One 1935 Lincoln wheat penny — a Philadelphia MS68+RD — sold for $84,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Most worn examples are worth just a few cents, but the right variety, grade, or error can make your coin genuinely valuable. Use the free tools below to find out exactly where yours stands.
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Use the Free Calculator ↑The Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 is the single most searched and most valuable regular variety for the 1935 Lincoln cent. Use this tool to assess whether your coin shows the diagnostic doubling.
Letters in IN GOD WE TRUST are single, clean, and sharp with no secondary image alongside them. The date numerals — 1, 9, 3, 5 — show only one edge with no shadow offset. Lincoln's eyelid is a simple curved line with no additional raised ridge beside it. Value: face value to a few dollars.
A clearly visible secondary image sits alongside the primary letters of IN GOD WE TRUST, most strongly on the T, R, U, S, T. The '9' and '5' in the date show distinct doubled edges. Lincoln's upper eyelid has a second raised ridge above it. This Class V Pivoted Hub doubling is visible at 5× on strong examples. Value: $50–$400+ depending on grade.
Before diving into the chart, collectors serious about attribution should read this detailed 1935 penny identification walkthrough and reference — it covers die diagnostics and grading nuances that the table below can't fully capture. Values below reflect typical retail ranges for problem-free, original-surface examples.
| Variety | Worn (G–F) | Circulated (VF–EF) | Uncirculated (MS60–65) | Gem (MS66+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 Philadelphia (No MM) | $0.15 – $0.50 | $0.50 – $2 | $3 – $15 | $35 – $200+ |
| 1935-D Denver | $0.20 – $0.75 | $0.75 – $4 | $6 – $25 | $50 – $300+ |
| 1935-S San Francisco | $0.20 – $0.80 | $0.80 – $6 | $10 – $35 | $75 – $400+ |
| ⭐ 1935 DDO FS-101 (Any Mint) | $25 – $80 | $80 – $200 | $200 – $425 | $500 – $3,000+ |
| 1935 DDR (WDDR-001) | $5 – $20 | $20 – $60 | $40 – $150 | $150 – $400+ |
| 1935 BIE Error | $5 – $10 | $8 – $15 | $15 – $30 | $30 – $75 |
| 🔴 1935-D Off-Center Strike (30%+) | $20 – $60 | $60 – $150 | $150 – $300 | $300+ |
| 1935-D RPM (RPM-002 / RPM-003) | $5 – $10 | $10 – $25 | $25 – $75 | $75 – $150+ |
⭐ = DDO FS-101 signature variety (highlighted gold) | 🔴 = Rarest dramatic variety (highlighted red) | Values are retail estimates for problem-free, original-surface examples. MS66+ Red examples carry a significant additional premium over Red-Brown at the same grade.
📱 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo of your 1935 wheat penny and get an instant value estimate right from your phone — a coin identifier and value app.
The 1935 Lincoln cent was produced during the Great Depression, when high production demands and limited die replacement schedules made manufacturing anomalies more common than in later decades. Below are the five most collectible errors and varieties, ranked by collector demand and dollar impact. Each card covers what the error is, how to spot it, and why collectors pay a premium.
The DDO FS-101 is the crown jewel of 1935 Lincoln cent varieties. It is a Class V Pivoted Hub doubled die obverse — meaning the working die received two hub impressions at slightly different rotational angles during the hubbing process. This occurred in the die room, not on the coin press floor, so every coin struck from that die carries the same fingerprint.
Visually, the clearest doubling concentrates on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, where each letter shows a bold secondary image offset clockwise. The date numerals '9' and '5' display strongly thickened, doubled edges. Lincoln's upper eyelid gains a parallel raised ridge visible at 10× magnification. On the best-struck examples, the doubling on the motto is visible without any optical aid.
Collectors pay a substantial premium because the FS-101 is listed in every major variety reference: Fivaz-Stanton (FS-101), CONECA (DDO-001), and Variety Vista (1-O-V-CW). Certified examples in MS65 Red have achieved over $500 at auction; an MS67 example sold by Legend Merena in 2019 brought $3,055. The variety's fame and cross-reference status make it one of the most liquid wheat cent errors across all grading tiers.
