1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1946 wheat penny worth money? The S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511) can fetch $3,000+. Full error guide: values, diagnostics, auction records, and traps — updated January 2026.
Most 1946 Lincoln Wheat cents are worth $0.05–$0.30 circulated, but the rare 1946-S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511) can sell for $3,000+ — and a wrong-planchet error once fetched $14,950.
- 🔑 S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511): Look for a "D" curve under the "S" mintmark — worth $50–$3,200+
- 🔑 Wrong Planchet (Dime): Silver-colored coin weighing ~2.5g — worth $2,000–$15,000
- 🔑 Inverted Mintmark (FS-501): Upside-down Ball Serif "S" — worth $30–$300+
⚠️ Biggest trap: Machine Doubling on 1946-S cents is extremely common and adds zero value. A silver-looking penny is almost certainly a plated novelty — weigh it first.
1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01, derived from major auction house results (Heritage, GreatCollections, Legend).
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, color designation (RD/RB/BN), eye appeal, and market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any suspected S/D Over Mintmark, wrong planchet error, or coin grading MS66 RD or higher.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is extremely common on 1946-S cents and is NOT a valuable error variety.
1946 was the final year of Shell Case bronze composition — slightly streaky or uneven color is normal and not indicative of a planchet error.
Any 1946 cent appearing silver or magnetic requires weight verification; most are plated novelties, not genuine mint errors.
Nearly 80 years old and still turning up in old coin jars — the 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent is one of America's most abundant coins. Yet hidden among the 1.5 billion produced are genuine treasures: an S over D mintmark that commands thousands of dollars, planchet errors tied to post-WWII foreign contracts, and a Doubled Die that rewards sharp eyes. Before you set that wheat penny aside, give it a 60-second check. See standard 1946 Lincoln cent values here.
1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent: Key Specs & Mintage
All three 1946 mints produced cents to the same official specifications. Knowing what’s “normal” is your first tool for spotting errors.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc/Tin (“Shell Case” Bronze — recycled WWII munitions casings) |
| Weight | 3.11g (±0.13g tolerance) |
| Diameter | 19.00mm |
| Philadelphia (No MM) | 991,655,000 struck |
| Denver (D) | 315,690,000 struck |
| San Francisco (S) | 198,100,000 struck — lowest mintage of the three |
| Proof Coins | None — Proof production was suspended after 1942 and did not resume until 1950 |
“Shell Case” Bronze Note: 1946 was the final year the U.S. Mint used copper recycled from WWII shell casings. The variable alloy mix often causes uncirculated 1946 cents to display a lighter, yellow-orange color rather than the deep reddish-brown of pre-war Lincoln cents. This is a normal characteristic of the era — not a planchet defect.
1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent obverse. The mintmark (if present) sits just below the date — the most important area to examine.
For full date-by-grade value breakdowns, see our 1946 Lincoln cent value guide.
1946 Lincoln Cent Quick Checks: Do You Have Something Valuable?
Run these three checks in order. You need only a 10x loupe (a small magnifying glass used by jewelers and coin dealers) and a digital scale for the second check. If none match, your coin is most likely a common example.
Check 1: S over D Over Mintmark — 1946-S Coins Only
The mintmark — the small letter directly below the date “1946” — on San Francisco (“S”) cents only. Philadelphia cents have no mintmark; Denver cents show a “D”.
A distinct curved arc of a “D” visible underneath the upper loop of the “S”. The vertical bar of the “D” may also appear as a straight line bridging the top left serif to the bottom loop of the “S”. The primary “S” must be the Sans Serif style (no decorative ball-shaped tips).
A standard “S” with die chips, erosion, or flat shelf-like Machine Doubling that mimics a secondary shape. The diagnostic curve must follow the geometric arc of a “D” punch — random lumps do not qualify. Tool: 10x Loupe.
Check 2: Wrong Planchet — Any Mint
The overall color and weight of the coin. A planchet is the blank metal disc before it is struck into a coin. Sometimes a blank intended for a different coin accidentally entered the press.
Silver color: Weigh the coin — a genuine dime planchet error weighs ~2.5g (vs. the standard 3.11g). Brass/golden color: Non-standard weight may indicate a foreign planchet (e.g., Cuban 1 Centavo) from post-WWII U.S. Mint foreign coinage contracts.
