The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is one of the most iconic coins in American history. While most wheat pennies are common and worth only face value, some rare varieties and mint errors have sold for astonishing prices, making headlines in the world of coin collectors.
These rare Wheat Pennies not only hold historical value but have become investment-worthy treasures due to their extreme scarcity and condition.
Let’s explore the top 10 rare Wheat Pennies that are currently breaking records as the highest-selling coins in this series.
1. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny
In 1943, pennies were minted in steel due to copper shortages during WWII. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used at the Denver Mint, creating the ultra-rare 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny.
- Estimated Value: $840,000
- Known Examples: 1 confirmed
2. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
The following year, the mint returned to using copper, but leftover steel planchets were accidentally struck. This resulted in the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, one of the rarest transitional error coins in U.S. history.
- Estimated Value: $180,000
- Known Examples: Less than 30
3. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
The first Lincoln cent, this penny features the designer’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, making it highly desirable.
- Estimated Value: $168,000
- Mintage: 484,000
4. 1914-D Wheat Penny
With only 1.1 million produced, the 1914-D is one of the lowest mintage Wheat Pennies. It’s particularly valuable in uncirculated condition, which is extremely rare.
- Estimated Value: $158,625
- Mintage: 1,193,000
5. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
In 1922, only the Denver Mint struck pennies. Due to a worn die, some coins were produced without the “D” mint mark, making this “No D” variety a key rarity.
- Estimated Value: $92,000
- Known in High Grade: Few
6. 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
A famous mint error, this penny shows dramatic doubling on the date and inscriptions. Collectors love the bold visual misprint, and prices soar for red, uncirculated examples.
- Estimated Value: $114,000
- Known Examples: ~24,000
7. 1931-S Wheat Pennies
Although 866,000 were minted, the 1931-S was hoarded by collectors, limiting circulation. Still, high-grade examples are tough to find and fetch strong prices.
- Estimated Value: $18,600
- Mintage: 866,000
8. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny
This error coin shows a noticeable doubling of “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. It’s rare in gem condition, and demand has pushed auction prices to record highs.
- Estimated Value: $180,000
- Known in Mint State: Very few
9. 1909-S Over Horizontal S
This repunched mint mark variety features an “S” stamped over a horizontally misaligned “S.” It’s a subtle but highly collectible error with few examples in high grade.
- Estimated Value: $32,900
- Rarity: Rare in Red grades
10. 1926-S Wheat Penny
Although not extremely low in mintage, this coin is one of the toughest to find in high grades. Minted in San Francisco, most 1926-S coins were poorly struck and heavily circulated.
- Estimated Value: $149,500
- Mintage: 4,550,000
| Year & Variety | Type | Estimated Value | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze | Mint Error | $840,000 | Only 1 confirmed |
| 1944 Steel | Transitional Error | $180,000 | Only 25-30 exist |
| 1909-S VDB | Key Date | $168,000 | First Lincoln cent |
| 1914-D | Low Mintage | $158,625 | Rare in uncirculated condition |
| 1922 No D | Die Error | $92,000 | No mint mark |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Doubled Die Error | $114,000 | Bold doubling of inscriptions |
| 1931-S | Semi-Key Date | $18,600 | Hoarded, rare in high grade |
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubled Die Error | $180,000 | Rare visual doubling |
| 1909-S Over Horizontal S | Mint Mark Error | $32,900 | Rare repunched mint mark |
| 1926-S | Tough Condition Rarity | $149,500 | Scarce in MS condition |
These 10 rare Wheat Pennies have not only made history but also continue to set auction records and attract top collectors worldwide. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned numismatist, keep an eye out — you just might have one of these treasures in your pocket change.
Coins like the 1943-D Bronze and 1909-S VDB remind us that small pieces of metal can hold massive historical and monetary value.
FAQs
What makes a Wheat Penny valuable?
Wheat Pennies become valuable due to factors like low mintage, minting errors, historical significance, and high-grade condition.
How can I tell if I have a rare Wheat Penny?
Look for date-mint mark combinations (like 1909-S VDB), doubling in text or dates, and missing or repunched mint marks.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, most 1943 pennies are common steel coins, but bronze versions (especially 1943-D) are incredibly rare and valuable.