An off-center strike occurs at the coin press when a planchet (blank) enters the collar misaligned, so the dies strike only part of the coin's surface. The result is a crescent-shaped blank zone along one edge, with the design pushed toward the opposite side. On a 1935 wheat penny, even a 10% shift is clearly visible to the naked eye without any tools.
Value scales sharply with the degree of misalignment. A coin shifted 10–15% produces a modest premium; at 25–30%, value rises significantly. The most dramatic documented 1935 off-center — a Denver-mint coin struck roughly 30% off-center — sold at MS60 Brown for $264 in 2019. The key collector requirement is that the date must still be fully visible: a coin that lost the date in the blank zone loses most of its premium.
The 1935-D off-center is especially prized because Denver's lower mintage already makes the coin more scarce, and dramatic misstrikes from a lower-mintage issue are genuinely rare in the population. A full-strike 1935-D is worth a few dollars; the same coin struck 30% off-center becomes a $150–$300 piece in circulated condition, illustrating just how dramatically a press error can multiply a coin's collectible value.
The Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001 is the most dramatic of several known 1935 reverse doubled die varieties. Like the obverse DDO, this error originated during the die-making process when the working die received multiple, misaligned hub impressions — but on the reverse hub, affecting the wheat stalk and motto side of the coin.
The WDDR-001 shows strong extra thickness on the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, with the doubling most pronounced on the letters P, L, U, R, and U. The decorative dots flanking ONE CENT appear split or doubled, and both wheat stalks show thickened grain lines. WDDR-003 is the second most dramatic variety, showing similar but slightly less pronounced doubling across the same features. Examine the reverse under a 10× loupe pointed at the upper motto area for the clearest diagnostic view.
Collector demand for the DDR is solid but secondary to the DDO FS-101, because the obverse doubling is inherently more visible and the DDO's Fivaz-Stanton listing gives it greater cross-reference recognition. DDR varieties in higher circulated grades ($40–$150) represent excellent value for variety collectors who want a genuine documented doubled die without the DDO's price premium. Gem mint state examples with fully red surfaces and clear doubling are rare enough to attract competitive bidding.
The BIE error is one of the most endearing varieties in the entire Lincoln cent series — a small die crack that develops between the 'B' and 'E' of LIBERTY on the obverse die, creating a raised vertical line that mimics a capital 'I.' The name itself — BIE — comes from reading the affected area as three letters: B-I-E instead of B-E. These die cracks are stress fractures that form naturally as dies age from repeated high-volume striking.
On 1935 wheat pennies, BIE errors are relatively accessible: dies were used for extended runs during the Depression era when die replacement was costly, meaning crack propagation was common. The raised line appears as a fine, upright ridge standing above the coin's field between the two letters. It is best viewed at 5–10× magnification under a raking light source, which causes the raised crack to cast a distinct shadow and separate visually from the surrounding surface.
Collectors prize BIE errors for their approachability — at $5–$20 in circulated condition, they represent an affordable way to own a genuine Lincoln cent die error. Bold, wide BIE cracks or those accompanied by additional die stress lines on the same coin can bring $30–$75 from dedicated variety hunters. The 1935 issue sees steady BIE trading on eBay and at coin shows, making it one of the most commonly encountered error types for this date.
Before the mid-20th century, individual coin dies did not have mint marks added at the main die-making hub. Instead, mint mark letters were hand-punched into each working die at the branch mint. When a punch landed off-center or at a slight angle, the mint worker would re-punch the mark in the correct position — leaving behind a faint but permanent impression of the first attempt as a diagnostic variety.
Two recognized RPM varieties exist for the 1935-D Lincoln cent: RPM-002 (D/D North) and RPM-003 (D/D West). RPM-002 shows an extra horizontal line inside the lower bowl of the primary 'D' — the remnant of the first punch impression shifted slightly northward. RPM-003 displays a thin vertical line along the left (west) outer edge of the primary 'D', representing a prior punch positioned to the west. Both are best seen at 10–20× magnification directed at the mint mark area just below the date.
