Are you interested in adding wheat pennies to your coin collection? Do you want to maximize your time and effort by collecting the most valuable wheat pennies?
You’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll learn about wheat pennies that are worth money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced collector, it’s always helpful to know what to look for in a coin to get the most value.
Wheat pennies, also known as Lincoln pennies, are a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. While some wheat pennies may only be worth a few dollars, others can fetch hundreds or even thousands. The key is knowing what characteristics to look for in your coins to separate the common ones from the rare gems.
Collecting wheat pennies offers both sentimental and financial value. So, if you’re looking to enhance your collection, adding high-value wheat pennies is always a smart move.
Let’s dive into finding the most valuable wheat pennies!
Rare Wheat Penny Worth Money List (Quick Chart)
| Wheat Penny Year | Wheat Penny error Type | Wheat Penny Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909 | RPM (S Over S Mint Mark) wheat penny | $32,900 |
| 1910 | S/S wheat penny, Re-Punched Mint Mark, FS-502 | $20,000 |
| 1911 | Re-Punched Mint Mark wheat penny | $1,750 |
| 1912 | S/S wheat penny RPM | $46 |
| 1913 | die cracks or die cuds wheat penny | $200 |
| 1914 | red D wheat penny near-perfect condition | $100,000 |
| 1915 | die cracks or die cuds wheat penny | $200 |
| 1916 | No Mint Mark wheat penny, Obverse Lamination | $150 |
| 1917 | DDO wheat penny | $10,500 |
| 1918 | wheat penny, Struck Nine Times | $2,000.00 |
| 1919 | L On Rim Doubled-Die Obverse Wheat Penny | $265 |
| 1920 | No Mint Mark Wheat Penny, Clipped Planchet | $114 |
| 1921 | Perfect Wheat Penny | $10,000 |
| 1922 | no D Wheat Penny Uncirculated | $18,500 |
| 1923 | Struck 15% Off-Center Wheat Penny | $500 |
| 1924 | Repunched Wheat Penny | $75 |
| 1925 | S Wheat Penny, Re-Punched Mint Marks | $43,000 |
| 1926 | Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny | $150 |
| 1927 | Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny | $2,613.00 |
| 1928 | Large Mint Mark (Large S) wheat penny | $5,875 |
| 1929 | Off-Center Wheat Penny | $100 |
| 1930 | Doubled Die Wheat Penny | $500 |
| 1931 | Uncirculated S wheat penny | $225 |
| 1932 | Off-Center wheat penny | $200 |
| 1933 | Off-Center wheat penny | $100 |
| 1934 | D Wheat Penny, Re-Punched Mint Mark | $3,745 |
| 1935 | On A Dime Planchet Wheat Penny | $500 |
| 1936 | P Wheat Penny, Double Die Obverse, FS-101 | $8,000 |
| 1937 | Obverse Struck Through Fragment Wheat Penny | $515 |
| 1938 | D/D Wheat Penny, Re-Punched Mint Marks | $750 |
| 1939 | P Wheat Penny, Double Die Obverse | $715.00 |
| 1940 | S Wheat Penny, Double Die Obverse | $175.00 |
| 1941 | DDO Wheat Penny | $2,400 |
| 1942 | Struck On A Dime Planchet Wheat Penny | $14,000 |
| 1943 | Die Crack Wheat Penny | $575,000 |
| 1944 | S Over D Mark Wheat Penny | $130 |
| 1945 | Doubled Die Wheat Penny | $500 |
| 1946 | S Over D Wheat Penny | $3,181 |
| 1947 | S/S Wheat Penny, Re-Punched Mint Mark | $800 |
| 1948 | Double Denomination Wheat Penny | $14,100 |
| 1949 | S Wheat Penny, Double Die Obverse | $1,500 |
| 1950 | Off-Center Wheat Penny | $300 |
| 1951 | No Mint Mark Proof Wheat Penny, Double Die Obverse | $14,250 |
| 1952 | Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny | $200 |
| 1953 | DDO Proof Wheat Penny | $3,692 |
| 1954 | Re-Punched Mint Mark Wheat Penny | $300 |
| 1955 | Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny | $288,000 |
| 1956 | Double Denomination Wheat Penny | $2,070 |
| 1957 | Triple Re-Punched Mint Mark Wheat Penny | $1,000 |
| 1958 | DDO Wheat Penny | $336,000 |
Most Valuable Wheat Penny Worth Money
1. 1944-D Steel Wheat Penny
The 1944-D steel penny is one of the rarest and most fascinating Wheat pennies. This error coin was created when wheat penny dies struck steel planchets, instead of the usual bronze planchets typically used to mint wheat pennies.
