3 Ultra-Rare Wheat Pennies Worth Over $99 Million and Counting

Wheat pennies, produced between 1909 and 1958, are widely coveted by collectors because of their historical importance and distinctive design. However, some of these coins are not just ordinary collectibles—they are incredibly rare and highly valuable.

Their worth is driven by a combination of factors, including rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Let’s dive into the three most valuable and rare Wheat pennies that have collectively amassed a value exceeding $99 million and continue to rise in value.

1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny: A Historical Error Worth Millions

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is perhaps the most iconic error coin in U.S. history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to conserve the metal for the war effort.

However, a small number of pennies were mistakenly minted in copper instead of steel. This rare mistake makes the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny one of the most sought-after coins in the world.

There are only a few of these copper pennies in existence, and their rarity has contributed to their astronomical value. At an auction, a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny sold for nearly $1.7 million, securing its place among the highest-priced coins ever.

2. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny: A Collector’s Treasure

Another remarkable and rare coin is the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny. This penny holds the distinction of being the first coin in the Wheat series, produced in San Francisco. It features the initials VDB (for Victor David Brenner, the designer) on the reverse side, which sparked controversy due to their size.

Because of this controversy, production was halted early, making the 1909-S VDB one of the rarest Wheat pennies.

High-grade examples of this coin can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, with some rare specimens selling for close to $1 million. Its place in history and rarity have made it a prized possession for collectors.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny: A Minting Error That Commands Big Bucks

The 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny is known for its remarkable minting error that resulted in a noticeable doubling of the design elements, including the date and inscriptions. This error occurred during the minting process and led to a limited number of these coins being circulated.

Due to its unique appearance, collectors are willing to pay a premium for the 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny, with high-quality examples selling for more than $100,000. This minting flaw, combined with its historical significance, makes it one of the most valuable Wheat pennies in existence.

Other Rare Wheat Pennies Worth Noting

In addition to the famous 1943 Copper, 1909-S VDB, and 1955 Doubled Die pennies, there are other notable Wheat pennies that have fetched impressive prices:

Coin Name	Year	Mint Mark	Auction Price
1943 Copper	1943	None	$1.7 million
1909-S VDB	1909	S	$1 million
1955 Doubled Die	1955	None	$100,000
1944 Steel	1944	None	$400,000
1922 No D	1922	None	$80,000

These coins show the incredible impact of error minting, rarity, and historical value, transforming what were once simple pennies into treasures worth millions.

Wheat pennies, though common in their time, have become treasures due to their rarity and historical significance.

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny, and 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny stand out as some of the most valuable and sought-after coins, with prices that continue to rise as collectors seek these unique artifacts.

If you’re fortunate enough to find one of these rare pennies, you may be holding a multimillion-dollar coin in your hands.

FAQs

What makes the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny so valuable?

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is valuable because it was minted with copper by mistake during World War II, while most pennies that year were made from steel. This error makes it one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in the world.

How can I tell if I have a 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny?

Look for doubling on the date and inscriptions on the front of the coin. The 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny will show significant doubling, which is a telltale sign of this minting error.

Why is the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny important?

The 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny is the first penny in the Wheat series, and its controversial design—featuring the initials VDB—led to a halt in production, making it one of the rarest Wheat pennies and a must-have for collectors.

Are all 1944 Steel Pennies valuable?

Yes, 1944 Steel Pennies are valuable due to the error where a small number of pennies were mistakenly struck in steel instead of copper. These coins are highly collectible and can fetch impressive prices.