1945 Penny Value
A worn 1945 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 $15–30.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1945-D | 266,268,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $10–20 |
| 1945 (no mint mark) | 1,040,515,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $15–30 |
| 1945-S | 181,770,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $10–20 |
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
- Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc), reportedly made partly from recycled shell casings, 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
There are no widely collected varieties for 1945 pennies. Condition and mint mark are what set the value.
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1945-D | For circulation | 266,268,000 |
| 1945 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 1,040,515,000 |
| 1945-S | For circulation | 181,770,000 |
Questions
Is a 1945 penny silver?
No. 1945 pennies are made of brass (95% copper, 5% zinc), reportedly made partly from recycled shell casings.
Which 1945 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1945 (no mint mark) is worth the most, about $15–30 in MS65.
Where is the mint mark on a 1945 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 1945 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1945: 1945 half dollar, 1945 nickel.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.