In 1943, all mints, except the one in Denver, produced zinc-clad steel coins for foreign countries. It’s believed that some of these steel planchets were mistakenly carried over to the Denver mint and were accidentally struck using 1944 wheat penny dies.
Since the 1944-D steel cents were struck by accident, only a few were minted before Mint workers noticed the anomaly. Today, only about seven known examples exist.
One of these rare coins, graded MS63 (the finest of the seven), was sold for an astounding $115,000.
2. 1931-S Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln cent has the second lowest mintage in the entire Wheat penny series, with the Mint striking only 866,000.
The low mintage prompted collectors to hoard these coins, leading to an even greater shortage of 1931-S Wheat Pennies
On the other hand, the hoarding of new coins means that uncirculated examples are fairly easy to obtain up to MS65. Any penny above MS66 is exceptionally rare and only about 100 specimen are known to exist in this or a higher grade.
Although red-colored 1931 wheat pennies draw a premium, most other coins on this series are poor struck with faint details and almost no luster or frosting even for coins in higher grades.
An example, red in color and graded MS66 sold at a 2011 Heritage Auction for $18,600. Brown and Red Brown examples are equally valuable with prices ranging between $2,600 to $5,000.
3. 1921 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Mint struck nearly 40 million Lincoln wheat pennies in 1921, making these coins relatively common. The 1921 Lincoln cent is easy to find in circulated condition and is generally very affordable for collectors.
However, these wheat pennies become more scarce as the grade increases. They start to become rare at grade MS63, and are extremely difficult to find in grades MS67 or higher. As expected, 1921 Lincoln cents in higher grades are quite valuable. For example, a 1921 Lincoln penny graded MS68 was sold for a remarkable $55,200.
4. 1914-D Wheat Penny
The Mint struck nearly 40 million Lincoln wheat pennies in 1921, making these coins relatively common. The 1921 Lincoln cent is easy to find in circulated condition and is generally very affordable for collectors.
However, these wheat pennies become more scarce as the grade increases. They start to become rare at grade MS63, and are extremely difficult to find in grades MS67 or higher. As expected, 1921 Lincoln cents in higher grades are quite valuable. For example, a 1921 Lincoln penny graded MS68 was sold for a remarkable $55,200.
5. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB is a collector’s favorite and is considered one of the 100 greatest coins in U.S. history.
This coin has an intriguing history that adds to its desirability. The 1909-S VDB wheat penny gets its name from its designer, Victor David Brenner, who originally placed his full name on the coin’s reverse at the bottom. However, the Mint’s chief engraver at the time decided to change this and instead added only Brenner’s initials—VDB.
Controversy arose over the prominence of these initials, with critics arguing that it amounted to unauthorized advertising. In response to public outcry, the U.S. Mint quickly removed the VDB initials from subsequent 1909 coins. This meant that the San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 Lincoln wheat pennies with the VDB initials before they were removed.
The low mintage sparked immediate interest among collectors, leading to large-scale hoarding of these coins upon their release. As a result, very few 1909-S VDB wheat pennies are found in circulated condition today.
Among these, red-colored 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents are the most valuable, fetching up to $168,000. However, even brown and red-brown variations remain highly valuable, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $19,200.
6. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny
The 1943-D bronze cent is one of the most sought-after and controversial error coins in American numismatics, often compared to the 1944 steel cent due to its rarity and high value.
This coin was struck during the U.S. Mint’s transition from using copper to steel for pennies. In 1943, due to the increased demand for copper for war efforts, the Mint switched to striking pennies on zinc-coated steel planchets. However, a small number of leftover copper planchets from 1942 were accidentally used to strike some 1943 pennies, resulting in the rare 1943-D bronze cents.
Because of its rarity and value, the 1943-D bronze cent is highly prone to counterfeiting. Collectors and investors should always authenticate these coins before making a major purchase. One simple way to check authenticity is the magnet test—since steel is magnetic and copper is not, an authentic bronze 1943-D cent will not be attracted to a magnet.
A verified 1943-D bronze cent, graded MS64, was sold for an astonishing $840,000 at an auction in 2021.
7. 1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1917 doubled die wheat penny is a highly sought-after variety among specialists and experienced collectors who have a keen eye for errors.
This variety features a noticeable doubling on the obverse, particularly around the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date 1917. The clear doubling, combined with its relative scarcity, makes it a prized piece for collectors.
It is estimated that only about 200 specimens exist in both circulated and uncirculated conditions. Finding an uncirculated example, especially in high mint-state grades, is extremely difficult.
