1951 Penny Value
A worn 1951 penny is worth about 4¢ for its copper. In everyday use it still spends as one cent, since melting cents isn't allowed.
Uncirculated ones bring 50¢–$3, and a certified MS65 brings $10–20.
An ordinary one is worth a few cents at most. Check the date and mint mark closely for the varieties below before spending it.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1951-D | 625,355,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $10–20 |
| 1951 (no mint mark) | 284,576,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $20–40 |
| 1951-S | 136,010,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $20–35 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), 3.11 grams, about 4¢ of copper
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
1951-D, D over S
Look for: Traces of an S under the D mint mark.
A recognized overmint mark variety.
Typical value: $5–25
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1951-D | For circulation | 625,355,000 |
| 1951 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 284,576,000 |
| 1951-S | For circulation | 136,010,000 |
| 1951 (no mint mark) | Proof (collector) | 57,500 |
Questions
Is a 1951 penny silver?
No. 1951 pennies are made of bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc).
Which 1951 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1951 (no mint mark) is worth the most, about $20–40 in MS65. The 1951-D, D over S is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $5–25.
Where is the mint mark on a 1951 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1951 pennies on eBay.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.