The 1952 wheat penny, also known as the Lincoln penny, is a one-cent coin that was minted by the United States in 1952. This coin is part of the Lincoln penny series, which began in 1909. If you’re curious about its value today, you may also want to learn about its material, history, and design.
In this article, we’ll cover the following questions. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny Made Of?
The 1952 Lincoln wheat penny consists of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This composition was used for Lincoln pennies minted from 1909 to 1982, with the exception of 1943 when the coin was made from zinc-plated steel. Since 1982, the composition of the Lincoln penny has changed to 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.
The design of the 1952 Lincoln wheat penny features an image of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (head) side, one of the most beloved presidents in U.S. history. This iconic design was created by Victor David Brenner, who also designed the coin’s reverse, which we will explore later.
The inscriptions on the obverse side include:
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 1952
On the reverse (tail) side of the coin, you’ll find two stalks of wheat, which is why these coins are commonly referred to as “wheat pennies.” This reverse design was used from 1909 until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Specifications of the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Value: 1 cent
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Diameter: 19 millimeters
When the 1952 Lincoln wheat penny was released, it generated significant public interest. This penny was the first widely circulated U.S. coin to feature a president’s image.
1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny Varieties
The 1952 Lincoln wheat penny is part of the highly sought-after Lincoln one-cent series, and in 1952, four varieties were minted. Below is a quick look at the different varieties and their mintage:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 D Wheat Penny | Denver | 746,130,000 |
| 1952 P Wheat Penny | Philadelphia | 186,775,000 |
| 1952 P Proof Wheat Penny | Philadelphia | 81,980 |
| 1952 S Wheat Penny | San Francisco | 137,800,004 |
| Total | 1,070,786,984 |
As the smallest denomination in the U.S. coinage system, the wheat penny had a high mintage, with over a billion produced in 1952 alone.
1952 D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Year of Minting: 1952
- Mint Mark: D
- Place of Minting: Denver
- Quantity Produced: 746,130,000
- Face Value: $0.01 (one cent)
- Price: $0.01 to $0.25 (circulated condition)
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 mm
The Denver Mint produced over 746 million pennies in 1952, making the 1952 D variety the most plentiful of that year. Known for its high-quality output, the Denver Mint is especially famous for producing well-preserved pennies, with many examples being fully red and considered gem-quality coins.
1952 P Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Year of Minting: 1952
- Mint Mark: None
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 186,775,000
- Face Value: $0.01 (one cent)
- Price: $0.01 to $0.35 (circulated condition)
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 mm
In 1952, the Philadelphia Mint produced just over 186 million pennies, which was approximately 100,000 fewer than the amounts minted in 1951 and 1953. The 1952 P wheat pennies are notable for not having a mint mark.
Additionally, many of the pennies from the Philadelphia Mint display light staining or spotting, which can affect their appearance.
1952 Proof Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Year of Minting: 1952
- Mint Mark: None
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 81,980
- Face Value: $0.01 (one cent)
- Price: $17 or more (uncirculated condition)
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 mm
In 1952, the Philadelphia Mint produced a limited number of beautiful proof pennies, with a total of 81,980 made. This marked a significant increase in production, as earlier years like 1950 and 1951 saw only 51,000 to 57,000 proof coins minted.
The rise in production was likely due to growing public interest in proof coins. These coins, with their polished finish, are highly sought after by collectors today, often fetching prices of $17 or more for uncirculated examples.
1952 S Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Year of Minting: 1952
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Quantity Produced: 137,800,004
- Face Value: $0.01 (one cent)
- Price: $0.01 to $0.35 (circulated condition)
- Mass: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 mm
The 1952 S wheat pennies are fairly common in higher grades, but there is one notable issue. The San Francisco Mint often used repolished or refinished dies, which, while giving the coins a shiny appearance, can cause the engraved details to appear shallow or lack crispness.
This can affect the overall quality and detail of the design. Despite this, these coins remain popular among collectors and can still be found in decent condition.
Here is a list of some common errors found in the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
1. Off-Center Strike
The off-center strike occurs when the die strikes the planchet (coin blank) at an incorrect angle. This misalignment can be caused by a loose die collar, which fails to keep the planchet in proper position during striking. As a result, part of the design may be missing or shifted from the center of the coin.
These types of errors are relatively common and can significantly affect the coin’s appearance and value, with the severity of the off-center strike determining the rarity and potential worth.
2. Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error occurs when the coin blank (planchet) is not properly cut during the minting process. If the blank is not punched out correctly from the metal sheet, it may result in a portion of the planchet being missing or folded. This causes the coin to have an irregular shape or a clipped edge.