A penny plated with zinc or mercury in a science experiment or novelty item. Plated coins weigh the standard ~3.11g or slightly more. Tool: Digital Scale (0.01g accuracy) + Magnet.
Check 3: Machine Doubling — The Common Trap (NOT Valuable)
The date “1946” and the letters of “LIBERTY” on the front of the coin.
Doubling that appears flat and shelf-like — a step cut into the side of the number or letter. The primary device looks narrower, as if the side was shaved off.
A True Doubled Die (hub doubling) shows rounded, raised doubling that makes letters look thicker or wider, often with split serifs or notching at character corners. 1946-S cents are especially prone to Machine Doubling because the San Francisco Mint overused its dies post-WWII. Tool: 10x Loupe, change lighting angle.
1946 Lincoln Cent Error Values: Master Reference Table
All verified varieties and errors for the 1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent, organized by importance. Values as of January 2026.
Top Varieties — Significant Market Value
| Error Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S over D Over Mintmark | FS-511 | S | Scarce | $50–$3,200+ | $3,173 (Legend 2019) |
| Wrong Planchet — Dime | — | Any | Unique | $2,000–$15,000 | $14,950 (Heritage 2006) |
| Wrong Planchet — Cuba 1c | — | P | Very Rare | $1,000+ | Sold (GC 2023) |
| Inverted Mintmark | FS-501 | S | Rare | $30–$300+ | $233 (GC) |
| Doubled Die Obverse | FS-101 | P | Scarce | $25–$250 | — |
All Varieties & Minor Errors
| Error Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDO-002 | DDO-002 | P | Low | Nominal–$50 |
| RPM-001 (S/S North) | RPM-001 | S | Common | $5–$25 |
| RPM-016 (S/S East) | RPM-016 | S | Common | $5–$30 |
| RPM-007 (D/D SW) | RPM-007 | D | Common | $3–$15 |
| Broadstruck | — | Any | Scarce | $10–$50 |
| Off-Center 10–30% (date visible) | — | Any | Scarce | $5–$50 |
| Off-Center 30–60% (date visible) | — | Any | Scarce | $15–$100 |
| Off-Center (no date) | — | Any | Common | $2–$20 |
| Curved Clip (large, >15%) | — | Any | Scarce | $10–$25 |
| Straight Clip | — | Any | Scarce | $15–$30 |
ℹ️ Clipped Planchet Authentication
Genuine clip errors must show the Blakesley Effect — a weak or incomplete rim directly opposite (180°) the clip. A sharp, full rim all around the coin indicates post-mint damage (the coin was cut), not a genuine mint error. Worth face value only if Blakesley Effect is absent.
1946 Lincoln Cent Valuable Errors: Detailed Identification Guides
1946-S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511) — The Key Variety
Left: Normal 1946-S mintmark. Right: FS-511 S/D OMM — the curved arc of the underlying “D” is visible beneath the upper loop of the “S”.
Origin & Background
In the 1940s, mintmarks were hand-punched into individual working dies at the Philadelphia Mint before those dies were shipped to branch facilities. The 1946-S/D exists because one working die was first punched with a “D” (intended for Denver), then re-designated for San Francisco and overpunched with an “S.” The underlying “D” was never fully eliminated, leaving permanent diagnostic evidence in every coin struck by that die. By 2019, top MS66+RD examples exceeded $3,100 in value — a strong appreciation from ~$2,000 in 2014.
How to Identify
- The “D” arc: The primary pickup point — a distinct curved arc matching the geometric shape of the Denver punch, visible inside the upper loop of the dominant “S”.
- The vertical bar: A straight vertical line often connects the top left serif of the “S” to its bottom loop, corresponding to the upright bar of the underlying “D.”
- Punch style: The primary “S” must be Sans Serif (no ball-shaped tips). Wrong punch style = wrong variety.
- Use a 10x–20x loupe with raking light (light aimed at a low angle across the coin surface).
Annotated FS-511: red oval marks the “D” arc inside the upper loop; yellow arrow indicates the vertical bar of the underlying “D.”
False Positives to Avoid
Die chips and erosion create random lumps within the mintmark that can superficially suggest a secondary letter. Machine Doubling can distort the “S” shape with shelf-like impressions. Neither follows the smooth, geometric arc of an actual “D” punch. If the shape within the “S” is irregular or changes with lighting angle, it is not the OMM.