While neither 1935-D RPM carries enormous monetary premiums, they are solid finds for date-and-mintmark collectors building complete variety sets. The RPMs catalog at approximately $5 in Fine grade, rising to around $50 in MS63 and $75 in MS65. A former "RPM-001" listing has been delisted by both CONECA and John Wexler after reexamination showed it was punch damage rather than a genuine repunch — a reminder that expert attribution matters before paying a premium.
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| Mint / Issue | Mint Mark | Mintage | Relative Scarcity | Strike Quality Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None | 245,388,000 | Very Common | Generally sharp, well-struck examples |
| Denver | D | 47,000,000 | Common | Some examples weakly struck — check hair detail |
| San Francisco | S | 38,702,000 | Scarce (relatively) | May show soft strike; S-mint coins noted in ANA grading guide as sometimes deficient |
| Total (All Mints) | — | 331,090,000 | — | No proof coins struck in 1935 |
Lincoln's portrait is flat with most hair detail missing. The cheek and jaw are smooth. LIBERTY and the date are readable but may show weak spots. Wheat stalks on the reverse show only outline grains. Value: $0.15–$0.50 (Philadelphia). These are the most common examples found in old jars and folders.
Moderate to light wear. Lincoln's hair shows partial detail — individual strands visible but not fully separated above the ear. The cheek still shows modeling but some flatness is evident. Wheat stalk lines are clear. Value: $0.50–$6 depending on mint. Bright original surfaces with light wear are especially appealing to collectors.
No wear anywhere — Lincoln's cheek, jawline, and hair are fully detailed with original mint texture (luster). Bag marks from coin-on-coin contact are expected. Color ranges from Brown (BN) to Red-Brown (RB) to full Red (RD). Value: $3–$35. Red (RD) examples at MS65 carry the highest premiums and are the main target for serious collectors.
Only a handful of minor contact marks visible under magnification. Full, unbroken mint luster with minimal toning. Red (RD) designation requires 85%+ original copper color remaining. Value: $35–$400+ (regular issues). MS67 Red examples sell for $150–$300+. The record $84,000 MS68+RD represents the pinnacle — virtually contact-mark-free with complete original luster.
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The best venue depends on your coin's value tier. A worn circulated example belongs on eBay or at a local shop; a DDO FS-101 or high-grade gem belongs at auction.
The preferred venue for high-grade gems (MS66+), DDO FS-101 varieties, and dramatic off-center strikes. Heritage's Lincoln cent buyer pool is deep and competitive. The $84,000 MS68+RD record sale happened here in January 2025. Best for coins with realistic retail values above $200. Expect a seller's commission; allow 4–8 weeks for settlement.
The largest marketplace for mid-range 1935 wheat pennies — circulated examples, BIE errors, RPMs, and uncirculated pieces in the $5–$150 range. Check recently sold 1935 wheat penny prices and completed eBay listings before setting your price. Use "Sold Listings" filter in eBay search to see actual transaction prices — not asking prices, which can be wildly optimistic. Photos matter enormously: shoot both sides under good lighting.
Fast and convenient for worn or common circulated examples where you simply want cash today. Dealers typically pay 50–70% of retail for common dates. A 1935 Philadelphia in Good condition might bring $0.10–$0.15 — barely above face value. Shops are better for lots of wheat pennies than individual low-grade 1935s. Bring any DDO or off-center error to a dealer who specializes in Lincoln cents rather than a generalist shop.
Peer-to-peer sales with no seller fees. Useful for circulated mid-grade examples ($1–$30) where eBay fees eat too much of the profit. The community is knowledgeable and fair. Always establish your reputation with verified sales history before listing, and ship with tracking. PCGS or NGC holders significantly increase buyer confidence for any coin over $50.
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is worthwhile when: (1) your coin grades MS65 Red or better, (2) you believe you have a DDO FS-101 or dramatic off-center strike, or (3) you're targeting auction houses. PCGS grading fees start around $30–$50 per coin for standard service. An MS66 RD in a PCGS holder typically sells for 30–50% more than the same coin raw, easily covering the fee. For circulated or low-grade common examples, grading costs exceed the return — sell raw.
