Liam O’Connor
About the Author
By day, Liam O’Connor lectures on modern history at a Sydney university. By night, he hunts for U.S. Wheat Pennies—and the stories they have.
It all began with a gifted 1944-D cent. One coin led to a blog, Copper & Grain: Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, now a go-to source for collectors.
“Coins aren’t just money,” he writes. “They’re moments frozen in metal.”
And through Liam’s eyes, even the smallest cent has its value.
Connect with Liam:
Introduction
You may have heard the news: “In 2024, a 1909-S VDB wheat penny sold for $24,150 at auction—discovered in a grandfather’s attic.”
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are still worth just one cent, certain dates, mint marks, and minting errors can be worth 250,000 times their face value—or more. But what year wheat pennies are valuable?
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to look for:
- The key dates and rarities from 1909–1958
- The most valuable error coins and how to spot them
- Are any Wheat pennies valuable?
- How to grade your Wheat Pennies (and why condition matters)
- How to determine value and avoid costly mistakes
Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies to Look for
While many Lincoln Wheat Pennies remain common collectibles, a select few command staggering premiums thanks to minting errors and condition. Here’s a closer look at the list of valuable wheat pennies every collector dreams of finding.
| Rank | Year/Mint | Type/Error | Value Range (typical) |
| 1 | 1909-S VDB | Low mintage key date | $750 – $75,000+ |
| 2 | 1914-D | Key date | $300 – $35,000+ |
| 3 | 1922 No D | Die variety (No mint mark) | $500 – $30,000+ |
| 4 | 1943 Bronze | Wrong planchet (bronze) | $250,000 – $2.3M |
| 5 | 1944 Steel | Wrong planchet (steel) | $30,000 – $400,000 |
| 6 | 1955 DDO | Doubled Die Obverse | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
| 7 | 1909-S | First year S-mint | $150 – $10,000+ |
| 8 | 1931-S | Depression-era low mintage | $150 – $15,000+ |
| 9 | 1926-S | Tough San Francisco date | $100 – $12,000+ |
| 10 | 1943-D/D | Repunched mint mark (RPM) | $250 – $3,000+ |
1909-S VDB
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat penny. Minted at San Francisco in the series’ first year, the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny bears designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (“V.D.B.”) boldly on the reverse. Public controversy over the prominent initials led to their removal early in production—leaving just 484,000 coins in existence.
Collectors love this coin for its dual significance: it launched America’s most famous cent design and remains one of the few low-mintage, first-year coins with such an accessible collecting history.
Value: $750 in low grades up to $75,000+ in pristine MS67RD.
1914-D
Here’s the next from our valuable Wheat penny value chart. A key rarity from the Denver Mint with a low mintage of just over 1.1 million. The 1914-D is notorious for being heavily circulated; uncirculated examples are exceedingly scarce.
This coin is especially prone to counterfeiting—fraudsters often add a fake “D” to 1914 Philadelphia cents. Authentic high-grade specimens with clear mint marks and strong detail command premium auction prices.
Value: Starts around $300 (G-4), rising to $35,000+ in MS66RD.
1922 No D
Which Wheat pennies are valuable else? A legendary die variety. In 1922, Lincoln cents were only minted at Denver. However, extensive die polishing and die fatigue led to some coins lacking a visible “D” mint mark entirely—an error since Denver was the only operating mint that year.
Only the “Strong Reverse, No D” variety is considered collectible, and sharp examples remain hotly pursued by die variety specialists.
Value: From $500 in VG grades to over $30,000 in MS64.
1943 Bronze Cent
One of the most famous error coins in U.S. history and valuable Wheat penny years. In 1943, the Mint switched to steel cents to conserve copper for WWII. However, a few leftover bronze planchets accidentally entered the presses—creating the 1943 bronze cent.
These coins have captured the public imagination, with fewer than 40 verified examples across all mints. The finest known 1943-D bronze cent sold for $1.7 million, and Philadelphia examples have broken the $840,000 mark.
Value: $250,000+ to $2.3 million.
1944 Steel Cent
The reverse of the 1943 bronze error. In 1944, the Mint returned to bronze, but leftover steel planchets from 1943 led to accidental 1944 steel cents being struck at all three mints.
