1945 Penny Error List with Pictures & Value
The 1945 penny error list includes valuable varieties collectors actively seek from the final year of World War II production. Understanding 1945 penny value requires identifying these errors. This guide covers all major 1945 penny error types with pictures and market values.
1945 Penny Obverse Cud Die Break Error
The 1945 penny obverse cud die break error occurs when a piece of the die breaks away from the rim area, creating a raised blob of featureless metal on the struck coin. These errors result from die fatigue and metal stress during the intensive wartime production schedule when equipment was pushed to maximum capacity. Cuds are particularly sought after by error collectors due to their dramatic appearance and clear evidence of the minting malfunction.
Value Range: $50 to $300+ depending on size and location. Larger cuds covering significant design elements or portions of Lincoln's portrait command the highest premiums.
Identification Tips: Look for a raised, flat blob of metal extending from the coin's rim inward. Unlike die cracks which show as raised lines, cuds appear as solid raised areas with no design detail. The most valuable cuds appear on the obverse and affect lettering or Lincoln's portrait. Examine the rim carefully with magnification to identify where the die piece broke away. The cud should be attached to the rim and show a clean break edge. Minor rim bumps or chips are less valuable than major cuds. Check both sides of the coin as cuds can appear on either the obverse or reverse.
View Cud Die Break Picture
1945 Penny Double Struck Error
The 1945 penny double struck error results from the coin being struck twice by the dies, with the planchet shifting position between strikes. This creates a distinctive doubled appearance where text and design elements show two overlapping impressions. During the intense wartime production in 1945, mechanical malfunctions and rapid striking schedules increased the likelihood of these dramatic striking errors.
Value Range: $100 to $500 depending on the prominence of the double strike and overall condition. Coins showing clear separation between the two strikes command higher values.
Identification Tips: Look for doubled text on LIBERTY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE CENT, and the date 1945. The doubling should appear as complete duplicate impressions rather than simple die doubling. Double struck errors typically show the second strike offset from the first, creating a shadow effect. Examine Lincoln's portrait for doubling of facial features and hair details. Check the wheat ears on the reverse for doubled stalks. The degree of shift between strikes affects value significantly. Coins with partial second strikes visible outside the normal rim area are particularly dramatic. Use magnification to distinguish genuine double strikes from weaker doubled die varieties or machine doubling damage.
View Double Struck Picture
1945 Penny Clipped Planchet Error
The 1945 penny clipped planchet error occurs when the metal planchet is positioned incorrectly during the blanking process, resulting in a coin with a missing curved or straight section along its edge. These errors happen when planchets overlap during cutting from the metal strip, or when a planchet is punched too close to the strip's edge. The high production demands of 1945 occasionally led to quality control oversights that allowed clipped planchets to reach the striking presses.
Value Range: $20 to $200+ depending on clip size and type. Larger clips (15-25% missing) with visible dates command higher premiums. 1945-D clipped planchets can exceed $200.
Identification Tips: Examine the coin's edge for missing curved or straight sections. Curved clips result from overlapping blanks during punching and show a smooth arc. Straight clips occur when the blank is punched at the strip's edge and show a flat edge. The most valuable clips show 10-25% of the coin missing while retaining the full date and mint mark. Check that the clip is present on both obverse and reverse sides uniformly. The rim should be incomplete or absent at the clip location. Verify the design elements blend naturally into the missing area rather than showing signs of post-mint damage. Small clips under 5% typically have minimal collector value.
View Clipped Planchet Picture
1945 Penny Lamination Error
The 1945 penny lamination error occurs when the coin's metal layers separate or peel due to impurities trapped during the planchet preparation phase. The wartime use of recycled copper and rushed production processes in 1945 created ideal conditions for contamination between metal layers. As the coin ages or experiences handling, these weak spots become more pronounced, causing the surface to bubble, flake, or peel away from the underlying metal.
Value Range: $90 to $200 depending on severity and visibility of the lamination. Coins with dramatic peeling or multiple lamination areas command higher values.
