15 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies, Ranked

Wheat pennies, also known as Lincoln Wheat Cents, are among the most iconic coins in U.S. history. First minted in 1909, these pennies feature the portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. Some of these coins are worth far more than one cent, especially if they’re rare or in excellent condition. Let’s take a look at the 15 most valuable wheat pennies that every coin collector should know about.

What Are Wheat Pennies?

Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and are famous for the simple yet elegant wheat stalk design on the reverse side. While most wheat pennies are only worth a few cents more than their face value, there are certain years, mintmarks, and errors that make some wheat pennies highly valuable. The condition of the coin also plays a huge role in determining its value.

How to Determine the Value of a Wheat Penny

Before we dive into the list of valuable wheat pennies, it’s important to know how to identify whether a wheat penny has significant value. Here are some factors that can increase a penny’s value:

• Mintmark: Pennies minted in certain locations (e.g., Denver, San Francisco) can be worth more.
• Condition: Coins in mint or uncirculated condition are more valuable.
• Rarity: Some pennies were produced in very limited quantities, making them rare.
• Errors: Mistakes made during minting, such as double dies or off-center strikes, can greatly increase a coin’s value.

Top 15 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies

Here’s a breakdown of the 15 most valuable wheat pennies:

1. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $1.7 million
• Key Feature: A rare bronze coin mistakenly struck when the U.S. was supposed to be using steel for pennies.

2. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $750,000
• Key Feature: The initials “VDB” of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, appear on the reverse side, making it highly sought after.

3. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $500,000
• Key Feature: Only a few steel pennies were minted by mistake after 1943, making this coin extremely rare.

4. 1914-D Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $150,000
• Key Feature: Minted in Denver, this is one of the rarest wheat pennies due to its low mintage.

5. 1922 No D Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $100,000
• Key Feature: A minting error led to the omission of the “D” mintmark on this rare coin.

6. 1955 Double Die Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $50,000
• Key Feature: A double die error causes the text to appear twice, making this a favorite among collectors.

7. 1917 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $35,000
• Key Feature: Another double die error, but this one occurred on the front of the coin.

8. 1931-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $25,000
• Key Feature: Low mintage in San Francisco, making this penny rare and valuable.

9. 1916-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $15,000
• Key Feature: A rare coin from the San Francisco mint, valuable due to its condition and limited quantity.

10. 1943 Steel Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $10,000
• Key Feature: While most 1943 pennies were made from steel, coins in perfect condition can be worth a lot.

11. 1924-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $7,500
• Key Feature: Minted in San Francisco, this coin is valuable because of its scarcity and mint condition.

12. 1909-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $5,000
• Key Feature: The first year of the Lincoln cent, this coin is valuable, especially when well-preserved.

13. 1915-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $3,500
• Key Feature: Another rare penny from the San Francisco mint, valuable for its condition and rarity.

14. 1930-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $2,000
• Key Feature: Though not as rare, the 1930-S penny is still valuable in high grades.

15. 1912-S Wheat Penny

• Estimated Value: $1,500
• Key Feature: This penny from the San Francisco mint is one of the oldest valuable wheat pennies.

Tips for Collecting Wheat Pennies

If you’re thinking about starting a wheat penny collection, here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start with common pennies: Begin by collecting the more common wheat pennies before moving on to the rarer ones.
• Check your change: You never know when a valuable wheat penny could show up in your pocket change!
• Look for mint errors: Pennies with minting mistakes, like double dies or missing mintmarks, can be worth a lot more.
• Preserve your coins: Keep your pennies in coin holders or albums to protect them from damage.

Conclusion

Wheat pennies are not just a piece of history but can also be a treasure trove for collectors. The 15 wheat pennies listed here represent some of the rarest and most valuable examples ever minted. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just getting started, keeping an eye out for these coins could lead to discovering something truly valuable.

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