1909-S Wheat Penny Worth Nearly $1.8 Million

The 1909-S Wheat Penny is one of the most sought-after coins in the world of numismatics. Its rarity and historical significance make it highly valuable, and collectors are eager to add it to their collections.

While pennies are often thought of as ordinary, certain rare editions, like this 1909-S Wheat Penny, can fetch extraordinary prices. With a value reaching nearly $1.8 million, it’s important to recognize the factors that make this coin such a prized possession.

1909-S VDB Wheat Penny

This particular penny is the most famous and valuable in the Wheat Penny series. It was the first year of issue for the Wheat Penny, and its designer, Victor D. Brenner, placed his initials (VDB) prominently on the coin’s reverse. Only 484,000 were minted before the design was altered, leading to its rarity and immense value today.

1943 Copper Wheat Penny

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is another valuable coin, made during World War II when most pennies were struck in steel to conserve copper for the war effort. A small number of these copper pennies were mistakenly produced, making them highly sought after and incredibly rare.

1914-D Wheat Penny

This penny is another valuable coin due to its low mintage. Only 1.2 million of these coins were produced, and it is especially valuable when found in mint condition. The 1914-D Wheat Penny is prized by collectors due to its scarcity and the difficulty in finding high-quality examples.

1922 No D Wheat Penny

The 1922 No D Wheat Penny is an error coin from the Denver Mint. It lacks the “D” mint mark, which indicates that it was struck at the Denver Mint. This mistake occurred when a die was over-polished, removing the mint mark. This coin’s rarity makes it a valuable find for collectors.

1931-S Wheat Penny

The 1931-S Wheat Penny had a mintage of just 866,000 coins, making it one of the rarest of the series. Collectors value this penny for its scarcity and the difficulty in finding well-preserved examples.

1917 Double Die Wheat Penny

The 1917 Double Die Wheat Penny is a result of a doubling error on the coin’s obverse. Coins with this error are rare, and examples in good condition are highly sought after by collectors, adding significantly to their value.

1910-S Wheat Penny

Although not as rare as some of the others on this list, the 1910-S Wheat Penny is still a highly valuable coin. With just over 6 million minted, it’s relatively scarce compared to other years, making it a popular find among collectors.

Here is the table based on the information you provided:

Coin Name	Scarcity	Value	Mintage	Unique Features
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny	Extremely Rare	Up to $1.8 million	484,000	VDB initials
1914-D Wheat Penny	Rare	$100,000+	1.2 million	Design error
1943 Copper Wheat Penny	Rare	$200,000+	Only a few minted	Steel during WWII
1922 No D Wheat Penny	Rare	$90,000+	Only a few minted	No “D” mint mark

FAQs

Why is the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny so valuable?

The 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny is valuable because of its low mintage and historical significance as the first Wheat Penny. The initials of the designer, Victor D. Brenner, were prominently displayed on the coin, which was later changed, making the original version highly collectible.

What makes the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny rare?

Most 1943 pennies were struck in steel to conserve copper for the war effort. A small number of copper pennies were accidentally produced, making them extremely rare and valuable.

How can I tell if my penny is a 1917 Double Die?

The 1917 Double Die Wheat Penny features a noticeable doubling of the date on the obverse. You can usually see the doubling with the naked eye or under magnification.

Where can I sell my rare Wheat Penny?

You can sell your rare Wheat Penny through coin dealers, online auction platforms like eBay, or by consigning them to numismatic auctions. Be sure to get your coin graded by a professional service to maximize its value.

What should I do if I find a rare Wheat Penny?

If you find a rare Wheat Penny, it’s important to have it evaluated and graded by a reputable coin grading service. This will help you determine its value and condition, ensuring you receive a fair price if you decide to sell it.