The value of a 1917 doubled die wheat penny depends on its color and condition. The red variety is the most valuable, with one graded MS67 selling for $120,000 at auction. Meanwhile, a brown specimen can still command impressive prices, reaching up to $14,950.
8. 1909-S Wheat Penny
The 1909-S wheat penny is often overshadowed by the 1909-S VDB, but it remains a highly desirable coin due to its low mintage of only 1.8 million and its generally sharp strike.
Collectors seek this coin in all grades, but red-colored (RD) examples in high mint-state conditions are especially valuable. These gem-condition coins are among the most prized wheat pennies in the entire Lincoln series.
While a brown (BN) specimen can sell for around $1,700, a red (RD) example in top condition has fetched up to $69,000 at auction.
9. 1922-No D strong reverse Wheat Penny
The 1922 no mint mark wheat penny is a fascinating rarity in the Lincoln cent series because it is the only penny without a mint mark despite being struck exclusively at the Denver Mint.
How Did This Happen?
The Denver Mint was the only facility producing Lincoln cents in 1922, meaning all coins should have had a “D” mint mark. However, due to excessive die wear and over-polishing, some dies lost the “D” mint mark, resulting in this unique error coin.
How to Identify a Genuine 1922 No Mint Mark Penny
Since this coin is highly valuable, it’s important to verify its authenticity. Look for:
- ✅ Sharp reverse strike – The details on the back of the coin should be clear.
- ✅ Strong visibility of the word “TRUST” – This should be distinct and not faded.
- ✅ The second “2” in 1922 should be sharp – Weakly struck versions may not be genuine.
Value of the 1922 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny
This coin is extremely rare in any grade, and most surviving examples are certified by professional grading services.
Collectors pay premium prices for this error coin, with well-preserved examples fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction!
10. 1915-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1915-S Lincoln wheat penny has seen a massive increase in value over recent years.
Why is the 1915-S Wheat Penny So Valuable?
🔸 Low Mintage – The San Francisco Mint produced fewer 1915-S cents compared to other years.
🔸 Scarcity in High Grades – Uncirculated (mint state) examples are extremely rare, especially those with full red (RD) surfaces.
🔸 Recent Market Interest – Once overlooked, this coin has gained popularity, making it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents.
How Much is a 1915-S Lincoln Penny Worth?
- ✅ In 2005, an MS66 example sold for $48,300
- ✅ By 2023, prices surged past $10,000 for high-grade coins
If you own or find a full red 1915-S wheat penny, you’re holding a rare and valuable piece of numismatic history!
11. 1909-S Over Horizontal S Wheat Penny
The 1909-S over horizontal S Lincoln cent is highly sought after by collectors.
Why is this penny so special?
🔸 Repunched mint mark error – This happened when Mint workers incorrectly placed the first “S” mint mark and had to punch it again in the correct position.
🔸 Manual process – Before 1990, mint marks were manually added to the die presses, making errors like this possible.
The most expensive 1909-S over horizontal S wheat penny was graded MS67 and sold for $32,900 in a 2022 auction.
12. 1925-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1925-S wheat penny is a significant and valuable coin in the Lincoln cent series.
What makes this penny special?
🔸 Lower mintage – After years of mass-producing wheat pennies, the U.S. Mint reduced coin production across all three facilities.
🔸 San Francisco Mint – In 1925, about 26 million cents were struck there—a much lower number compared to years when over 200 million coins were produced.
🔸 Collector demand – The reduced mintage makes 1925-S Lincoln cents highly sought-after, especially in higher grades, where they become extremely scarce.
A rare red gem graded MS65 was auctioned for $54,625 at a 2005 Heritage Auctions event.
13. 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1955 doubled die wheat penny is one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. numismatics.
What makes this coin special?
🔸 Dramatic doubling – The doubling is clearly visible on the words IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY, making it one of the most noticeable and desirable doubled die errors.
🔸 Estimated rarity – Experts believe that around 20,000 of these coins exist today, but the actual number might be even lower.
🔸 Cigarette pack discovery – In the 1950s, some of these pennies were accidentally circulated and were discovered in 23-cent cigarette packs in New England.
🔸 Mint workers’ decision – Instead of destroying the erroneous coins, Mint workers allowed them to enter circulation, leading to their eventual discovery.
The strong, naked-eye-visible doubling effect adds to the historical charm and value of the 1955 doubled die wheat penny.
Summary:
Wheat pennies are among the most popular U.S. coins, but identifying the most valuable ones requires time and dedication. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s crucial to know what to look for.
The most valuable wheat pennies typically include:
- Error coins
- No-mint mark pennies
- Low mintage Lincoln cents
These types of coins are often worth the most money and are a great starting point if you’re looking to build a high-value wheat penny collection.