Identification Tips: Look for raised bubbles, surface peeling lines, or flaky weak spots on the coin's surface. The lamination typically appears as areas where the metal is lifting or separating into layers. Examine the coin at an angle under good lighting to see raised areas that may indicate subsurface separation. The obverse side typically shows lamination more clearly than the reverse. Check for cracks or splits in the surface that reveal underlying metal layers of different color or texture. Gently examine edges for signs of layer separation, but never attempt to peel or force the lamination. Distinguished genuine lamination errors from post-mint corrosion or environmental damage requires careful examination. The lamination should appear consistent with manufacturing defects rather than localized damage.
View Lamination Error Picture
1945 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
The 1945 penny off-center strike error results from misalignment between the planchet and dies during striking, causing the design to be struck away from the coin's center. A portion of the design extends beyond the planchet edge while part of the blank remains visible. These errors became more common during 1945's intensive wartime production schedules when feeding mechanisms occasionally malfunctioned under constant high-speed operation.
Value Range: $25 to $300+ depending on the percentage off-center and date visibility. Strikes showing 10-50% displacement with visible dates are most valuable. 1945-S off-center strikes command premium prices.
Identification Tips: Measure the percentage of design missing to determine the off-center strike severity. The most desirable examples show 10-50% off-center displacement. Check that the date 1945 is visible, as this significantly increases value. Look for a crescent-shaped blank area on one side opposite the design. The off-center striking should be evident on both obverse and reverse aligned the same way. Verify that part of the design extends to or beyond the coin's edge. The blank area should show natural planchet texture rather than signs of post-mint alteration. Extremely off-center strikes (over 50%) where the date is missing have lower collector appeal unless dramatically off-center (75%+). Examine the rim to confirm it formed only where the collar was present during striking.
View Off-Center Strike Picture
1945 Penny Broadstrike Error
The 1945 penny broadstrike error occurs when the coin is struck without the retaining collar in place, allowing the metal to spread beyond its normal diameter. Without the collar to contain the metal flow during striking, the planchet expands outward under the tremendous pressure of the dies, resulting in a coin with greater diameter than standard and lacking the normal raised rim. These errors demonstrate the critical role the collar plays in proper coin formation.
Value Range: $50 to $200 depending on how much wider than normal diameter and overall condition. More dramatic broadstrikes command higher premiums.
Identification Tips: Measure the coin's diameter, which should exceed the standard 19.05mm, sometimes reaching 20-21mm or more. The coin will have a plain edge rather than the typical raised rim. Check that the design appears somewhat spread out or flattened compared to normal examples. The lack of a defined rim is the most distinctive feature. Both obverse and reverse should show the broadstrike characteristics equally. The coin may appear slightly thinner than normal due to metal spreading. Look for the design extending closer to the edge than on properly struck examples. Verify that the coin has full detail in the center with the spreading evident at the periphery. Distinguish genuine broadstrikes from coins that have been mechanically flattened after striking.
View Broadstrike Picture
1945 Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error
The 1945 penny repunched mint mark error occurs when the D or S mint mark was punched into the die multiple times in slightly different positions. This hand-punching process, used before automated mint mark application, sometimes required multiple attempts to achieve proper depth or position. The result is a visible doubling or spreading of the mint mark showing traces of the earlier punch impressions around the final mark.
Value Range: $25 to $150 depending on the prominence of repunching and overall grade. Clear, dramatic repunching visible to the naked eye commands higher prices.
Identification Tips: Examine the mint mark below the date with at least 10x magnification. Look for doubling, tripling, or spreading of the D or S mint mark. Traces of earlier punch impressions may appear as shadows, extra serifs, or thickened portions of the letter. The repunching is most commonly found on 1945-D and 1945-S varieties. Check for tilted or offset secondary impressions around the primary mint mark. Some repunched mint marks show the earlier impression clearly separated from the final position. Others show as a general thickening or spreading of the mint mark. Compare to photos of known RPM varieties for your specific year and mint mark. The repunching should be consistent and show the characteristics of the punch tool rather than appearing as simple doubling.
View Repunched Mint Mark Picture
How Much is 1945 Penny Error Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Accurately identifying and valuing 1945 penny errors requires specialized knowledge and proper tools. Two excellent mobile applications help collectors authenticate and appraise their wartime wheat pennies quickly and accurately using advanced technology.
