Minted from 1909 through 1958, wheat pennies, or Lincoln Wheat Cents, are extremely popular coins for collectors due to the historical value of the coins contained within them. While wheat pennies have an intrinsic value little more than face value for common issues, there exist some rare versions that can command large sums of money. With such unique striking mistakes, low mintage numbers, or mint state condition frequently coming up on rare coins, collectors find them immensely appealing.
Continue reading in this list of wheat pennies to know which ones to look for as the most valuable.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
There is no debate that the 1909-S VDB penny ranks among the most recognizable as well as the most valuable wheat pennies in existence. It was the first Lincoln cent to carry the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner. The addition of those initials to the reverse, however, sparked a firestorm that eventually ended in their removal shortly after production started. This modification resulted in an extremely low mintage of the 1909-S VDB penny, making the coin scarce and in high demand. Quality specimens would warrant a price anywhere from $700 to $10,000.
1914-D Wheat Penny
Another great gem that can be found among wheat pennies is the 1914-D penny, especially those which are still in immaculate condition. The examples of this coin, which are well kept and have sharp details and its original shine are very few. This currency was minted in small quantities in the Denver Mint. As to the condition of the coin, high-grade specimens of this denomination can range from $200 to $5,500.
1922 No D Wheat Penny
The 1922 No. D penny is a scarce coin since it does not have a mint mark. The pennies minted in Denver, for the most part have a “D” mark, but in 1922, a die error saw that the mint mark was missing on some of the pieces. Because of this error, the 1922 No. D dime is highly collectible and specimens of high quality can sell in between $1,000 and $20,000 in the market.
1931-S Wheat Penny
Another rare coin example is the 1931-S penny because of its limited production. The reason being is that San Francisco produced only a few numbers of these coins. Because they are scarce, they have had a hefty price tag for quite a while. A range of prices exists in mint condition for 1931-S coins.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
World War II- In an effort to decrease the amount of copper used and put it back into the war, the United States Mint began to produce pennies made out of steel rather than copper during World War II. Since some pennies were accidentally minted with copper in 1943, those pennies now become the most valuable and sought-after coins ever minted in the United States. If the copper pennies are well preserved, value can be between $15,000 and $200,000 but flawless examples may sell for much more.
1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
Because a die went out of alignment while minting this coin, the 1955 Doubled Die penny is so well known for its doubling error, in which the date and all inscriptions look twice their size. Due to the striking flaw that happened on this piece, a vast demand exists among collectors for 1955 Doubled Die pennies. As per market trends, a price bracket of $1,200 to $25,000 should be charged for an uncirculated copy of this coin.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Copper-based alloy was again used in producing coins in the year 1944. In contrast, 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is one of the rarest ones because a lot of steel pennies were accidentally made during that specific year. The value of these coins is very much high and when they are in good condition, they can fetch anywhere between 75,000 to 150,000 dollars.
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Location | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | San Francisco | $700 – $10,000 |
| 1914-D | 1914 | Denver | $200 – $5,500 |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | Denver | $1,000 – $20,000 |
| 1931-S | 1931 | San Francisco | $150 – $4,000 |
| 1943 Copper | 1943 | Philadelphia | $15,000 – $200,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | 1955 | Philadelphia | $1,200 – $25,000 |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 | Various | $75,000 – $150,000 |
Why Wheat Pennies Are Collectible
Wheat pennies are also appreciated for being both rare and historically significant. Every rare wheat penny has a story, which can be as simple as the use of the early designs up to flaws and changes in material made during the war. These pennies are coveted by countless collectors who seek valuable treasures that could be inside their collections, or even within the pocket change in a pocket or at the bottom of a wallet. You might just add a rare wheat cent to your collection for which you might find highly satisfying and rewarding, whether you are a casual collector or an experienced numismatist.
FAQs
1. What makes certain wheat pennies so valuable?
Due to their historical significance, minting faults, and scarcity, wheat pennies are valuable. For collectors and investors, rare years or mint marks—particularly those with flaws like double dies—can significantly increase the value of a particular penny.
2. Which are the top 6 most valuable wheat pennies?
Wheat pennies from 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1931-S, 1955 Double Die Obverse, and 1924-D are the most precious. Due to their scarcity, mistakes, and great demand in the numismatic market, these coins are highly valued.
3. What makes the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
Due to dispute, Victor David Brenner’s initials were deleted from the 1909-S VDB cent, making it extremely rare. It is one of the most valuable and sought-after wheat pennies due to its restricted production and historical significance.