Wheat pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, are among the most popular coins collected in the United States. Featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the reverse, these coins may seem common—but some of them are worth thousands. Whether inherited from a relative, found in old jars, or picked up from pocket change decades ago, a few of these coins are now worth a fortune. Here are five of the most valuable Wheat pennies every collector should keep an eye out for.
1. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
This is the holy grail for Wheat penny collectors. The 1909-S VDB was the first Lincoln cent ever produced, with the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, prominently placed on the reverse. Due to controversy over the initials, only 484,000 were minted before the design was changed. If you find one with a clear “S” mintmark and VDB initials, you could be looking at a coin worth anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on condition.
2. 1914-D Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Wheat penny is another key date with serious collector demand. Minted in Denver, only about 1.2 million were made—a small number for that era. High-grade versions of this coin can easily reach $5,000 or more at auction. Even a moderately worn example can fetch hundreds. This coin is often counterfeited, so authentication is key if you think you have one.
3. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted in Denver, but a small number were struck with a worn die that failed to imprint the “D” mintmark. These “No D” varieties are extremely rare and valuable, especially in better condition. They’re considered true mint errors, and collectors pay top dollar—often over $1,000—for authenticated examples.
4. 1931-S Wheat Penny
Although it was minted in the 20th century, the 1931-S Wheat penny had a surprisingly low mintage of just 866,000 coins. It was released during the Great Depression, and many were hoarded. Finding one in uncirculated condition can bring in up to $150 or more, making it a valuable find among later-date Wheat pennies.
5. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
This coin is considered one of the most famous and valuable mint errors in U.S. history. In 1943, the U.S. Mint struck pennies using steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally used. If you find a 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, you might be holding one of these ultra-rare bronze errors—worth $100,000 or more in pristine condition.
Wheat pennies are more than nostalgic coins from the past—they can be small treasures hiding in your collection or even in a forgotten piggy bank. The five listed above are some of the most valuable and sought-after examples in American coin collecting. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it could mean a major payday.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my Wheat penny is valuable?
Check the date, mintmark, and condition. Look for low mintages or error coins.
2. Are Wheat pennies still in circulation?
They’re rarely found today, but it’s not impossible to discover one in old change.
3. Where can I sell a valuable Wheat penny?
Reputable coin dealers, online auctions, and coin shows are great places to start.
4. How should I store valuable Wheat pennies?
Use coin flips, albums, or protective holders to avoid scratches and wear.
5. Do cleaned coins lose value?
Yes. Cleaning a coin can significantly reduce its value—always keep them in original condition.