These coins are rarer than their bronze predecessors—especially in top grades. Only about 30 examples are known, with high-end coins commanding huge premiums at auction.
Value: $30,000 to $400,000+.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
What Wheat pennies are valuable? Arguably the most famous doubled die in American coinage. The 1955 DDO displays dramatic doubling of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date, easily visible to the naked eye.
These coins were distributed into circulation before the error was discovered, making many survivors well-worn. True uncirculated red examples remain rare and valuable.
Value: $1,000 in circulated grades to $50,000+ in MS65+RD.
1909-S (no VDB)
Minted in the same year as the 1909-S VDB, but without the controversial initials. Although overshadowed by its VDB sibling, the 1909-S no VDB remains a key early date with a low mintage of 1.8 million.
It’s a must-have for any complete Lincoln cent collection, especially in mint state red grades.
Value: $150 to $10,000+.
1931-S
Minted during the Great Depression, when coin demand was low. Only 866,000 coins were produced, making the 1931-S one of the lowest-mintage Wheat Pennies.
Many were saved in rolls by contemporary collectors, so circulated examples are common. High-grade coins, however, remain scarce and sought after.
Value: $150 to $15,000+ in MS66RD.
1926-S
A Lincoln Wheat penny rare valuable coin is a tough San Francisco date due to low mintage and generally weak strikes. Only 4.5 million were made, and most saw heavy use. Fully struck coins with strong luster are rare finds in today’s market.
This date is often underrated and commands solid prices among advanced Lincoln collectors.
Value: $100 in circulated grades to $12,000+ in MS65RD.
1943-D/D RPM (Repunched Mint Mark)
Last but not least is a Lincoln Wheat penny rare collectible valuable coin with a subtle but desirable repunched mint mark (RPM) variety from Denver. The D mint mark was punched twice, leaving a clear doubled impression under magnification.
Collectors love the RPM as one of the few well-documented 1943 varieties—especially attractive to error fans and those seeking a “complete” 1943 set (bronze, steel, RPM, etc.).
Value: $250 (XF) to $3,000+ (MS65RD).
Critical Value Factors
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is created equal—certain mint marks, grades, and minting errors drive premiums. Here’s what truly separates the 1¢ coins from the five- and six-figure rarities.
Mint Marks = Money
Where a Wheat Penny was minted matters enormously:
San Francisco (S) Mint
Dominates the high-value list, producing some of the rarest and most desirable Wheat Pennies:
- 1909-S VDB
- 1931-S
- 1926-S
Denver (D) Mint
Home to several scarce varieties and key dates:
- 1914-D — classic key date
- 1922 No D — error created by worn dies
- 1931-S — Great Depression rarity
Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
Watch for key issues even without a mint mark:
- 1909 VDB — designer controversy
- 1955 DDO — most famous U.S. doubled die cent
Grade Premiums
Condition equals what is the most valuable Wheat penny value. The grading scale runs from Poor (P-1) to Mint State 70 (MS-70):
| Grade | Grade Name | Description | Typical Appearance & Value Impact |
| P-1 | Poor | Barely identifiable; date often weak | Minimal value unless rare date |
| G-4 | Good | Heavy wear; major design visible | Entry-level collectible |
| VG-8 | Very Good | Heavy wear; more detail visible | Modest premium for key dates |
| F-12 | Fine | Moderate wear; LIBERTY fully visible | Common grade for circulated coins |
| VF-20 | Very Fine | Moderate to light wear; strong details | Solid collector value |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine | Minor wear on high points | Sharp eye appeal, growing premiums |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated | Traces of wear on highest points | Near-Mint State look, high demand |
| MS-60 | Mint State / Uncirculated | No wear; dull luster; contact marks | Baseline for uncirculated premiums |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | Good luster; minor marks | Strong collector value |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | Brilliant luster; few small flaws | Premiums increase dramatically |
| MS-67+ | Superb Gem | Nearly flawless; exceptional eye appeal | Auction-level pricing; huge premiums |
What’s the most valuable Wheat penny? Color matters too:
- RD (Red): Bright original copper color → highest value
- RB (Red-Brown): Partial red tone → strong value
- BN (Brown): Fully brown → lower premium
- MS-65 Red coins can be worth 100x or more than brown circulated coins of the same date.