CoinValueChecker
CoinValueChecker is a comprehensive coin identification and valuation app specifically designed for collectors seeking instant expert analysis of their coins. The app uses advanced image recognition technology powered by artificial intelligence to instantly identify coins from photos, providing detailed information about varieties, errors, and current market values based on real-time auction data. CoinValueChecker features an extensive database covering all United States wheat pennies including comprehensive coverage of 1945 Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco varieties with all known error types documented. The app provides real-time auction results and price guides updated continuously from major numismatic markets including Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, and Great Collections. Users can track their collection values over time, receive notifications about significant market changes affecting their coins, and access expert grading tips for accurate condition assessment. The grade estimation tool helps collectors assess coin condition before submitting for professional grading by PCGS or NGC, potentially saving hundreds in grading fees on common coins. CoinValueChecker includes a specialized wrong planchet identifier particularly useful for 1945 pennies struck on foreign planchets. The weight calculator feature helps verify weight variation errors by comparing your coin against standard specifications. CoinValueChecker is ideal for quickly scanning through wheat penny collections to identify potential errors worth investigating further, making it an essential tool for serious error coin hunters.
CoinKnow
CoinKnow offers a different approach emphasizing collector education and community engagement alongside powerful identification features. This app includes detailed step-by-step tutorials covering how to identify specific error types including lamination errors, die breaks, off-center strikes, and doubled dies commonly found on 1945 wheat pennies. CoinKnow features built-in magnification tools that transform your smartphone camera into a powerful jeweler's loupe for examining fine details like repunched mint marks and die cracks. The app includes a comprehensive coin weight calculator with tolerance ranges that helps verify weight variation errors where precise measurement is critical to authentication. Users can connect with an active community of thousands of collectors and expert numismatists to share discoveries, ask questions about questionable attributions, and get second opinions on difficult-to-identify varieties. CoinKnow maintains extensive photo galleries of authenticated error coins serving as reference standards for comparison when examining your own finds. The app provides access to variety attribution resources including links to CONECA, Variety Vista, and other authoritative references for researching specific die varieties. The step-by-step grading guides help users understand the nuanced differences between circulated grades and mint state levels, explaining how contact marks, luster, and color affect value. CoinKnow includes historical context for each year explaining production circumstances that led to specific errors, particularly valuable for understanding 1945 wartime manufacturing conditions. CoinKnow is particularly valuable for collectors who want to develop deep expertise in error coin identification and attribution rather than just getting quick valuations, making it perfect for serious students of numismatics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable 1945 penny error?
The most valuable 1945 penny error is the obverse cud die break error, which can be worth $50 to $300 or more depending on size and location. Double struck errors are also highly valuable, ranging from $100 to $500. Off-center strikes with visible dates can reach $25 to $300. The highest price ever paid for a 1945 wheat penny was $20,400 for an MS67+ RD grade Philadelphia mint coin in pristine condition. For accurate identification and valuation of your 1945 penny errors, download the CoinValueChecker app.
How can I identify a 1945 penny lamination error?
A 1945 penny lamination error appears as surface peeling lines, bubbles, or flaky weak spots on the coin. This occurs when impurities get trapped under the metal during planchet preparation, creating layers that separate over time. Look for areas where the metal appears to be splitting horizontally or shows raised bubbles on the surface. These errors are most visible on the obverse side and can occur before or during striking. The CoinKnow app includes detailed tutorials and image recognition features to help you identify lamination errors on 1945 wheat pennies.
What is a 1945 penny cud die break error worth?
A 1945 penny with an obverse cud die break error can be worth $50 to $300 or more depending on the size and location of the cud. Cuds are raised blobs of metal attached to the rim where a piece of the die broke away. Larger cuds covering significant portions of letters or Lincoln's portrait command higher premiums. Die cracks and smaller die breaks typically range from $10 to $100. For expert grading assistance and current market values, try the CoinValueChecker app which provides instant price estimates.
How much does a 1945 penny with the wrong weight error weigh?
A rare 1945 penny weight variation error weighs 3.2 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams. This 0.09 gram difference represents an approximately 3% weight increase due to manufacturing variations in the metal composition or planchet preparation. These weight variation errors are highly collectible and can command premiums of several dozen to several hundred dollars depending on overall condition and grade. The CoinKnow app features a coin weight calculator to help verify weight variations and other planchet errors.
