Wheat pennies are coins that were minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958, featuring an image of Abraham Lincoln. While most Wheat pennies are not worth much, some rare varieties can fetch high prices at auction.
These rare pennies, especially those with unique errors or low production numbers, are highly sought after by coin collectors. Below are seven of the most valuable and rare Wheat pennies that could bring big returns if found or purchased.
1. 1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous and valuable Wheat pennies. It was the first year for the Lincoln cent and includes the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse side. Only 484,000 of these pennies were made, making them very rare. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth between $700 to $2,000 or even more.
2. 1914-D Penny
The 1914-D penny is another rare coin. It was minted in Denver with a limited production of just 1.2 million pennies. Because of its scarcity, especially in good condition, collectors are willing to pay a lot for this penny, with prices ranging from $200 to $5,000.
3. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Wheat penny is unique because it lacks the “D” mint mark that usually appears on Denver-minted coins. This error happened because of a problem with the coin press during production. Due to its rarity, this penny can sell for between $500 and $10,000, depending on its condition.
4. 1931-S Penny
With only 866,000 pennies made in 1931, the 1931-S penny is another rare Wheat penny. While it may not be as famous as other rare coins, it is still highly valuable to collectors, and in good condition, it can be worth anywhere from $50 to $2,000.
5. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper penny is one of the most famous error coins. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel, but a few copper blanks were mistakenly used instead. These pennies are incredibly rare and can sell for over $100,000 if in good condition.
6. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse penny is known for its error, where the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled. This mistake makes the coin unique and valuable. In perfect condition, it can be worth between $1,000 to $15,000.
7. 1944 Steel Penny
The 1944 Steel penny was another mistake coin, made when leftover steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally struck in 1944. Because of its rarity, it can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000 depending on its condition.
Summary Table of Rare Wheat Pennies
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Location | Key Feature/Error | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | San Francisco | Initials on Reverse | 700 – 2,000 |
| 1914-D | 1914 | Denver | Low Mintage | 200 – 5,000 |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | Denver | Missing Mint Mark | 500 – 10,000 |
| 1931-S | 1931 | San Francisco | Low Mintage | 50 – 2,000 |
| 1943 Copper | 1943 | Philadelphia | Copper Instead of Steel | 10,000 – 100,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | 1955 | Philadelphia | Double Die Obverse | 1,000 – 15,000 |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 | Philadelphia | Steel Composition | 10,000 – 75,000 |
These rare Wheat pennies are not just valuable; they are part of U.S. history. Whether you inherit them, find them in circulation, or purchase them, they have the potential to bring significant returns at auction. Their uniqueness and rarity make them treasured by collectors and highly desired in the numismatic community.
What makes a Wheat penny valuable?
Wheat pennies are valuable if they are rare, have unique errors, or were minted in limited quantities.
How can I tell if my penny is worth money?
Check the year, mint mark, and condition of the penny. Rare years and mint marks, especially those with errors, are worth more.
Why are 1943 Copper pennies so valuable?
The 1943 Copper penny is rare because it was a mistake. Pennies were supposed to be made of steel that year, but some were mistakenly struck in copper.
What is a “Double Die Obverse” penny?
A Double Die Obverse penny has a visible doubling of the date and lettering due to a production error, making it more valuable.
How do I find rare Wheat pennies?
Rare Wheat pennies can be found through coin collecting, searching through change, or purchasing from collectors or auctions.
