Do You Have One of These 13 Valuable Wheat Pennies?

Do You Have One of These 13 Valuable Wheat Pennies? – The humble wheat penny, officially known as the Lincoln Wheat Cent, is one of the most iconic coins in American history.

Minted from 1909 to 1958, these coins feature a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two ears of wheat flanking the denomination on the reverse. While millions of wheat pennies were produced during their nearly 50-year run, some are far rarer—and more valuable—than others.

For collectors and casual enthusiasts alike, finding a valuable wheat penny can feel like discovering buried treasure. Whether you’re sorting through jars of old coins or examining pocket change, there’s always a chance that one of these hidden gems is waiting to be uncovered.

In this article, we’ll explore 13 wheat pennies that could be worth significantly more than their face value—and perhaps even a small fortune.

1. 1909-S VDB Penny

The 1909-S VDB penny is arguably the most famous wheat penny of all time. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, it features the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) prominently on the reverse. Public outcry over the size and placement of the initials led to their removal after just a few weeks of production.

With a mintage of only 484,000, the 1909-S VDB penny is highly sought after by collectors. Even circulated examples can fetch hundreds of dollars, while pristine specimens in mint state (MS-65 or higher) often exceed $5,000. If you have a 1909 penny with “S” and “VDB,” it’s worth investigating further.

2. 1909-S No VDB Penny

After removing the “VDB” initials, the Mint continued producing 1909 pennies without them. The 1909-S No VDB variety also has a low mintage of 1.8 million coins, making it another key date in the series.

While not as rare as the 1909-S VDB, the No VDB version is still highly desirable. High-grade examples can sell for $1,000 or more, so keep an eye out for this classic rarity.

3. 1914-D Penny

The 1914-D penny is another standout from the early years of the wheat cent series. Struck at the Denver Mint, only 1.1 million of these coins were produced, making them relatively scarce from the start.

Circulated examples are worth around $50–$100, but uncirculated specimens in gem condition can command $5,000 or more. Always check your older pennies for this elusive date.

Also read – These 10 Liberty V Nickels Could Be Worth a Small Fortune

4. 1922 No D Penny

The 1922 no “D” penny is a fascinating anomaly caused by a worn-out die. All 1922 pennies were supposed to bear the “D” mintmark indicating production at the Denver Mint. However, excessive wear on one die resulted in some coins lacking the “D” entirely.

Only a handful of genuine 1922 no “D” pennies exist, and they’re highly sought after. A well-preserved example can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on its condition. Look closely at any 1922 pennies you encounter—they might lack the telltale “D.”

5. 1931-S Penny

The Great Depression led to reduced coin production across the board, and the 1931-S penny is a prime example. With a mintage of only 866,000, it’s one of the lowest-mintage wheat cents ever produced.

While circulated examples are relatively affordable, uncirculated specimens can bring $5,000 or more. This penny is a reminder that even modern-looking coins can hold significant value if they’re rare enough.

6. 1943 Copper Penny

One of the most legendary rarities in U.S. coinage, the 1943 copper penny was struck accidentally during World War II. To conserve copper for the war effort, the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies that year.

However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets, making them incredibly rare.

Only about 40 of these copper pennies are known to exist, and they routinely fetch six-figure sums at auction. In 2022, a 1943 copper penny graded MS-63 by PCGS sold for over $200,000. If you find a 1943 penny that isn’t magnetic (a key indicator it’s not steel), you might have a treasure on your hands.

7. 1944 Steel Penny

In 1944, the Mint resumed using copper for pennies, but a few steel planchets were inadvertently used, creating the rare 1944 steel penny. These coins are easily identified by their silver-gray color and magnetic properties.

Fewer than 25 examples are believed to exist, and they’re highly prized by collectors. A high-grade 1944 steel penny can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Keep an eye out for any unusually lightweight or silvery 1944 pennies.

8. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny

Perhaps the most celebrated mint error in U.S. coinage history, the 1955 double die obverse penny features dramatic doubling of Lincoln’s portrait and the inscriptions on the obverse. This error occurred when the die shifted slightly during the hubbing process, creating a ghostly overlay effect.

Fewer than 20,000 of these error coins escaped the mint, and they’ve become legendary among collectors. High-grade examples regularly sell for $20,000 or more. Keep an eye out for doubled lettering and distorted features—it could mean big bucks.

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9. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny

Following the fame of the 1955 double die penny, the 1969-S doubled die obverse penny emerged as another major error. Like its predecessor, this coin shows clear doubling of the date, motto, and other obverse elements.

Even rarer than the 1955 version, fewer than 1,000 of these coins are believed to exist. High-grade examples have sold for over $100,000 at auction. If you spot a 1969-S penny with unusual doubling, consider getting it professionally authenticated.

10. 1914-S Penny

Struck at the San Francisco Mint, the 1914-S penny had a mintage of just 1.2 million coins, making it one of the scarcer dates in the series. Its low survival rate in high grades adds to its allure.

A pristine 1914-S penny can easily surpass $1,000, with top-tier examples reaching $5,000 or more. If you inherit old coins or come across vintage collections, keep an eye out for this classic rarity.

11. 1926-S Penny

The 1926-S penny is another semi-key date with a mintage of only 970,000 coins. Like many low-mintage wheat cents, it’s challenging to find in high grades.

Uncirculated examples can sell for $1,000 or more, making this penny a worthwhile addition to any collection. Always inspect your older pennies for this overlooked rarity.

Also read – 9 Ultra-Rare Nickel Errors You Might Have in Your Pocket

12. 1933-D Penny

Produced during the depths of the Great Depression, the 1933-D penny had a mintage of just under 1.8 million coins. While not as scarce as some other dates, it’s still considered a semi-key date due to its low output.

High-grade examples can fetch $1,000 or more, so don’t overlook this Depression-era rarity. Look for strong luster and minimal wear to maximize its value.

13. 1958 Doubled Die Reverse Penny

The 1958 doubled die reverse penny is a lesser-known but intriguing variety. Doubling appears on the inscriptions and design elements on the reverse, including the wheat stalks and “ONE CENT.”

This error is extremely rare, with only a handful of examples known to exist. High-grade specimens can sell for thousands of dollars, making it a must-have for error collectors.

How to Identify Valuable Wheat Pennies

Spotting valuable wheat pennies requires patience, attention to detail, and a bit of knowledge. Here are some tips to help you identify potential treasures:

• Examine Dates and Mintmarks: Pay close attention to the year and any letters under the date (indicating the mint). Certain combinations are inherently rarer.
• Look for Errors: Doubling, missing elements, or unusual shapes can signal a valuable minting mistake.
• Check Condition: Coins in excellent condition are almost always worth more. Avoid cleaning them, as this can damage the surface and reduce value.
• Use Tools: A magnifying glass and a good reference guide can help you spot subtle details.
• Consult Experts: If you suspect you’ve found something special, take it to a professional appraiser or grading service.