1942 D Wheat Penny

CoinTrackers.com estimates the value of a 1942 D Wheat Penny in average condition to be worth 38 cents, while one in mint state could be valued around $22.00. - Last updated: February, 09 2023


1942 D Wheat Penny
Download PDF
Add to Favorites


  • Year: 1942
  • Mint Mark: D
  • Type: Wheat Penny
  • Price: 38 cents-$22.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 206,698,000
  • Edge: Smooth





Notes: When it comes to Wheat Cents, and or Lincoln Cents in general the Redder the better. There are 3 color distinctions used in regards to copper cents, and they are; Red (RD), Red Brown (RB), and Brown (BN). The most valuable of the 3 is the Red. So a certified Red (RD) copper cent is worth more than a certified Red Brown, and a Red Brown is worth more than a certified Brown.


The whole thing can be a bit confusing so to help you out we have created a Copper Cent Color guide to assist you in deciding what color your coin should be described as.


Copper Penny Color Guide

Copper Penny Color Guide



Mintages

Production Chart





How much is a 1942 D Wheat Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 38 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $22 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1942, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].


What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any wheat penny in your collection.


how much is your penny worth


Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 3.11 g, a diameter of 19.05 mm, and a thickness of 1.55 mm. It's edge is smooth, and the coins are composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc..


Designer: Victor D. Brenner


Front (Obverse): The front or obverse of this coin contains the bust of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. If a mint mark is present it will be on the bottom right just under the year. If no mint mark is present the coin was minted in Philadelphia. With D standing for Denver, and S standing for San Francisco. The words IN GOD WE TRUST follow the top arch of the coin nicely framing Lincolns head, and the word LIBERTY sits just left of President Lincolns Colar.


Back (Reverse): The reverse of the Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent contains two wheat stalks, the words One Cent, and the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM which means Out of many, one. The reverse image would later change in 1959.



Most Valuable

The most valuable Wheat Penny's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.

Image Year Mint Worth
Wheat Penny 1924 S $12k
Wheat Penny 1922 D $6k
Wheat Penny 1914 D $5.6k
Wheat Penny 1914 S $3.2k
Wheat Penny 1913 S $2k
Wheat Penny 1918 S $2k
Wheat Penny 1924 D $2k
Wheat Penny 1925 S $1.8k
Wheat Penny 1912 S $1.5k
Wheat Penny 1913 D $1.5k
Wheat Penny 1920 S $1.5k
Wheat Penny 1915 S $1.2k
Sign In or Register to see all content.
1989 P $345.22
1989 $345,000
1989 D $345
Image Name Mint Worth

Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.

[Top of Page]

***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.

We use user submitted pictures please read that article if you are interested in adding your own.

[Top of Page]