1918 Penny Value
A worn 1918 penny with no mint mark sells for about 25¢–$1.
Uncirculated, that coin brings $20–40, and a certified MS65 brings $400–750. The 1918-D is worth the most: about $1–5 even when worn.
It's worth more than face value even when worn. Compare it with the table and check for the varieties below before selling. The 1918-D is worth the most in worn condition, so check the mint mark first.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918-D | 47,830,000 | $1–5 | $85–185 | $3,500–6,000 |
| 1918 (no mint mark) | 288,104,634 | 25¢–$1 | $20–40 | $400–750 |
| 1918-S | 34,680,000 | $1–5 | $90–250 | $5,000–10,000 |
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
Designer's initials return
Look for: Tiny VDB on the cut-off edge at the bottom of Lincoln's shoulder, on the front.
Not a variety: 1918 is the first year the initials appear on the shoulder. Worth knowing so you don't mistake it for an error.
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1918-D | For circulation | 47,830,000 |
| 1918 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 288,104,634 |
| 1918-S | For circulation | 34,680,000 |
Questions
Is a 1918 penny silver?
No. 1918 pennies are made of bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc).
Which 1918 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1918-S is worth the most, about $5,000–10,000 in MS65.
Where is the mint mark on a 1918 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 1918 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.