1946 D Penny

CoinTrackers.com estimates the value of a 1946 D Wheat Penny in average condition to be worth 15 cents, while one in mint state could be valued around $25.00. - Last updated: February, 03 2024


1946 D Penny
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  • Key: Better Date
  • Year: 1946
  • Mint Mark: D
  • Type: Wheat Penny
  • Price: 15 cents-$25.00+
  • Face Value: 0.01 USD
  • Produced: 315,690,000
  • Edge: Smooth





Notes:

Look for the S over the D mint mark error on the 1946 Wheat Penny. One in good condition can fetch $250+


1946 Wheat Cents are worth very little in the worst of conditions. In a nice Mint State the San Francisco minted versions of this coin are worth up to about $6 while the Denver is worth $5 and the Philadelphia one just $4.


As with other Wheat Cents the color means alot. Check our color guide image below. The Red is always worth more than the Red Brown, and for certain more than the Brown in similar conditions.


Copper Penny Color Guide

Copper Penny Color Guide


1946 1c Errors

Below you will find images and short descriptions as well as values for some of the most common 1946 Wheat Penny Errors. Happy coin roll hunting.


Clipped Planchet Error $15-$90 USD

Clipped Planchet 1946 Penny Error
Clipped Planchet 1946 Penny Error

These errors are not as valuable as some and generally are worth around $15-$90 USD There are both curved and straight clipped planchet errors and the coin shown above shows both. Caused when the planchet is clipped before being struck by the die.


Die Break / Major Die Break $5-$150 USD

Major Die Break 1946 Penny Error
Major Die Break 1946 Penny Error

Major die breaks are worth more than general die breaks but in general these are valued at somewhere between $5-$150 USD Caused by a partial or full break in the die that strikes the planchet.


Struck on 10c Silver Planchet $500-$3,000 USD

Struck on 10c Planchet
Struck on 10c Planchet

These are some of the most valuable of the 1946 1c errors being worth between $500-$3,000 USD. This is an example of an improper planchet error, in this case a 10c silver dime planchet is instead struck by a 1946 penny die.


Off Center Strike $8-$80 USD

Off Center Strike
30% Off Center Strike

Fairly common and affordable errors for collectors generally priced around $8-$80 USD. The off-center strike error is generally listed with a percentage of some sort, in this example the coin is 30% off center.


Broad Struck Error $15-$90 USD

Broad Struck Error
Broad Struck Error

Broad struck errors are usually value around the $15-$90 USD range. Broad strike errors differ from off center strikes in that the design is fully present, while the off center design is missing a portion of the design.



Mintages

Production Chart


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How much is a 1946 D Penny worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 15 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $25 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 1946, 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.


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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
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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.

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***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.

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