The Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies (And What They’re Worth)

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Wheat Pennies have long fascinated coin collectors for their iconic design and surprising scarcity in certain years and mint marks. Originally minted between 1909 and 1958, these Lincoln cents feature two wheat stalks on the reverse, which is why they’re commonly called “Wheat Pennies.” While many circulated Wheat Pennies are worth little over face value, some rare dates and varieties can command astonishing premiums. Below is an overview of the top 10 most valuable Wheat Pennies, along with general pricing to help you gauge if you’ve stumbled upon a hidden treasure in your pocket change or inherited collection.

1) 1909-S VDB

1. Why It’s Valuable: This was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and coins minted in San Francisco with the designer’s initials (V.D.B. for Victor David Brenner) on the reverse are among the scarcest.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine to Very Fine): $700–$1,000+
   • Uncirculated (MS-60+): $1,500–$3,000+ (or more, depending on grade and eye appeal)

Quick Tip: An authentic 1909-S VDB shows the “S” mintmark on the obverse, just below the date, and the “V.D.B.” at the bottom center of the reverse. Beware of altered mintmarks.

2) 1914-D

1. Why It’s Valuable: The Denver Mint produced only about 1.2 million pennies in 1914—one of the lowest figures for the Wheat Penny era. High-grade examples are in strong demand among collectors completing a date-and-mint set.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $150–$300+
   • Extremely Fine to AU: $500–$1,000+
   • Mint State (MS-60+): $2,000–$5,000+

Collecting Advice: Watch out for counterfeit mintmarks. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes add a “D” to a common 1914 Philly cent.

3) 1922 “Plain” (No D)

1. Why It’s Valuable: All 1922 Lincoln cents were minted in Denver, meaning they should carry a “D.” However, some dies were so worn or filled that the mintmark is missing, creating the “No D” variety.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $200–$400+
   • AU to Low Mint State: $1,000–$3,000+
   • Highest Grades: $5,000+ if the “weak D” or “no D” variety is clearly identifiable

Key Detail: The 1922 Plain must be authenticated by a professional service (e.g., PCGS or NGC), as some coins are altered to remove the mintmark.

4) 1909-S (Non-VDB)

1. Why It’s Valuable: Although overshadowed by its VDB counterpart, the regular 1909-S is still quite scarce compared to other early Lincolns. Its lower mintage (1.8 million) helps maintain collector interest.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $100–$200+
   • Extremely Fine (XF): $300–$500+
   • Mint State: $750–$1,500+ or more for top grades

Pro Tip: Check for strong details in Lincoln’s beard and hair. Sharpness in these areas usually indicates a better grade.

5) 1917 Double Die Obverse

1. Why It’s Valuable: Variety collectors love double dies. The 1917 double die obverse shows noticeable doubling in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” True double die errors are relatively rare.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine to VF): $150–$300+
   • AU: $500–$800+
   • Mint State: $1,000+ (the stronger the doubling, the more sought-after)

Verification Tip: Study reputable coin websites for images of the doubling. It’s easy to confuse mechanical doubling with a true doubled die variety.

6) 1926-S

1. Why It’s Valuable: While minted in larger numbers than some key dates, many 1926-S cents were heavily circulated, making high-grade survivors elusive.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $20–$50+
   • Extremely Fine to AU: $75–$150+
   • Mint State (MS-60+): $300–$1,000+ (eye appeal can push it higher)

Market Insight: This coin can often be overlooked, but in better grades, it attracts competitive bids from Lincoln series enthusiasts.

7) 1931-S

1. Why It’s Valuable: With a mintage of only 866,000, 1931-S Lincoln cents rank among the lowest for Wheat Pennies. Many collectors saved them right away, meaning circulated examples are often in better-than-average condition.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $60–$100+
   • Extremely Fine: $150–$300+
   • Mint State: $400–$1,000+ (or higher for MS-65 and above)

Collector’s Note: Check for original mint luster in the fields—some 1931-S examples were hoarded and remain in remarkable shape today.

8) 1955 Double Die Obverse

1. Why It’s Valuable: Perhaps the most famous error in the Wheat Penny series, the 1955 double die obverse displays dramatic doubling in the date and inscriptions. It’s instantly recognizable.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (VG to VF): $1,000–$1,500+
   • AU: $2,000–$4,000+
   • Mint State: $5,000–$20,000+ depending on the strength of doubling and overall preservation

Buyer Beware: 1955 is rife with counterfeits and machine-doubled coins that are mistaken (or misrepresented) as the genuine double die.

9) 1912-S

1. Why It’s Valuable: Early S-mint Wheat Pennies often command premiums because of relatively low production numbers compared to Philadelphia. The 1912-S stands out for having a mintage of just over 4.4 million.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $20–$40+
   • Extremely Fine: $75–$150+
   • Mint State: $250–$700+ for higher-end examples

Value Driver: Many 1912-S coins are well-worn, so even a mid-grade piece can see considerable demand among set builders.

10) 1936 Double Die Obverse (Type 1)

1. Why It’s Valuable: 1936 has several doubled die varieties, but Type 1 (also called FS-101) shows strong doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date. It’s less dramatic than 1955’s doubling but still highly collectible.
2. Approximate Value Range:
   • Circulated (Fine): $50–$100+
   • AU: $200–$350+
   • Mint State: $400–$1,000+ depending on intensity of doubling

Hunting Tip: If you come across a 1936 Wheat Penny, give it a second look. You might spot subtle but significant doubling.

Wheat Penny Value Chart (Quick Reference)

(These values are estimates based on market trends and can vary by grade, eye appeal, and dealer. Always consult recent auction data for the most accurate figures.)

How to Authenticate and Grade Your Wheat Pennies

With counterfeit mintmarks and artificially created double dies out there, authentication is key—particularly for high-value coins. Professional services like PCGS or NGC provide certification that can raise buyer confidence and, often, a coin’s final sale price.

1. Magnification: A 10x loupe is vital for spotting mintmark alterations or genuine doubling.
2. Lighting: Inspect the coin under multiple light angles to catch nuances in the surface.
3. Comparison: Use known genuine examples or quality reference photos to confirm die markers or doubling patterns.
4. Certification: For coins likely worth $100 or more, professional grading can be a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts: Rare Wheat Pennies Worth Money

From the iconic 1909-S VDB to the dramatic 1955 Double Die, certain Wheat Pennies are numismatic superstars. Values range from modest premiums to thousands of dollars, depending on rarity, condition, and overall collector demand. Whether you’re sifting through pocket change, inheriting a family collection, or actively hunting at coin shows, these “copper classics” remain accessible gateways into the world of coin collecting.

Key Takeaways

• Most Valuable Wheat Pennies often revolve around rare mintmarks (S or D), unusual mint errors (double dies, missing mintmarks), or low mintage years.
• For any promising find, confirm authenticity and grade—and if in doubt, seek professional certification.
• Building a reference library or checking online resources can help you keep track of shifting market conditions.

Ready to dig deeper? Keep this wheat penny value chart handy and stay updated on recent auction results. You never know when a circulated penny in your collection might be one of those rare wheat pennies worth money. Good luck, and happy hunting!