Most 1935 wheat pennies in worn circulated condition are worth between $0.15 and $0.50. Uncirculated examples grade MS60–MS65 and typically sell for $3–$15 depending on the mint. The San Francisco issue (1935-S) commands the highest premiums. Gem examples grading MS67 Red can fetch $150–$300, while the all-time auction record for a single 1935 cent is $84,000 for an MS68+RD specimen sold by Heritage Auctions in January 2025.
The single most valuable 1935 wheat penny is the Philadelphia issue graded PCGS MS68+RD, which sold for $84,000 at Heritage Auctions in January 2025. Among error varieties, the DDO FS-101 (Doubled Die Obverse, listed in major references as WDDO-001 and CONECA DDO-001) is the most prized, with certified MS65 Red examples selling for several hundred dollars and top-grade pieces reaching over $3,000 at auction.
The 1935 DDO FS-101 is a Class V Pivoted Hub doubled die obverse. It shows strong, visible doubling on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and on the date numerals — particularly the '9' and '5'. Lincoln's eyelid also shows secondary imagery. On well-struck examples the doubling is visible to the naked eye, but a 10× loupe makes it unmistakable. The variety is cataloged as FS-101 by Fivaz-Stanton and CONECA DDO-001 by CONECA.
A total of 331,090,000 cents were struck across all three mints in 1935. The Philadelphia Mint produced 245,388,000 (no mint mark), the Denver Mint struck 47,000,000 (D mint mark), and the San Francisco Mint made 38,702,000 (S mint mark). No proof coins were struck that year, making all 1935 cents business-strike issues. The high total mintage means circulated examples are common and affordable for most collectors.
The mint mark on a 1935 wheat penny appears on the obverse (front) of the coin, directly below the date. A small 'D' indicates Denver, and a small 'S' indicates San Francisco. Coins without any letter were struck in Philadelphia. Use a 5× or 10× loupe to read the mark clearly, as it can be small and may show wear. The mint mark's presence and clarity are important factors in determining your coin's value.
Yes, the 1935-S is generally the most valuable of the three regular issues due to its lowest mintage of 38,702,000. In circulated grades, the premium over Philadelphia coins is modest — a few cents to a dollar. In Mint State grades, the difference grows: an MS63 1935-S can sell for around $11–$15, compared to $6–$8 for a Philadelphia MS63. At the gem level (MS65 Red), 1935-S examples can fetch notably higher premiums than either the Philadelphia or Denver issues.
A BIE error is a die crack that develops between the 'B' and 'E' of LIBERTY on Lincoln cent obverse dies, creating a raised line that resembles the letter 'I.' The name 'BIE' comes from the resulting appearance: B-I-E instead of BE. These errors occurred naturally as dies aged and stressed during high-volume production. On 1935 pennies, BIE errors are relatively common and typically sell for $5–$20 in circulated condition, making them an affordable and fun variety to collect.
The 1935 Lincoln Wheat Penny is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc — a composition known as bronze. It weighs 3.11 grams and measures 19.05 mm in diameter with a plain (smooth) edge. This bronze composition was used from 1909 through 1942, before the wartime switch to zinc-coated steel in 1943. The copper content gives well-preserved examples their desirable red (RD) or red-brown (RB) color designation, which significantly affects value.
Start by examining Lincoln's cheek, jaw, and hair above the ear — the highest points that wear first. A coin showing full hair detail with mint luster is Uncirculated (MS60+). Light wear on the cheek with most hair visible is About Uncirculated (AU50–58). Moderate flattening of cheek and hair with clear lettering is Fine (F12). Heavily flat with only outlines remaining is Good (G4). For Mint State coins, color designation (BN/RB/RD) also matters greatly for value.
The 1935-D has two recognized RPM varieties cataloged by CONECA. RPM-002 (D/D North) shows an extra lower horizontal line inside the 'D' mintmark, and RPM-003 (D/D West) displays a thin vertical line on the left side of the primary 'D'. Both varieties carry modest premiums: approximately $5 in Fine grade and around $50 in MS63. More dramatic examples in higher grades can bring proportionally more. Use 10× magnification to spot the secondary punch impression below the date.