1911, Lincoln Wheat Cent: Denver Mint’s First Minor Coin
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The 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent holds a special place in American numismatic history – not just as a century-old copper coin, but as the first minor coin ever struck at the Denver Mint. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just discovering the Lincoln cent series, the 1911 issue offers a compelling mix of historical depth, genuine scarcity, and real investment potential across all three mint varieties.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the coin’s origins, design, mint varieties, value by grade, and practical tips for buying, selling, or getting your coins assessed today.
Historical Background: Why 1911 Matters
The Lincoln cent series launched in 1909, replacing the Indian Head cent and introducing the first U.S. coin to bear a president’s portrait. By 1911, the series was still young – and that year brought a significant development. The Denver Mint struck its first-ever minor coin, and it was the Lincoln cent.
Dies were supplied by the Philadelphia Mint, and the first Denver examples rolled off the presses on May 20, 1911. This makes the 1911-D not just a scarce coin by mintage numbers, but a historically significant one. Collectors who understand that context are willing to pay accordingly.
The coin was designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, who believed American coinage should carry greater artistic weight. Brenner’s portrait of Lincoln – dignified, forward-facing, right-looking – became one of the most recognized images in U.S. monetary history. The design ran on cents from 1909 through 1958, making the Wheat Cent series a natural focus for collectors interested in early Lincoln cent history.
Production Numbers Across All Three Mints
Three U.S. Mint facilities produced Lincoln cents in 1911. Their output varied dramatically, and those differences drive collector interest and pricing today.
| Mint | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 101,177,787 | None |
| Denver | 12,672,000 | D |
| San Francisco | 4,026,000 | S |
Philadelphia’s output dwarfed the other two facilities combined. But high mintage alone does not tell the full story. Despite over 100 million Philadelphia cents being struck, the 1911 issue is actually scarcer than its 1909 and 1910 counterparts when accounting for survival rates in collectible grades. Many coins were lost to circulation, melted, or simply discarded over the past century.
San Francisco’s 4,026,000 figure is the lowest of the three – roughly one-quarter of Denver’s production. That scarcity, combined with strong collector demand, pushes 1911-S values well above the other varieties at every grade level.
Design and Technical Specifications
The 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent carries the same design used throughout the Wheat Cent era. The obverse features Lincoln’s right-facing bust, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcing above and the date “1911” to the right. On Denver and San Francisco specimens, the mint mark appears below the date.
The reverse shows two wheat stalks flanking the central text. “E · PLURIBUS · UNUM” curves along the top rim, “ONE CENT” appears in bold sans-serif lettering at center, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs beneath it.
Technical details:
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Edge: Plain
- Face value: 1 cent
The copper-heavy alloy gives circulated examples their characteristic brown tone. Uncirculated coins that have never been cleaned or handled retain a bright red-orange luster – and that color distinction matters enormously for value.
1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent Value by Grade and Mint Mark
Condition is the single biggest driver of value for any Lincoln Wheat Cent. The difference between a worn circulated coin and a pristine uncirculated example can be hundreds of dollars – sometimes thousands for the right specimen.
| Variety | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 Philadelphia | $0.45 | $1.50 | $6 | $11 |
| 1911-D Denver | $6 | $10 | $50 | $75 |
| 1911-S San Francisco | $50 | $60 | $85 | $110 |
These figures represent typical market values for honest, problem-free coins. Cleaned, damaged, or artificially toned specimens trade at a discount.
High-grade premiums climb fast. A 1911-D in MS65 condition with full red coloration can bring $500 or more. Proof coins – struck with polished dies for collector sets – are far rarer. A 1911 Proof in PR66 Red sold for $14,950 in 2005. At the top of the market, exceptional specimens have realized $20,400, and a rare variety once achieved $66,000 at auction.
The Color Grading Factor: Red, Brown, and Mixed
Many collectors underestimate how much color affects value. The major grading services – PCGS and NGC – designate Lincoln cents with one of three color designations:
Red (RD): The coin retains 95% or more of its original mint luster. These command the highest premiums.
Red-Brown (RB): A mix of original red and oxidized brown. Mid-range pricing applies.
Brown (BN): The coin has fully toned to brown. Still collectible, but worth less than RD or RB examples of the same grade.
PCGS & NGC Coin Verification – Accurate Precious Metals Refineries
For a 1911-D, the jump from a Brown MS63 to a Red MS65 can mean the difference between $75 and $500 or more. This is why serious collectors always ask about color designation before purchasing uncirculated examples.
Key Varieties and What Makes Them Special
Beyond the three mint marks, the 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent series includes several notable varieties that attract specialist collectors.
Repunched Mint Marks (RPM): On some 1911-D examples, the “D” mint mark was punched into the die more than once, leaving a doubled or offset impression. These RPM varieties are visible under magnification and can add meaningful premiums – one example sold for $149, well above the standard value for the same grade.
Die varieties: Minor differences in die preparation, hub doubling, or die wear create collectible varieties that specialists track through reference guides. These are not errors in the traditional sense but are legitimate die-state variations.
Proof issues: Philadelphia struck a small number of Proof cents in 1911 for inclusion in collector sets. These coins were made with specially prepared dies and planchets, giving them mirror-like fields and sharp, frosted devices. The limited surviving population makes high-grade Proofs genuinely rare.
If you are interested in varieties across the broader Wheat Cent series, the 1915 Lincoln Wheat Penny and 1917 Lincoln Wheat Penny also offer documented RPM and die varieties worth exploring.
How to Assess a 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent
Evaluating any Lincoln Wheat Cent comes down to a few key checkpoints. Work through these before buying or selling.
Look just below the date on the obverse. No mark means Philadelphia. A “D” means Denver. An “S” means San Francisco.
