Wheat pennies, also known as Lincoln Wheat Cents, are a favorite among coin collectors. Minted between 1909 and 1958, these coins feature Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. While most wheat pennies are not worth much and are common in collections, some are incredibly valuable due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance. This guide will help you identify the top 5 wheat pennies worth money in 2024, their unique stories, and why they are highly sought after.
Top 5 Wheat Pennies Worth Money in 2024
The following table summarizes the top 5 wheat pennies, their mintages, and values in 2024.
| Wheat Penny | Mintage | Value in 2024 | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny | 484,000 coins | Good Condition: $700 Mint State: $3,000+ | The first Lincoln Wheat Penny, with the designer’s initials (VDB) causing a limited mintage. |
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Less than 20 known | Good Condition: $100,000+ Mint State: $250,000 | Minting error where copper was mistakenly used instead of steel during WWII. |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | ~20,000 coins | Fine Condition: $1,500–$2,000 Mint State: $15,000+ | Minting error causes doubling of letters and numbers on the coin. |
| 1922 No D Wheat Penny | Unknown (very rare) | Good Condition: $700 Mint State: $12,000 | A die error caused coins to be struck without the expected mintmark (D). |
| 1931-S Wheat Penny | 866,000 coins | Good Condition: $80 Mint State: $1,200 | Low mintage due to the Great Depression, making this penny rare and highly desired. |
1. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1909-S VDB is a crucial piece in the history of Lincoln pennies. Minted in 1909, it was the first Lincoln Wheat Penny ever produced. The initials “VDB” of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, were initially added to the reverse of the coin. However, these initials stirred controversy, leading to the removal of “VDB” from the design after only a few coins were struck. As a result, this coin is rare and highly valuable.
- Mintage: 484,000 coins
- Value in 2024:
- Good Condition: Around $700
- Mint State (Uncirculated): Over $3,000
2. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1943 copper wheat penny is one of the most famous minting errors in U.S. coin history. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a small number of pennies were mistakenly made using copper planchets, creating a coin that is now worth a fortune. Only about 20 of these coins are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in the world.
- Mintage: Less than 20 known to exist
- Value in 2024:
- Good Condition: Over $100,000
- Mint State (Uncirculated): Up to $250,000
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1955 doubled die penny is one of the most recognizable minting errors. The coin has a noticeable doubling of the letters in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the date “1955.” This error occurred during the minting process, and the result is a strikingly doubled appearance that makes the coin highly collectible and valuable.
- Mintage: Around 20,000 coins
- Value in 2024:
- Fine Condition: $1,500–$2,000
- Mint State (Uncirculated): Over $15,000
4. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1922 No D wheat penny is a rare coin caused by a minting error. Coins struck in Denver should have a “D” mintmark. However, some coins from the Denver Mint were struck without the “D” mintmark due to a damaged die, resulting in the 1922 No D penny. The rarity of these coins, combined with the minting error, makes them extremely valuable.
- Mintage: Exact number unknown, but very rare
- Value in 2024:
- Good Condition: Around $700
- Mint State (Uncirculated): Up to $12,000
5. 1931-S Wheat Penny
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1931-S wheat penny is another rare coin due to its low mintage. During the Great Depression, there was little demand for pennies, so the U.S. Mint produced fewer coins. The 1931-S wheat penny is considered one of the most valuable Lincoln cents due to its limited production. Collectors seek this coin for its scarcity.
- Mintage: 866,000 coins
- Value in 2024:
- Good Condition: Around $80
- Mint State (Uncirculated): Up to $1,200
How to Identify and Protect Valuable Wheat Pennies
The following table provides simple steps on how to identify valuable wheat pennies and protect them:
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Check Dates and Mintmarks | Look for key years (1909, 1943, 1955, 1922, 1931) and mintmarks (D, S). |
| Examine Condition | Coins in good condition or mint state are more valuable. Inspect for wear using a magnifying glass. |
| Verify Authenticity | Have rare coins authenticated by professional grading services (PCGS or NGC). |
| Store Properly | Use coin holders, albums, or airtight containers to protect from damage. |
Where to Sell Your Wheat Pennies
If you find a valuable wheat penny, you can sell it to coin dealers, through auctions, or online platforms such as eBay. However, before selling, it is important to have the coin appraised to understand its true market value. This ensures you do not undersell your rare treasure.
Where to Sell Your Wheat Pennies:
- Coin Dealers: A trusted dealer can offer you a fair price for your rare coins.
- Auctions: Rare coins often fetch high prices at auctions, especially if they are graded and appraised.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay are convenient for selling, but make sure to list accurate information and clear photographs.
Conclusion
Wheat pennies are more than just old coins—they are pieces of history that can sometimes be worth a lot of money. Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned one, finding rare wheat pennies can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Keep an eye on your change, as you might discover a treasure worth hundreds, thousands, or even more! Start collecting, and who knows—you may find the next big valuable coin.
FAQs
What makes a 1909-S VDB wheat penny valuable?
The 1909-S VDB is valuable because it features the initials of the engraver on the reverse, and it was minted in limited quantities.
Why is the 1914-D wheat penny so rare?
The 1914-D wheat penny is rare due to its low mintage, making it highly sought after by collectors.
What is the difference between a 1922 plain and 1922-D wheat penny?
The 1922 plain wheat penny lacks the “D” mintmark, making it a rare and valuable error coin.