These errors are the result of the planchet being improperly aligned during the cutting process, and they can vary in severity. Clipped planchets are relatively rare and can add value to a coin, especially if the clipped portion is noticeable and significant.
3. Die Crack
A die crack occurs when the die used to strike the coin develops a crack due to wear and tear from repeated strikes. As the die is used over time, it can develop small fissures that transfer onto the coin during the minting process. The cracked area of the die is imprinted onto the planchet, resulting in a raised line or crack on the finished coin.
The appearance of a die crack can vary depending on the severity and location of the crack. In some cases, it may appear as a fine line or break in the design, often along the rim or through parts of the lettering or image. Coins with prominent die cracks can be valuable to collectors, especially if the crack is noticeable and affects key design areas.
4. Lamination Error
A lamination error occurs when a foreign material or impurity gets mixed into the metal during the minting process. While the 1952 Lincoln wheat penny is made from a blend of copper, tin, and zinc, sometimes another substance inadvertently enters the mix.
As the planchet cools down after being struck, the foreign material can separate from the metal, causing parts of the coin’s surface to peel or flake off, leaving it with a crusted or uneven appearance.
This type of error can create a visually striking effect, with areas of the coin appearing rough or damaged. Lamination errors are fairly rare and can be valuable, depending on the extent of the issue and the coin’s overall condition.
How Much Is The 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth Today?
The 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny, though originally minted with a face value of 1 cent, can have varying prices depending on its condition and rarity. The melt value is approximately $0.0269, which is slightly higher than its face value.
However, uncirculated 1952 pennies typically range in value from $0.15 to $0.35. While this may not seem substantial, certain 1952 Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched significant amounts at auctions due to their condition, unique features, or error types.
Here’s a summary of auction records for some 1952 wheat pennies:
| Coin | Condition | Grade | Sold Date | Sold By | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 Proof Wheat Penny | Superb Gem Uncirculated – Deep Cameo | PR 68 | September 2, 2021 | Legend Rare Coin Auctions | $64,625 |
| 1952 P Wheat Penny | Superb Gem Uncirculated – Red | MS 67 | November 29, 2007 | David Lawrence RC | $9,775 |
| 1952 S Wheat Penny | Superb Gem Uncirculated – Red | MS 67+ | November 6, 2014 | Heritage Auctions | $4,113 |
| 1952 D Wheat Penny | Superb Gem Uncirculated – Red | MS 67+ | August 10, 2016 | Heritage Auctions | $2,233 |
How Does The Grading System Work?
The value of the 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny is largely determined by its grade, which is based on its appearance, luster, attractiveness, color, and strike quality. The Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70, is the standard for coin grading. Below are the most common grades:
- Poor (P-1): Severely damaged with little to no detail visible.
- Fair (FR-2): Minimal detail visible, but enough to identify the coin.
- Good (G-4): Major wear, with design elements fading.
- Very Good (VG-8): Significant wear, but major design features still visible.
- Fine (F-12): Even wear with most design features visible.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate wear, with some finer features still visible.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light wear, with all major design details visible.
- Uncirculated (AU-50): No wear, only minor imperfections from handling.
- Mint State (MS-60): Strictly uncirculated, with noticeable imperfections.
- Mint State Premium Quality (MS-68): Superb luster, minimal to no flaws visible to the naked eye.
Where To Buy Or Sell 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
You can purchase or sell a 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny at various places:
- Coin Shops: Local or online dealers can provide access to various coins.
- Auction Houses: High-quality coins, particularly rare or error varieties, can often be found at auctions.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and specialized coin selling platforms like JM Bullion or USA Coin Appraisers offer a variety of buying and selling options.
FAQs
1. Where is the mint mark on a 1952 wheat penny?
The mint mark on a 1952 wheat penny is located on the obverse side of the coin, just beneath the year of minting. The mint mark could be either “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver. Philadelphia Mint coins have no mint mark.
2. Is a 1952 D wheat penny rare?
The 1952 D wheat penny is not considered rare, as the Denver Mint produced over 746 million of them. However, a 1952 D penny in top condition or with unique characteristics may be considered rare and valuable.
3. How much is a 1952 wheat penny with no mint mark?
A 1952 wheat penny from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) is typically worth around its face value unless it is in excellent condition or has a rare characteristic. For example, a well-graded 1952 P penny sold for nearly $10,000 in 2007.
4. How can I determine the value of my 1952 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The value depends on factors such as its grade, mint mark, and condition. Coins with no wear, known as uncirculated, are worth more. A professional appraisal or reference to auction results can also help estimate the value of a specific coin.