Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are among the most sought-after coins by collectors. Their charming design, historical significance, and potential high value make them a favorite for numismatists and hobbyists alike. While most wheat pennies are worth just a few cents, some rare and unique varieties can fetch thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here are 15 of the most valuable wheat pennies you should be on the lookout for.
Table of Contents
- 1 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- 2 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- 3 1922 No D Penny
- 4 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- 5 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- 6 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- 7 1909-S Lincoln Penny (Without VDB)
- 8 1931-S Lincoln Penny
- 9 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- 10 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
- 11 1924-D Lincoln Penny
- 12 1912-S Lincoln Penny
- 13 1936 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- 14 1942/1 Overdate Penny
- 15 1958 Doubled Die Penny
- 16 Table – Top 15 High-Value Wheat Pennies
- 17 Conclusion
- 18 FAQs
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: This is the Holy Grail of wheat pennies, as it marks the first year of issue and features the initials of designer Victor David Brenner. Its low mintage of only 484,000 makes it incredibly rare.
- Value: Prices range from $700 to $4,000 or more in mint condition.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: The Denver Mint produced just 1.2 million of these coins, making it one of the scarcest regular-issue wheat pennies.
- Value: A well-preserved example can fetch $200 to $5,000.
Also Read: Top 9 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century That Every Collector Dreams
1922 No D Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Due to a minting error, some 1922 pennies lack the Denver Mint mark (“D”), making them highly desirable.
- Value: High-grade specimens can sell for $1,000 to $20,000.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: The doubling of the date and inscriptions on this penny is one of the most famous mint errors in U.S. coin history.
- Value: Prices range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on condition.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Steel pennies were primarily minted in 1943 due to copper shortages during World War II. A small number of 1944 steel pennies were mistakenly struck, making them extremely rare.
- Value: These coins can fetch upwards of $75,000.
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: A mint error resulted in a few 1943 pennies being struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942.
- Value: These can sell for $100,000 or more at auction.
1909-S Lincoln Penny (Without VDB)
- Why It’s Valuable: While not as rare as the VDB version, the 1909-S penny is still highly collectible due to its low mintage.
- Value: This coin can sell for $100 to $1,500.
1931-S Lincoln Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: With only 866,000 minted during the Great Depression, this penny is a key date for collectors.
- Value: Expect prices from $100 to $2,500, depending on grade.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: This error features a noticeable doubling of the date and “In God We Trust” on the obverse.
- Value: Prices range from $200 to $3,500.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Like the 1943 bronze penny, this error resulted from copper planchets being used instead of steel.
- Value: These rare coins can sell for $100,000 or more.
1924-D Lincoln Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: With only 2.5 million minted, the 1924-D penny is another scarce key date for wheat pennies.
- Value: High-grade examples can bring $100 to $1,500.
1912-S Lincoln Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: Early “S” mint coins often had lower mintages, and the 1912-S is no exception with only 4.4 million produced.
- Value: Prices range from $100 to $1,000, depending on condition.
1936 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: This penny features subtle doubling on the obverse, making it a popular variety among collectors.
- Value: Well-preserved examples can sell for $200 to $2,500.
Also Read: Unveiling 9 Lincoln Memorial Pennies That Every Collector Should Know
1942/1 Overdate Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare overdate error where part of the 1 is visible under the 2 in the date.
- Value: These coins can sell for $300 to $3,000.
1958 Doubled Die Penny
- Why It’s Valuable: This coin is one of the rarest doubled dies, with only a few examples known to exist.
- Value: Prices for this penny have reached $100,000 in auctions.
Table – Top 15 High-Value Wheat Pennies
Coin | Mint/Origin | Unique Feature | Value |
---|---|---|---|
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | San Francisco Mint | First-year issue; designer’s initials (V.D.B.) on reverse; low mintage. | $700–$4,000+ |
1914-D Lincoln Penny | Denver Mint | Low mintage (1.2 million); key date for collectors. | $200–$5,000 |
1922 No D Penny | Denver Mint Error | Missing “D” mintmark due to minting error. | $1,000–$20,000 |
1955 Doubled Die Penny | Philadelphia Mint | Famous doubling error on date and inscriptions. | $1,000–$15,000 |
1944 Steel Wheat Penny | Error Coin | Mistakenly struck in steel instead of copper. | $75,000+ |
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny | Error Coin | Struck on leftover bronze planchets instead of steel. | $100,000+ |
1909-S Lincoln Penny (No VDB) | San Francisco Mint | Early low-mintage issue without VDB initials. | $100–$1,500 |
1931-S Lincoln Penny | San Francisco Mint | Great Depression-era coin; only 866,000 minted. | $100–$2,500 |
1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny | Philadelphia Mint | Obvious doubling on date and “In God We Trust.” | $200–$3,500 |
1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Error Coin | Copper planchet used instead of steel. | $100,000+ |
1924-D Lincoln Penny | Denver Mint | Scarce key date with only 2.5 million minted. | $100–$1,500 |
1912-S Lincoln Penny | San Francisco Mint | Early low-mintage “S” mint coin (4.4 million made). | $100–$1,000 |
1936 Doubled Die Obverse Penny | Philadelphia Mint | Features subtle doubling on obverse. | $200–$2,500 |
1942/1 Overdate Penny | Error Coin | Overdate error where “1” is visible under the “2.” | $300–$3,000 |
1958 Doubled Die Penny | Philadelphia Mint | One of the rarest doubled dies with few examples known. | $100,000+ |
Conclusion
Wheat pennies are more than just coins; they are pieces of history that hold both sentimental and financial value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these 15 high-value wheat pennies are worth seeking out. Who knows? That penny in your pocket change might be worth a fortune! Start your search today and uncover the treasures hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What makes wheat pennies valuable?
Rarity, low mintage, mint errors, and historical significance contribute to their value.
Which wheat penny is the most valuable?
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable, with some selling for over $100,000.
How can I identify rare wheat pennies?
Look for unique mint marks, doubling errors, or key dates like 1909-S VDB and 1955 Doubled Die.
Are wheat pennies still in circulation?
While uncommon, wheat pennies can occasionally be found in pocket change or coin rolls.
Should I get wheat pennies graded?
Yes, grading by PCGS or NGC can authenticate and significantly increase the coin’s value.