Are 1945 wheat penny errors common?
While nearly 1.5 billion 1945 wheat pennies were minted across three facilities, significant errors remain relatively rare. The high production volume and equipment strain from wartime manufacturing did create more opportunities for errors compared to peacetime production. Common errors include minor die cracks and weak strikes, while dramatic errors like wrong planchet strikes and major die breaks are extremely scarce. Most circulated 1945 pennies are worth face value to a few dollars unless they exhibit notable errors. Download CoinValueChecker to quickly scan your coins and identify potential errors worth investigating further.
What does a broadstrike error look like on a 1945 penny?
A broadstrike error on a 1945 penny occurs when the coin is struck without a retaining collar, resulting in a coin with a wider diameter than normal and lacking the raised rim. The design appears spread out and the edge is plain rather than having the typical rim definition. The overall diameter exceeds the standard 19.05mm, sometimes reaching 20-21mm or more. These errors are collectible and can reach values up to $200 depending on how dramatic the broadstrike is and the overall condition. The CoinKnow app provides detailed guides on identifying and valuing broadstrike errors.
How do I identify a 1945 penny double struck error?
A 1945 penny double struck error shows doubling of the text or images caused by the coin shifting slightly during the minting process and being struck twice. Look for duplicate outlines on letters in LIBERTY, ONE CENT, or UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The date 1945 may also show doubling. Unlike doubled dies (which are die errors), double strikes are striking errors where the entire design shows a secondary impression. These coins range in value from $100 to $500 depending on the severity of the doubling and overall grade. Use CoinValueChecker to document your coin and connect with expert authenticators.
What mint marks should I look for on 1945 penny errors?
1945 wheat pennies have three varieties: no mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), and S (San Francisco). The mint mark appears below the date on the obverse side. The 1945-S with only 181.7 million minted is the scarcest variety and often commands higher premiums for errors. Philadelphia produced over 1 billion coins while Denver minted around 266 million. Some 1945 pennies also feature repunched mint mark errors where the D or S was struck twice in slightly different positions. The CoinKnow app includes a comprehensive database of mint mark varieties and errors for accurate identification.
Where can I sell my 1945 penny error?
You can sell 1945 penny errors through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack's Bowers, or Great Collections, online marketplaces like eBay, local coin dealers, or coin shows. For valuable errors especially wrong planchet strikes and major die breaks, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before selling to establish authenticity and maximize value. Have your coin authenticated first as wartime production errors can be confused with post-mint damage. The CoinValueChecker app can help you determine current market values and connect you with reputable dealers and auction houses.
What tools do I need to find 1945 penny errors?
Essential tools for finding 1945 penny errors include a jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass with at least 10x magnification, good lighting (preferably LED), a precise digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams for detecting weight variations and wrong planchet errors, and reference materials showing known error varieties. A smartphone with a quality camera helps with documentation and comparison. Cotton gloves prevent fingerprints on valuable finds. The CoinKnow app transforms your smartphone into a powerful coin identification tool with built-in magnification, error databases, weight calculators, and expert community support for authenticating 1945 wheat penny errors.
Summary
The 1945 penny error list encompasses seven major varieties ranging from cud die breaks to repunched mint marks. The most valuable errors include obverse cud die breaks ($50-$300), double struck coins ($100-$500), and off-center strikes ($25-$300). Other collectible errors include clipped planchets ($20-$200), lamination errors ($90-$200), broadstrikes ($50-$200), and repunched mint marks ($25-$150). The record price for any 1945 wheat penny is $20,400 for an MS67+ RD Philadelphia mint coin. With nearly 1.5 billion pennies minted across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities during the final year of World War II, wartime production pressures created opportunities for various minting errors. The 1945-S variety with only 181.7 million minted is the scarcest and often commands premium prices for errors. Proper identification requires magnification, good lighting, and reference materials. Mobile apps like CoinValueChecker and CoinKnow provide valuable assistance with identification, valuation, and authentication. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC significantly increases resale value for premium examples, particularly major die breaks and double strikes. Most circulated 1945 pennies are worth face value to a few dollars, but discovering a genuine error can yield substantial returns, making careful examination of wartime wheat pennies a potentially profitable endeavor for dedicated collectors.
