Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies You Should Know
Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and hide many rare dates and errors. Knowing which wheat pennies are valuable helps you check pocket change and old collections quickly.
This guide lists the top 10 most valuable wheat pennies, why they matter, and how to identify them.
1. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny — The Rarest Error
The 1943 bronze (copper) Lincoln cent was mistakenly struck on bronze planchets instead of the issued steel ones. These coins are extremely rare and can sell for hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars in pristine condition.
How to spot it: look for the regular brown color and copper weight; steel 1943 cents are silver-colored and magnetic.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny — Striking Doubling
The 1955 doubled die obverse shows noticeable doubling on the date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST. High-quality examples command strong prices, from a few thousand dollars for worn pieces to much more for mint-state coins.
How to spot it: examine the date and lettering under magnification for doubled outlines.
3. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny — A Key Date
The 1909-S VDB is a key Lincoln cent. The VDB initials of designer Victor D. Brenner on the reverse make this issue especially collectible. Values vary by condition but start in the thousands for circulated examples.
How to spot it: find the VDB initials at the bottom of the reverse and an S mintmark on the obverse.
4. 1909-S (No VDB) Wheat Penny — Scarce Mint Mark Issue
The 1909-S without VDB is another scarce San Francisco issue and remains valuable in higher grades. Values often exceed those of common dates when well preserved.
How to spot it: S mintmark and no VDB initials on the reverse.
5. 1914-D Wheat Penny — Denver Key Date
The 1914-D is a classic key date for collectors. Low mintage and demand make it costly; properly graded examples sell for high dollar amounts.
How to spot it: D mintmark under the date on the obverse and strong strike details if in better grade.
6. 1922 Plain (No D) Wheat Penny — Major Variety
The 1922 plain (no D) cent—struck without the Denver mintmark—is a major variety. Many 1922 cents show a weak strike; the plain variety in decent grade can be valuable.
How to spot it: look for no mintmark under the date and thicker, sometimes doubled numerals on the date.
7. 1931-S Wheat Penny — Scarcity From San Francisco
The 1931-S has low mintage and is scarce, especially in uncirculated condition. Prices rise quickly with improved grade.
How to spot it: S mintmark and well-defined features when in higher grades.
8. 1944 Steel or 1944 Bronze Wheat Penny — Wrong-Planchet Errors
Most 1944 cents are copper, but a few were struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943, and a small number of 1944 bronze exist from leftover bronze planchets. Both error types are rare and collectible.
How to spot it: color and magnetism test; steel cents attract magnets and look silver-gray.
9. 1916 Doubled Die or Overdate Varieties — Watch for Doubling
Several early Lincoln wheat pennies show doubled die or overdate traits that increase value. The exact premium depends on the rarity and grade of the error.
How to spot it: inspect lettering and date for overlapping numerals or doubled images.
10. Key Proof and High-Grade Wheat Pennies — Condition Matters
Some later dates in exceptional condition or proof issues are surprisingly valuable. A clean MS-65 or higher wheat penny can sell for much more than a worn one from the same year.
How to spot it: sharp devices, full fields, and original luster under magnification.
How to Inspect Wheat Pennies for Value
Use a magnifying glass, good light, and a soft cloth to examine coins. Look for mintmarks, designer initials, doubling, and unusual colors or weights.
Key quick checks:
- Look for mintmarks: S (San Francisco), D (Denver), none = Philadelphia.
- Check for VDB initials on 1909 reverses.
- Test for magnetism to spot 1943 steel cents.
- Use magnification to identify doubled dies and overdates.
The first Lincoln cent was issued in 1909 to mark Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The reverse wheat ears design stayed until 1958, creating many collectible varieties.
A Small Real-World Case Study
Case: A college student found a worn 1955 doubled die wheat penny in change and posted photos online. An experienced collector confirmed it as a genuine doubled die with visible doubling on the date.
The student sold the coin to a local dealer after grading confirmation and received several thousand dollars. The sale highlights how awareness and authentication can turn a small find into significant cash.
Practical Tips When You Find a Suspect Wheat Penny
- Do not clean the coin—cleaning reduces value.
- Document the find with clear photos of both sides under good light.
- Compare to online references and auction results for similar grades.
- Consider professional grading for high-value candidates.
- Use reputable dealers or auction houses when selling rare pieces.
Wheat pennies contain many surprising values. Regularly checking old jars, rolls, and loose change can uncover key dates or errors that are worth far more than face value.
Follow the identification tips here, get good photos, and when in doubt, ask a knowledgeable dealer or submit the coin for professional grading.