Check for wear on Lincoln’s cheekbone and the high points of his hair. Heavy wear flattens these details first.
Under natural light, determine if the coin is red, red-brown, or brown. Avoid coins that look artificially bright – they may have been cleaned.
Scratches, rim nicks, holes, and cleaning are all value-reducers. A coin with any of these is called “problem-free” or “details-graded” by the major services.
For any coin potentially worth $50 or more, third-party grading by PCGS or NGC removes guesswork and protects both buyer and seller.
The 1911 Wheat Penny is known for being well-struck across its entire mintage, which is good news for collectors. Finding a sharply struck example is more achievable here than with some other Wheat Cent dates.
Common Misconceptions About 1911 Wheat Cents
“All old pennies are valuable.” Philadelphia issues in worn condition are worth less than a dollar. Age alone does not create value – scarcity and condition do.
“High mintage means low value.” Over 101 million Philadelphia cents were struck, but that does not prevent high-grade survivors from commanding serious premiums. Survival rates in collectible condition are far lower than raw mintage figures suggest.
“Cleaning a coin makes it more valuable.” Cleaning destroys original surfaces and is immediately detectable under magnification. A cleaned coin trades at a steep discount compared to an original-surface example of the same grade.
“Mint marks don’t matter much.” The gap between a 1911 Philadelphia cent and a 1911-S in the same grade can be $50 to $100 or more. Mint mark is one of the first things any experienced buyer checks.
For a broader look at how these principles apply across the series, Lincoln Wheat Penny value guides can help you understand what separates common dates from key dates.
Buying and Selling 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cents
Buying: Focus on problem-free coins with original surfaces. For circulated examples under $20, raw (ungraded) coins from reputable dealers are fine. For anything above that threshold – especially 1911-D or 1911-S in Fine or better condition – third-party grading from PCGS or NGC is worth the cost. It removes all ambiguity and makes the coin easier to resell.
Cherry-picking is still viable with the 1911 issue. Because Philadelphia struck over 100 million coins, enough survivors exist that patient collectors can find quality examples by examining multiple pieces rather than settling for the first one offered.
Selling: If you have a 1911 Lincoln Wheat Cent – or a collection of Wheat Cents – getting a fair assessment starts with knowing what you have. Accurate Precious Metals has been buying coins and precious metals for over 12 years, with more than 1,000 five-star reviews from customers across the country.
If you are local to Salem, Oregon, you can bring your coins in for an in-person evaluation. The team will assess what you have and make a straightforward offer. If you are anywhere else in the United States, the mail-in service makes it easy – request a free insured shipping kit, send your coins, and receive a fast, transparent offer with GIA-certified appraisal support where applicable.
Accurate Precious Metals is a specialist dealer, not a pawn shop. That distinction matters when you are selling numismatic coins – you want someone who understands the difference between a common Philadelphia cent and a scarce 1911-S, and who prices accordingly.
Why Accurate Precious Metals Is the Right Partner for Coin Collectors
Accurate Precious Metals operates out of Salem, Oregon and serves customers nationwide. As an NGC Authorized Dealer, the team handles numismatic coins with the expertise that serious collectors expect. Whether you are buying a single 1911-D cent or liquidating a decades-long Wheat Cent collection, the process is transparent and efficient.
The inventory at AccuratePMR.com spans gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in coin, bar, and bullion form – plus diamonds, jewelry, and numismatic coins across many series. Pricing is updated to reflect live spot prices, so you are always working from current market data.
For collectors interested in the broader early 20th-century coin market, Accurate Precious Metals can also help with related issues like the 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny or 1942 Wheat Penny – dates that carry their own scarcity stories and collector premiums.
Reach the team directly at (503) 400-5608, visit in person at the Salem, Oregon location, or start a mail-in appraisal at AccuratePMR.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 1911-D Lincoln Wheat Cent historically significant?
The 1911-D was the first minor coin ever struck at the Denver Mint. Dies were supplied by Philadelphia, and the first examples were produced on May 20, 1911. That historical milestone gives the coin added collector appeal beyond its mintage numbers alone.
How do I tell which mint struck my 1911 Lincoln cent?
Check the obverse just below the date. No mint mark means Philadelphia. A small “D” indicates Denver. An “S” indicates San Francisco. Philadelphia coins carry no mark because they were the primary mint.
Is a 1911 penny worth getting professionally graded?
For Philadelphia cents in circulated condition worth a few dollars, professional grading is not cost-effective. For any 1911-D or 1911-S in Fine or better condition, or any coin potentially worth $50 or more, third-party grading from PCGS or NGC protects your investment and makes the coin easier to sell.
What does “Red” mean on a Lincoln cent grade?
Grading services designate uncirculated Lincoln cents as Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN) based on how much original mint luster remains. Red coins retain 95% or more of their original color and command the highest premiums. Brown coins have fully oxidized and trade at lower values.
Can I sell my 1911 Wheat Cents to Accurate Precious Metals?
Yes. Accurate Precious Metals buys all types of coins, including Lincoln Wheat Cents. Local customers can visit the Salem, Oregon location in person. Customers anywhere in the U.S. can use the mail-in service at AccuratePMR.com for free insured shipping and a fast, transparent offer.
What is the most valuable 1911 Lincoln cent ever sold?
A rare 1911 variety achieved $66,000 at auction. A 1911 Proof in PR66 Red sold for $14,950 in 2005. High-grade 1911-D cents in MS65 Red typically bring $500 or more in today’s market.
Where can I learn more about other Lincoln Wheat Cent dates?
The AccuratePMR.com blog covers multiple Wheat Cent issues in depth. The 1942 Wheat Penny and 1922 Lincoln Wheat Penny guides are good starting points for collectors building a date set.