Example: A 1943 Bronze Cent graded MS-63 brought $372,000—a mid-tier grade for this legendary error. In lower grades, the same coin might fetch only $100K–$150K.
Error Coin Bonuses
What makes a Wheat penny valuable? Some of the biggest money comes from mint errors, not just rare dates.
1943 Bronze / 1944 Steel
In the heat of World War II, copper was diverted to ammunition production. The U.S. Mint shifted penny production to zinc-coated steel in 1943—creating those famous silver-colored cents. But not every change went perfectly:
- In 1943, a few leftover bronze planchets (used in 1942) were accidentally fed through the presses.
- Result: 1943 bronze Wheat Cents, now worth $250,000+ to $2.3 million.
- Tip: A real bronze example won’t stick to a magnet and weighs ~3.11 grams.
- In 1944, the Mint returned to bronze—but a few steel planchets from 1943 slipped through, producing 1944 steel Wheat Cents.
- Value: $30,000–$400,000+, depending on condition.
- → Example: A 1944-S steel cent graded PCGS MS66 sold for $408,000.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
In 1955, a misaligned hubbing process at the Philadelphia Mint created a now-iconic error: the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse. Why are Wheat pennies valuable? The doubling is so strong that it leaps off the coin:
Doubling clearly visible on:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- The date (1955)
→ Values range from $1,000 in circulated grades to $50,000+ in Gem Red uncirculated coins.
Counterfeit Alert: Many fake 1955 DDOs are created using casting or mechanical doubling. Watch for:
- Flat, shelf-like doubling (real doubling is thick and rounded)
- Casting seams or porous surfaces.
1922 No D
In 1922, the Denver Mint was the only facility producing Lincoln cents. But heavy die wear and polishing on some production runs led to cents being struck with no visible “D” mint mark—an unusual and highly desirable variety.
- Only Die Pair #2 coins with a “Strong Reverse” and No D are considered collectible.
- Many other 1922-D cents have a faint D due to die wear—these are less valuable.
→ Values: From $500 in VG to $30,000+ in MS64 Brown or Red.
When it comes to critical value factors in Wheat Pennies, think:
Mint mark → Grade → Errors → Wheat penny most valuable prices.
San Francisco S-mint coins top many lists, while key Denver and Philadelphia varieties add spice to the series. Combine a rare date with an MS-65 Red grade—or a dramatic error—and you’ve got a Wheat Penny that belongs in the auction spotlight, not in your change jar.
What Are the Most Valuable Wheat Pennies in Circulation?
While most old pennies you’ll find in circulation are common, certain dates and types still slip through the cracks—especially in estate collections, old change jars, and forgotten rolls.
Pre-1934 Pennies: Always Check S-Mint Coins
Early San Francisco Wheat Pennies tend to be low-mintage and high-value in any grade.
- Prioritize any pre-1934 penny with an S mint mark (below the date).
- Examples to watch: 1909-S VDB, 1909-S, 1926-S, 1931-S.
1950s Pennies: Look for 1955 Doubling
Many 1950s cents still turn up in circulation. One is worth far more than face value:
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse → Strong doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and date.
- Often faked—true examples show thick, spread letters, not flat or shelf-like doubling.
Post-1958 Pennies: Hidden 1960-D Treasure
Even though the Wheat Penny ended in 1958, 1960-D Lincoln Memorial cents can hold value:
- 1960-D DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) → Rare and valuable variety.
- Value: $30 to $7,500, depending on grade.
- Key tell: Subtle, but clear doubling on date and LIBERTY.
Red Coppers = Premium Pennies
Uncirculated pennies with original red or red-brown luster are worth a strong premium:
- Coins labeled RD (Red) by PCGS/NGC command up to 100x more than typical brown coins.
- Spot this by looking for bright coppery glow, especially on the fields and devices.
