Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, hold a special place in American numismatics. Their iconic design featuring two wheat stalks on the reverse and the historical significance of the Lincoln portrait make them a favorite among collectors. Over the years, certain wheat pennies have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity, condition, and historical appeal. Here’s a list of the top 10 most valuable wheat pennies in 2025 that every collector should know about.
Table of Contents
- 1 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
- 2 1914-D Lincoln Cent
- 3 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
- 4 1931-S Lincoln Cent
- 5 1943 Bronze (Copper) Wheat Penny
- 6 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- 7 1909-S Lincoln Cent (Without V.D.B.)
- 8 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- 9 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- 10 1924-D Lincoln Cent
- 11 Table – 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
- 12 FAQs
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: This was the first Lincoln cent, designed by Victor David Brenner, with his initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse. Public criticism led to the removal of these initials, making this version highly sought after.
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- Mintage: Only 484,000 coins.
- Value: In excellent condition, it can fetch upwards of $2,500.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage at the Denver Mint and its importance in completing a Lincoln cent collection make this coin a treasure.
- Mintage: Only 1.1 million coins.
- Value: High-grade specimens can sell for over $4,000.
1922 No D Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: A minting error at the Denver Mint caused some pennies to be struck without the “D” mint mark.
- Rarity: This error makes it one of the most famous and valuable wheat pennies.
- Value: Coins in good condition can sell for $1,000 or more, with pristine examples exceeding $20,000.
1931-S Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: Struck during the Great Depression, its low mintage and survival in good condition make it a rarity.
- Mintage: Only 866,000 coins.
- Value: High-grade examples can fetch $200–$1,200.
1943 Bronze (Copper) Wheat Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: During World War II, most 1943 pennies were struck in steel to conserve copper for the war effort. A small number were accidentally struck in bronze.
- Rarity: Fewer than 20 known to exist.
- Value: One sold for over $1.7 million at auction.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to copper pennies, but a few were mistakenly struck using leftover steel planchets from 1943.
- Rarity: Extremely rare, with only a few examples known.
- Value: High-grade specimens can sell for $75,000 or more.
1909-S Lincoln Cent (Without V.D.B.)
- Why It’s Valuable: While it lacks the “V.D.B.” initials, its low mintage still makes it desirable.
- Mintage: 1.8 million coins.
- Value: Can sell for $100–$500, with high-grade examples fetching much more.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: A famous minting error where the date and lettering appear doubled.
- Rarity: Popular among collectors for its striking appearance.
- Value: Prices range from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on condition.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Another striking error where the doubling is clearly visible on the obverse.
- Rarity: While not as rare as the 1955 doubled die, it remains highly collectible.
- Value: Coins in good condition sell for $1,000–$10,000.
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1924-D Lincoln Cent
- Why It’s Valuable: Poor striking quality and low mintage make it challenging to find in excellent condition.
- Mintage: 2.5 million coins.
- Value: In high grades, it can command prices of $1,000 or more.
Table – 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent | San Francisco | $2,500+ | First Lincoln cent; initials “V.D.B.” on reverse; only 484,000 minted. |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | Denver | $4,000+ | Low mintage; key coin for completing Lincoln cent collections. |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | Denver | $1,000–$20,000+ | Minting error with missing “D” mint mark. |
| 1931-S Lincoln Cent | San Francisco | $200–$1,200 | Low mintage during the Great Depression; only 866,000 minted. |
| 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny | Philadelphia | $1.7 million+ | Struck on bronze instead of steel during WWII; fewer than 20 known. |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | Various Mints | $75,000+ | Struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943; extremely rare. |
| 1909-S Lincoln Cent | San Francisco | $100–$500+ | Lacks “V.D.B.” initials but still rare with 1.8 million minted. |
| 1955 Doubled Die Cent | Philadelphia | $1,500–$15,000 | Minting error with strikingly doubled date and lettering. |
| 1917 Doubled Die Penny | Philadelphia | $1,000–$10,000 | Obvious doubling on the obverse, a popular error coin. |
| 1924-D Lincoln Cent | Denver | $1,000+ | Poor striking quality and low mintage of 2.5 million; scarce in good condition. |
FAQs
What is the most valuable wheat penny?
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, with one selling for over $1.7 million.
Why are wheat pennies so valuable?
Their rarity, minting errors, and historical significance make them highly collectible.
How can I identify a 1955 Doubled Die penny?
Look for doubled lettering and numbers, particularly on the date and “LIBERTY.”
What’s the rarest wheat penny from the 1909 series?
The 1909-S V.D.B. penny, with only 484,000 minted.
How should I store valuable wheat pennies?
Use coin holders or airtight cases and store them in a cool, dry environment.