Market Values
- • VF: ~$50–$100 — liquid in collector market
- • EF/AU: ~$150–$400
- • MS64 RD: ~$500–$1,000
- • MS65 RD: ~$1,500–$2,500
- • MS66+ RD: $3,000+
Auction Record
$3,173 for MS66+ (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2019 — PCGS CoinFacts FS-511).
1946-S Inverted Mintmark (FS-501)
Normal Ball Serif “S” (left) vs. FS-501 Inverted Mintmark (right) — note the reversed bulb orientation.
Origin & Background
A mintmark punch is a small steel rod with the letter engraved in relief on its tip. To apply the mintmark, a mint employee pressed this rod into the working die. For the FS-501, the punch was held upside down when struck — resulting in every coin from that die bearing a geometrically reversed “S.”
How to Identify
- Punch style is critical: This variety occurs only on the Ball Serif “S” (the style with small ball-shaped tips at the letter’s ends). Sans Serif mintmarks are not affected.
- On a normal Ball Serif “S,” the upper and lower bulbs have a specific standard orientation. On the inverted variety, the shape appears top-heavy or geometrically reversed — the bulbs point in the wrong direction.
- Compare directly against a known-normal Ball Serif “S” from 1946 under 10x–20x magnification. The difference is subtle and requires side-by-side reference.
False Positives to Avoid
A Sans Serif “S” mintmark with die deterioration or slight tilt can appear to have unusual serif shapes — but the wrong punch style means it cannot be an FS-501. This variety is subtle enough that a knowledgeable buyer or TPG (Third-Party Grader) attribution is typically needed to achieve full market value.
Market Values
- • VF: ~$30–$60
- • EF/AU: ~$75–$150
- • MS (Red-Brown): ~$200–$300+
Auction Record
$233 for RB (GreatCollections).
1946 Doubled Die Obverse — DDO-001 (FS-101)
Normal 1946-P obverse (left) vs. DDO-001 (right) — true hub doubling makes letters appear wider and rounder, not shaved.
Origin & Background
A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is a die manufacturing defect — the master hub was pressed into the working die twice at slightly different angles. Every coin struck by that die carries the doubling permanently. The 1946 DDO-001 (FS-101) is a recognized Philadelphia variety, though it does not approach the dramatic premiums of the famous 1955 or 1969-S DDOs. Value is heavily dependent on the Red (RD) color designation.
How to Identify
- True hub doubling is additive: The doubling is rounded and increases the apparent width of the letters or numerals — they look thicker or wider than normal.
- Look for split serifs (decorative letter tips appear doubled) or notching at the corners of characters in the date and obverse lettering.
- Verify the specific die markers against Variety Vista’s 1946 DDO listings — historical confusion exists around older FS numbering editions.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling is the primary hazard (flat, subtractive shelf rather than rounded additive image). Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD) — fuzzy, mushy doubling on overused dies — is also commonly mistaken for hub doubling. Neither variety carries any collector premium. See the Traps section for the complete differentiation guide.
Market Values
- • Circulated: ~$25–$50
- • MS63–64 RD: ~$75–$150
- • MS65+ RD: ~$150–$250
Auction Record
No confirmed major single-lot auction record in current data. Pricing reflects general variety market activity for the grade range.
1946 Lincoln Cent on Silver Dime Planchet
Scale comparison: dime-planchet error (~2.5g, silver-colored) vs. normal 1946 cent (3.11g, copper). Weight is the definitive test.
Origin & Background
A planchet is the pre-cut blank disc of metal fed into the coining press. Occasionally, planchets intended for a different denomination entered the press accidentally. A 1946 Lincoln Cent struck on a silver Roosevelt dime planchet (90% silver, intended for the 10¢ coin) appears silver-colored, weighs significantly less, and may show broadstruck or truncated details.
How to Identify
- Weight is definitive: A genuine dime planchet error weighs approximately 2.5 grams. A normal 1946 cent weighs 3.11g. A plated novelty weighs 3.11g or slightly more.
- Color: The coin appears silver or white, not copper or bronze.
- Magnet test: Genuine silver will not attract a magnet, ruling out steel-plated fakes.
