Lot 128Coin values
1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cent
DENVER (D) · 95% COPPER, 5% TIN AND ZINC · 700,515,000 STRUCK
Worth about $0.05–$0.22 circulated and $11–$13 in MS-65.
The 1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is a common date from the Denver Mint, with 700,515,000 pieces struck. In circulated grades (G-4 to EF-40) our estimate is $0.05–$0.22, and a well-preserved MS-65 example is estimated at $11–$13.
Type coin shown: 1944 Lincoln wheat cent. We do not yet hold a licensed photograph of the 1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cent itself, so this is the nearest dated coin of the same design. The design is the same; the date, mint mark and condition of your coin will differ. Photograph: 1944 Lincoln wheat cent (photograph by Nauticashades). Public domain, credit Nauticashades, via Wikimedia Commons.
- Mint
- Denver (D)
- Composition
- 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mintage
- 700,515,000
- Weight and size
- 3.11 g · 19.05 mm
- Designer
- Victor David Brenner
Among the more plentiful: 94% of issues in the series have a smaller mintage. 700,515,000 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 1953-D Lincoln Wheat
How much is a 1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cent worth?
Lustre's editorial estimate (Oct 2026) is $0.05–$0.22 for circulated examples (G-4 to EF-40) and $11–$13 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 1953-D 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 1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cents were minted?
700,515,000 were struck at the Denver 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 1953-D Lincoln Wheat Cent rare?
No. It is a common date. Its value depends mostly on grade, originality and, for this metal, the melt value.
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.