Wheat pennies (Lincoln cents made from 1909 to 1958) are easy to find in old change. A few specific dates and varieties are far more valuable than face value. This guide lists the top 9 most valuable wheat pennies and shows how to spot and protect them.
Top 9 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies to Watch For
Below are nine wheat pennies known to command high prices. Each entry explains identification, rarity, and typical value ranges for worn and high-grade examples.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB has the designer initials V.D.B. on the reverse. Mintage was small, making this the quintessential key date for the series.
- Identification: Look for VDB on the lower reverse rim.
- Value: Low-grade coins can be several hundred dollars; mint state pieces reach thousands.
2. 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny (No VDB)
The 1909-S without the VDB initials is also scarce. It is less famous than the VDB version but still highly sought after.
- Identification: No VDB initials; check mintmark S and date style.
- Value: Worn examples fetch hundreds; uncirculated examples are worth significantly more.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-D is a classic key date. Denver’s low mintage and weak strikes make high-grade examples rare.
- Identification: Look for a clear 1914 date with a D mintmark under the date.
- Value: Even worn pieces are desirable; mint state coins can be worth several thousand dollars.
4. 1922 “No D” Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 Denver coin often appears without a visible D mintmark because the mintmark was weakly struck or filled. Higher-grade “No D” examples are scarce and valuable.
- Identification: Check the reverse under the wreath or on the obverse for a faint or missing D.
- Value: Circulated no D pieces can be hundreds; sharp examples reach into the thousands.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1931-S saw a relatively low mintage and is the key date for the 1930s in the series.
- Identification: Look for an S mintmark and the 1931 date.
- Value: Graded coins especially in higher grades carry strong premiums.
6. 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
In 1943 most cents were struck on steel to save copper for the war effort. A few were mistakenly struck on copper planchets; those 1943 copper cents are extremely valuable.
- Identification: Copper color is the key; steel cents are silver-gray. Test lightly with a magnet (copper is non-magnetic).
- Value: Depending on grade, values can range from tens of thousands to over a million in rare high-grade examples.
7. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
Most 1944 cents were struck on copper, but a few were struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943. Those 1944 steel cents are rare and highly collectible.
- Identification: Steel cents are gray and magnetic; copper cents are brown or red and non-magnetic.
- Value: Even circulated steel 1944s can be worth many thousands of dollars.
8. 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1955 doubled die obverse shows doubling most clearly on the date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST. This striking error is a classic for error collectors.
- Identification: Strong doubling on the date and motto on the obverse.
- Value: Extensive demand from collectors means solid prices for even circulated examples.
9. 1916-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1916-D is a lower-mintage Denver issue and is prized by collectors who build date sets.
- Identification: Look for the D mintmark and 1916 date.
- Value: Higher grades can be expensive; circulated coins also carry premiums.
How to Inspect and Protect Valuable Wheat Pennies
Follow these simple steps when you find a potentially valuable wheat penny:
- Handle by the edges and avoid cleaning the coin.
- Use a magnifier or a phone camera to check date, mintmarks, and doubling.
- Check metal with a magnet for 1943 and 1944 steel or copper mismatches.
- Consult a price guide or a reputable dealer for grading and authentication.
Common Questions and Practical Tips
Not every old penny is valuable. Condition, rarity, and authenticity matter most. Even common dates in high grade can be worth more than face value, while damaged key dates may lose value.
Small Real-World Case Study
Example: A casual coin roll hunter found a dull brown 1943 penny in pocket change and nearly tossed it. A magnet test showed non-magnetic metal, and a dealer confirmed it was a 1943 copper. After authentication by a grading service, the owner sold it at auction for a significant six-figure sum.
Next Steps If You Find a Candidate Coin
If you think you have one of these valuable wheat pennies, do the following: stop cleaning it, take high-resolution photos, and get an initial opinion from an experienced dealer. For very valuable types, seek third-party grading and authentication.
Wheat pennies are a rewarding area of collecting. Knowing the top 9 most valuable wheat pennies and how to examine them increases your chances of turning pocket change into notable value.