- The coin may appear broadstruck (design spread beyond normal diameter) if the smaller planchet did not fill the collar properly.
False Positives to Avoid
Science-experiment plated pennies (zinc or mercury plating) look silver but weigh the standard ~3.11g. Commercial novelty silver-plated coins are very common. Always weigh before drawing any conclusions.
Market Values
- • Any grade: $2,000–$15,000 — value driven by authentication and visual impact
Auction Record
$14,950 (Heritage Auctions, 2006).
1946 Lincoln Cent on Foreign Planchet (Cuba 1 Centavo)
Normal Shell Case bronze cent (left) vs. a 1946 cent struck on a Cuban 1 Centavo brass planchet (right), showing the distinctive golden color difference.
Origin & Background
After World War II, the U.S. Mint was contracted to produce coinage for foreign nations whose mints had been destroyed or incapacitated — including Cuba and the Philippines. The same industrial tote bins and hoppers used to transport Lincoln Cent planchets were used for these foreign coin runs. If a bin was not thoroughly cleaned, a few Cuban 1 Centavo blanks could remain lodged in corners. When the bin was later filled with Lincoln Cent planchets, those foreign blanks would dislodge and eventually be fed into the cent press.
These errors are historical artifacts of U.S. post-war reconstruction — not merely manufacturing mistakes.
How to Identify
- Color: Cuban 1 Centavo planchets are brass (higher zinc content), giving the coin a noticeably golden or yellow tone compared to the orange-red of standard Shell Case bronze.
- Weight: Will deviate from the standard 3.11g — compare against the known specification of the specific foreign planchet.
- Professional authentication is mandatory. The subtle color difference from normal Shell Case bronze requires expert comparison. Do not rely on visual inspection alone.
False Positives to Avoid
Standard 1946 Shell Case bronze cents already run lighter and more yellow-orange than pre-war cents due to the recycled munitions alloy. Streaky or uneven color on a 1946 cent is normal and does NOT indicate a planchet error. Environmental toning can also produce golden hues. Weight verification plus professional attribution is required before any conclusions.
Market Values
- • MS62 (NGC): $1,000+
Auction Record
Sold at GreatCollections (2023).
1946 Lincoln Cent Traps: Common Misidentifications to Avoid
These are the scenarios that lead collectors to waste grading fees or overpay. Know them before spending anything.
Machine Doubling (left) is flat and worthless. True Hub Doubling (right) is rounded and valuable. Know the difference before submitting anything for grading.
⚠️ Trap 1: Machine Doubling — Especially Common on 1946-S
The date “1946” or letters of “LIBERTY” appear to have a second, shifted image alongside the primary. It looks like something interesting at first glance.
The San Francisco Mint ran dies well past their optimal lifespan post-WWII due to budget constraints. A loose die bouncing on impact shears the struck coin’s metal, leaving a flat secondary impression. This occurs during striking, not during die manufacturing — it is not a variety.
- The secondary image is a flat shelf or step — as if the side of the letter was shaved away (subtractive).
- The primary device looks narrower than on a normal coin.
- True hub doubling makes letters look thicker and wider with rounded, overlapping impressions (additive).
- Changing your lighting angle causes Machine Doubling to change appearance; genuine varieties remain consistent.
Value: Face value only. Do not submit for grading.
⚠️ Trap 2: “Silver” 1946 Penny — Almost Always Plated
A 1946 penny with a bright silver or chrome appearance — possibly exciting given the genuine dime-planchet errors that do exist.
High school chemistry experiments and commercial novelty items involve zinc or mercury plating of copper coins. The copper core remains; only a thin metallic coating covers it.
- Weigh the coin. A plated penny weighs ~3.11g or slightly more (the added coating adds weight).
- A genuine dime-planchet error weighs approximately 2.5 grams.
- If the weight checks out at ~2.5g, seek immediate professional authentication — a genuine example is worth $2,000–$15,000.
Value (plated novelty): Face value only.
⚠️ Trap 3: “1946 Steel Penny” Rumor
A grayish 1946 penny that looks like steel and/or sticks to a magnet. The famous 1943 steel cent and the rare 1944 Steel Cent make this scenario seem plausible.
Most are standard copper cents plated with zinc or chrome. Confirmed 1946 steel cents are virtually non-existent and heavily disputed among experts. Approach all such claims with extreme skepticism.
