during the 1920s’ Roaring Twenties, a time of rapid economic expansion and social transformation in the United States. The US economy was significantly expanding and growing during this period. Demand for American goods and services increased substantially due to technological and manufacturing advancements.
Today, the 1925 penny is a small but tangible reminder of this exciting and transformative era in American history. It reflects not only the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln but also the broader social and cultural context during the period of the coin’s production.
1925 Penny Grading
A coin’s grade, which is the process of establishing its condition, plays a significant role in determining its market worth. The 1925 penny is graded using the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale. The grading scale runs from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70).
Lists of 1925 Penny Error
While the 1925 Lincoln Wheat Penny is not considered a rare coin, specific errors can significantly increase its value, making it highly sought after by collectors. Here are some rare errors found in the 1925 penny.
1. 1925 Penny With Doubled Die Error
1925 doubled die penny error is a rare and valuable variety of the Lincoln cent. This error occurs due to the doubling of the design elements on the die (the metal stamp used to create the coin) during the striking process. As a result, doubling appears on the finished coin.
1925 doubled die penny is a highly desirable coin by collectors. Its value can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the coin’s condition and other factors like market price and the extent of the error.
2. 1925 Penny With Repunched Mint Mark Error
The 1925 Lincoln penny with a repunched mint mark error is most commonly found on coins from the San Francisco mint. It typically features an “S” mint mark struck multiple times, resulting in a doubled or tripled appearance of the mint mark.
It is worth noting that the value of such an error may vary widely based on the extent of the error and the overall condition of the coin. For example, a 1925 Lincoln penny with a repunched mint mark error in good condition could be worth several hundred dollars, while one in excellent condition could be worth thousands of dollars.
3. 1925 Penny With Off-Center Error
This error occurs when the planchet is not centered correctly during striking. As a result, the coin’s design appears off-center, with one or more of the design elements appearing closer to the edge of the coin than usual. Off-center errors are often considered among the most visually striking and interesting of all coin errors and can fetch a high price from collectors.
The value of a 1925 penny with an off-center error will depend on the extent and location of the off-center strike and the overall condition of the coin. Coins with more dramatic off-center strikes are generally more valuable than those with minor misalignments.
1925 Penny FAQs
Where Can I Sell a 1925 Penny?
Many online markets, including Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, are available for buying and selling coins. However, before making a transaction, carefully research the buyer. Alternatively, you might offer your penny for sale at a local coin store or consign it to a reputable coin auction company such as Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections or Heritage Auctions.
How Do I Know if My 1925 Penny Is Authentic?
You can start by examining the coin’s weight, diameter, and other physical characteristics, such as its design, to determine if it is genuine. Next, look for any signs of wear or damage that may indicate that the coin is a fake. Finally, if you are still unsure about the authenticity of your coin, you can take it to a professional for an evaluation.