Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and are a common find in coin rolls and pocket change. A handful of dates and varieties are rare enough to be worth hundreds, thousands, or even more. This guide helps you identify the top 10 most valuable wheat pennies and explains what to look for when checking coins.
How to Check if a Wheat Penny in Your Pocket Is Valuable
Start by looking at the date and mint mark on the obverse (front) of the coin. Mint marks include D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and no mark for Philadelphia.
Next check for errors, doubled dies, and condition (wear and luster). Higher-grade coins and known error varieties command the best prices.
Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
The list below highlights dates and varieties that collectors actively seek. Each entry includes why it is valuable and basic identification tips.
1. 1909-S VDB
Why valuable: First year of the Lincoln cent and the only 1909 with both San Francisco mint mark and designer Victor D. Brenner initials (VDB) on the reverse.
Identification: Look for VDB under the wreath and an S mint mark. High-grade examples are especially scarce.
2. 1909-S (no VDB)
Why valuable: Many 1909-S coins were restruck without the VDB initials late in 1909. These are rarer in higher grades.
Identification: S mint mark, no VDB initials; condition drives value.
3. 1914-D
Why valuable: Low mintage at Denver makes this date one of the classic key dates for Lincoln cents.
Identification: Look for a clear D mint mark and evaluate wear. Mint state coins bring premium prices.
4. 1922 No D (Plain) on Wheat Cent
Why valuable: Many 1922 pennies were minted in Denver with the D mint mark mostly worn away due to a weak die, producing “no D” varieties that are scarce in high grade.
Identification: If the obverse lacks a visible mint mark but has features consistent with 1922-D planchets, it could be the valuable plain-D variety.
5. 1931-S
Why valuable: Low mintage and high demand among collectors make this San Francisco issue desirable.
Identification: Find the S mint mark and check for minimal wear; nicer examples sell for far more.
6. 1943 Copper Cent
Why valuable: Most 1943 cents were steel (zinc-coated) due to wartime copper conservation. A few copper planchets were mistakenly used and are extremely rare.
Identification: A true 1943 copper cent will look like a regular bronze penny and is magnetic only if steel, so a non-magnetic 1943 needs further testing to confirm copper.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
Why valuable: The 1955 doubled die shows heavy doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse; it’s one of the most famous doubled-die errors for Lincoln cents.
Identification: Look for obvious doubling in the date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST or LIBERTY. Even well-worn examples have value.
8. 1926-S (High Grade)
Why valuable: Not a low-mintage date but high-grade survivors are scarce. Collectors seek mint state examples.
Identification: Check for an S mint mark and strong luster with minimal wear.
9. 1916 Doubled Die (Obverse)
Why valuable: A pronounced doubled die on the obverse of 1916 Lincoln cents can fetch a premium, especially in better grades.
Identification: Study the date and lettering for shadowed or doubled impressions.
10. 1919-S High Grade
Why valuable: The San Francisco strike of 1919 has relatively low high-grade survival, making sharp examples sought after.
Identification: Confirm the S mint mark and look for excellent field and devices with minor wear.
Key Tips for Pocket Checks
- Use good light and a 5x loupe to read dates and mint marks.
- Weigh or do a magnet test on suspicious 1943 cents.
- Compare to online photos of known varieties and doubled dies.
Not all valuable wheat pennies are rare by date alone. Errors, mint state condition, and specific varieties often create value far beyond mintage numbers.
Real-World Example: How a Pocket Find Became $1,200
Case study: A collector found a 1909-S VDB in a jar of mixed change. The coin had light wear but clear details and an S mint mark.
After authentication and grading at a reputable service, the coin sold at auction for about $1,200 because the VDB initials and mint mark were intact. The buyer paid a premium for originality and honest surfaces.
When to Get a Coin Graded
If you find one of the top dates or an obvious error, consider third-party grading to maximize value. Grading confirms authenticity and condition for buyers.
Use a reputable service, photograph the coin, and get a professional opinion before shipping to auction or sale.
Final Checklist Before Selling
- Confirm date and mint mark with a loupe.
- Check for common varieties and doubled dies online and in price guides.
- Consider grading only if the coin looks above average or is a known key date/error.
Wheat pennies can hide real value in everyday pockets and jars. With a loupe, a little knowledge, and a careful eye you can spot the ones that may be worth checking further. Start by memorizing the top 10 dates and varieties above and keep a small reference guide handy when sorting change.