- Use a magnet as the first screen. Most plated cents stick to magnets.
- Shell Case bronze from 1946 can appear gray or silvery when heavily worn or chemically stripped — this is post-mint damage, not a steel planchet.
- If the coin genuinely seems magnetic and unaltered, professional PCGS/NGC authentication is required — but do not assume value without it.
Value: Face value for plated fakes. Genuine 1946 steel cents (if confirmed) would require expert authentication before any value claim.
⚠️ Trap 4: Normal Shell Case Bronze Color Variation
An uncirculated 1946 cent with streaky, uneven, or lighter yellow-orange toning — different from the deep reddish-brown of 1930s Lincoln cents.
1946 was the final year of Shell Case bronze production. Recycled WWII munitions brass contained variable zinc and tin ratios, causing uneven annealing and color across individual coins. This is a known characteristic of the era.
- Color variation alone is NOT evidence of a foreign planchet error on 1946 cents.
- Only a significant weight deviation from 3.11g (±0.13g), combined with a distinctly different alloy appearance, warrants further investigation.
Value: Standard baseline — no error premium for color variation alone.
1946 Lincoln Cent Grading: How Condition & Color Affect Value
For 1946 Lincoln cents, grade and color designation are the two most important value factors — especially in uncirculated condition.
Circulated example (left, worn high points) vs. MS65 Red (right, full mint luster). Grade dramatically affects error coin premiums.
Color Designations (Critical for Premium)
- Red (RD): At least 95% of original mint-red luster retained. Highest premium. Note: Shell Case bronze on 1946 cents often presents more yellow-orange than pre-war cents — this is normal and still qualifies as RD if the threshold is met.
- Red-Brown (RB): 5%–94% original red luster. Moderate premium.
- Brown (BN): Less than 5% red luster. Minimal premium over circulated examples.
Key Grade Thresholds
- MS66 RD: The major value jump for all three mints. Population is relatively low compared to total mintage; prices jump significantly at this level.
- MS67 RD: Superb Gem — commands substantial premiums. Very few confirmed examples exist.
- Check for wear on Lincoln’s cheekbone and jawline — the highest-relief points that show wear first in circulation.
💡 Grading Strategy
For the 1946-S/D OMM (FS-511), grading fees (~$30–$50 per coin) are justified at XF or better. The variety designation on the slab is required to achieve full market value. For minor RPMs in circulated grades (market value $3–$30), fees far exceed potential return — do not submit.
1946 Lincoln Cent Authentication: When to Get It Certified
Third-Party Grading (TPG) means sending your coin to a professional service like PCGS or NGC, which authenticates and grades it, then seals it in a tamper-evident plastic holder (a “slab”). For certain 1946 cents, this is essential. For others, it is a money-losing exercise.
Submit for Grading ✅
- Any verified 1946-S/D OMM (FS-511) in XF or better. The variety must be designated on the label to achieve full market value.
- Any verified Wrong Planchet error — dime or foreign planchet. Authentication is mandatory; these cannot be effectively marketed without encapsulation.
- Any coin grading MS66 RD or higher from any mint. The population at this level is low enough that top-tier examples command significant premiums.
Do Not Submit ❌
- Coins showing Machine Doubling only — they grade as normal coins. Grading fees are a total loss.
- Minor RPMs (RPM-007, RPM-001, etc.) in circulated grades — market value ($3–$30) does not support encapsulation cost.
- Common circulated 1946-P or 1946-D cents with no errors — despite being ~80 years old, mintage was massive and common examples are not worth submitting.
⚠️ Do Not Clean Your Coins
Cleaning permanently destroys numismatic value. Even light wiping leaves microscopic hairlines visible under magnification. A 1946-S/D OMM in original circulated condition is worth far more than the same coin cleaned. Never polish, wipe, wash, or chemically dip a coin before professional assessment.
Required Tools for Home Evaluation
- 10x–20x Loupe: Essential for mintmark variety identification. The difference between an OMM and a common die chip is often less than a millimeter.
- Digital Scale (0.01g accuracy): Mandatory for filtering wrong-planchet candidates. Visual inspection alone is insufficient.
- Magnet: Rules out steel-plated novelties and steel planchet claims.