Lincoln Cent Color Designations:
| Designation | Appearance | Typical Value Impact | Collector Notes |
| RD (Red) | Bright, original red-orange copper luster | Highest premium (up to 100x more than BN) | Found on uncirculated coins with minimal oxidation |
| RB (Red-Brown) | Part red, part brown; 30–70% red remaining | Moderate premium (2–5x more than BN) | Partial luster; attractive but not fully red |
| BN (Brown) | Fully brown or chocolate tone | Base value (common market price) | Natural result of copper toning over decades |
Key Date Deep Dives
So, what years of Wheat pennies are valuable? Let’s take a closer look at three of the most famous:
1909-S VDB
The Controversy:
- The Wheat Penny debuted in 1909, designed by Victor D. Brenner.
- His bold V.D.B. initials on the reverse caused public outcry—many saw them as too prominent for a government coin.
- The Mint quickly pulled the design and removed the initials, leaving just 484,000 1909-S VDB cents in circulation.
Grades Matter:
- Because many were heavily circulated, grade is everything.
- Example:
- G-4: ~$600
- MS-67 RD: Auction record of $24,150.
The most counterfeited Wheat Penny. Verify the S mint mark and proper VDB positioning.
1943 Bronze Cent
During WWII, copper was needed for ammunition, so cents were struck in zinc-coated steel. However, a few leftover bronze planchets (from 1942) were accidentally struck in 1943.
Only ~40 known examples exist across all mints—these are the most coveted Wheat Penny errors.
Verify Authenticity:
- Magnet test: Genuine bronze cents will not stick to a magnet.
- Weight test: Genuine bronze cents weigh ~3.11 grams (steel cents weigh ~2.70 grams).
1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The error was caused by a misaligned die during hubbing, producing doubling of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date.
It’s one of the most famous U.S. doubled die coins—highly visible even without magnification.
Counterfeit Alerts:
- Many fakes exist—often created by casting or mechanical doubling.
- Red flags:
- Casting seams along edges.
- Flat, shelf-like doubling (real doubling should be thick and rounded).
Genuine 1955 DDOs command $1,000+ even in circulated grades, with MS65 RD examples bringing $50,000 or more.
Grading & Authentication
Before selling—or even buying—a Lincoln Wheat penny valuable coin, proper grading and authentication are essential. Certified coins bring far higher prices and ensure you’re dealing with a genuine example.
Professional Grading Services
For high-value coins, always use a trusted grading company:
| Grading Service | Certification Type | Typical Fee |
| PCGS | Top-tier, registry-worthy | $22–$150+ |
| NGC | Trusted by major auctions | $22–$150+ |
| ANACS | Affordable, good for error coins | $20–$100 |
- Encapsulation (“slabbing”) protects the coin and clearly displays grade and color (RD, RB, BN).
- Tiered fees:
- Economy: ~$22 per coin (bulk or non-urgent)
- Express: $100–$150+ for fast turnaround on valuable coins.
DIY Grading Kit (for screening coins at home)
If you’re just starting or pre-screening coins for submission:
- 10x loupe → Inspect for key details, doubling, and surface marks.
- LED light → Proper lighting reveals luster and color tone (Red vs. Brown).
- Red color scale → Helps judge whether a coin may qualify as RD or RB for grading.
- Free apps:
- Coin ID Scanner → Basic ID and value estimates.
- PCGS Photograde → Compare your coin to certified examples.
How to Identify a Wheat Penny
Spotting a Lincoln Wheat Penny is simple once you know the signs:
- Reverse design: Two stalks of wheat flank the words ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
- Obverse design: Features Abraham Lincoln—the first U.S. coin to depict a real person.
- Date range:1909 to 1958
- 1959 onward = Lincoln Memorial reverse (not a Wheat Penny).
- Mint marks: Below the date on the obverse:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
Or use a Coin ID Scanner app! It identifies any coin in a second and provide you all the necessary information about it, e.g., values, composition, sizes, etc.
Conclusion
“Coins are history you can hold in your hand,” as historian and collector Liam O’Connor aptly puts it. “All Wheat pennies that are valuable or not remind us that even everyday objects can become extraordinary over time.”
Remember this: knowledge is your greatest tool. With sharp eyes and a bit of patience, you just might uncover a coin worth 100,000 times its face value—and a story worth far more.
Or, in the words of coin dealer Wilbert Lichtstein: “A penny saved? Sometimes it’s a fortune found.”