Lot 066Coin values
1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
SAN FRANCISCO (S) · 95% COPPER, 5% TIN AND ZINC · 866,000 STRUCK
Worth about $75–$165 circulated and $1,250–$1,750 in MS-65.
The 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent is a key date from the San Francisco Mint, with 866,000 pieces struck. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $75–$165, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $1,250–$1,750. Because this is a key date, condition and authenticity matter far more than metal content: have any high-value coin graded by a recognised service.
A key date: only 866,000 struck and widely hoarded.
1931-SSan Francisco (S)
Catalogue medallion. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of this exact date and mint, so none is shown rather than one with a different date.
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- Mint
- San Francisco (S)
- Composition
- 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mintage
- 866,000
- Weight and size
- 3.11 g · 19.05 mm
- Designer
- Victor David Brenner
Scarcer than 99% of the 140 issues in the Lincoln Wheat series with a recorded mintage. 866,000 struck. Mintage is the number struck, not the number that survive.
Mint mark position
D and S sit below the date on the obverse. Compare against the date: forged mint marks are common on 1909-S V.D.B., 1914-D and 1931-S.
Color: brown, red-brown, red
Bronze cents tone over time. Uncirculated prices assume red-brown (RB) toning; full red (RD) coins are worth more, brown (BN) coins less.
Strike and surface
Look for sharp wheat lines on the reverse and full detail in Lincoln's jacket. Cleaned cents show hairlines and uneven color.
About the 1931-S Lincoln Wheat
How much is a 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $75–$165 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $1,250–$1,750 in MS-65. These are estimates, not an appraisal or market data. A coin in the grade you hold may sell for less at a dealer, who needs a margin.
What is a 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent made of?
It is 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc and weighs 3.11 g. At today's metal prices the metal is worth a few cents, so any value comes from collector demand.
How many 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
866,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
Where is the mint mark on a Lincoln Wheat Cent?
On the obverse, below the date. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
Is my 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent rare?
Yes. It is a key date. Check the variety notes on this page, look at the date and mint mark under magnification and consider professional grading before selling.
More Lincoln Wheat Cent values
Where these numbers come from
Lincoln cent, Wikipedia: composition, weight, diameter, edge, designer, mint mark position.
Lincoln wheat cent mintage, Landofcoins.com: mintage by year and mint.
Lincoln cent mintage figures, Wikipedia: mintage cross-check.
Mintage US Coins: Lincoln Wheat Cent, Mountain View Coins: mintage cross-check (totals include Proofs).
Lustre editorial grade-value estimates, Lustre: grade value ranges (estimates, not market data).
gold-api.com spot prices (reference level for estimates), gold-api.com: reference spot prices behind the estimates.
How the estimates are made. Facts reviewed Oct 2026.