For dealer referrals and professional authentication services, consult the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) member directory at pngdealers.org.
1946 Lincoln Cent Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1946 wheat penny worth?
Most circulated 1946 cents are worth $0.05–$0.30 depending on mint. Uncirculated examples range from $5–$25 depending on mint and color. The 1946-S has the lowest mintage of the three mints and carries a modest premium over Philadelphia and Denver issues. Significant error varieties can be worth $30 to $15,000+.
What is the most valuable 1946 penny?
The highest auction price for a 1946 Lincoln cent error is $14,950 for a coin struck on a silver dime planchet (Heritage Auctions, 2006). The most valuable variety is the 1946-S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511), with top MS66+ examples selling for over $3,173 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2019).
How do I tell Machine Doubling from a real Doubled Die?
Machine Doubling (worthless) is subtractive — the secondary image is a flat shelf, as if the side of the letter was shaved off. The letter appears narrower. True Hub Doubling (valuable) is additive — the letter looks thicker or wider, with a rounded raised secondary impression. Split serifs (the decorative letter tips appear doubled) and notching at character corners are additional hallmarks of hub doubling. When in doubt, change your lighting angle: Machine Doubling will shift appearance while true varieties remain consistent.
My 1946 penny looks silver — is it valuable?
Almost certainly not — roughly 99.9% of silver-looking 1946 pennies are novelty items or chemistry experiments (zinc- or mercury-plated copper). To check: weigh the coin. A plated penny weighs approximately 3.11g or slightly more. A genuine Lincoln Cent struck on a silver dime planchet weighs approximately 2.5 grams. If the weight is ~2.5g and the coin is not magnetic, seek professional authentication immediately — a genuine example is worth $2,000–$15,000.
Did the U.S. Mint make 1946 steel pennies?
Steel cents were produced in 1943 as a wartime measure, and a tiny number of steel cents accidentally struck in 1944 are verified rarities. Confirmed 1946 steel cents are virtually non-existent and heavily disputed. Most “steel” 1946 pennies are copper coins plated with zinc or chrome. Use a magnet as your first screen, but approach any claim of a 1946 steel cent with extreme skepticism — professional PCGS or NGC authentication is required before any value conclusions.
What does “Shell Case” bronze mean for 1946 pennies?
From 1944–1946, the U.S. Mint produced cents from copper recycled from WWII shell casings (spent ammunition brass from battlefields and training ranges). While officially 95% copper, the recycled alloy contained variable zinc and tin ratios. This causes some 1946 uncirculated cents to show a lighter, streaky yellow-orange color rather than the deep red of pre-war cents. This is entirely normal — it is a characteristic of the era and does not indicate a planchet error or add a significant premium on its own.
Are there 1946 proof Lincoln cents?
No. The U.S. Mint suspended Proof coin production after 1942 due to wartime manufacturing demands. Proof production did not resume until 1950. Any coin marketed as a “1946 Proof” penny is either a misidentified high-luster business strike or an altered/polished coin. There is no proof premium for any 1946 cent.
Should I get my 1946-S penny graded?
Only if it meets one of these thresholds: (1) You have confirmed the S/D Over Mintmark (FS-511) and the coin grades XF or better; (2) The coin appears to be a wrong-planchet error after weighing; (3) The coin grades MS66 RD or higher. For all other 1946-S cents — including those with Machine Doubling or minor RPMs — grading fees exceed the coin’s premium value.
Methodology & Sources
All values, diagnostics, and auction records in this guide are sourced exclusively from the following primary references, current through January 2026. No eBay prices or blog estimates were used.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946-S/D OMM FS-511 (PCGS #37843)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946-P Lincoln Cent (PCGS #2743)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1946-D Lincoln Cent (PCGS #2746)
- GreatCollections — 1946 Lincoln Cent on Cuba 1c Planchet (NGC MS-62)
- GreatCollections — 1946-S Inverted Mintmark FS-501 RB
- Variety Vista — 1946 Lincoln Cent Doubled Dies (DDO)
- Lincoln Cent Resource — 1946 Over Mintmark
- Lincoln Cent Resource — 1946-S Inverted Mintmark
- NGC — Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling (Educational Reference)
Auction data sourced from Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, and Legend Rare Coin Auctions (2006–2025). Values as of January 2026.
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
