Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, remain some of the most sought-after U.S. coins by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among these are pennies that, due to their rarity, can fetch incredible amounts at auction—up to $99 million for the most valuable ones.
Discover the rarest Wheat pennies you might still stumble across in circulation today and learn why they are so valuable.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
This coin is one of the most famous in American coin history. With only 484,000 produced, it holds significant value due to its limited mintage and connection to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln penny.
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
During World War II, pennies were made from steel to conserve copper for war materials. However, a few were mistakenly struck in bronze. These pennies are extremely rare, making them highly valuable to collectors.
1914-D Wheat Penny
The 1914-D penny is another highly coveted coin due to its low mintage of just over 1 million coins. Finding one in good condition is rare, contributing to its high value in the coin market.
1922 No D Wheat Penny
A unique coin from the Denver Mint, the 1922 penny is missing its “D” mint mark due to a striking error. This small mistake makes this coin a significant find for collectors seeking rare mint errors.
1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is famous for its striking error, where the entire design appears doubled. This error is highly noticeable, and only a few of these pennies exist, making it one of the most valuable error coins.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Similar to the 1943 bronze penny, this coin was struck in steel instead of bronze by mistake. Its rarity and the fact that it’s a wartime error make it highly valuable in the collector’s market.
1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
Another valuable error coin, the 1917 Doubled Die penny features a doubling of the date and the motto. This coin is a must-have for error coin collectors, and its scarcity adds to its allure.
Coin | Year | Mintage | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|---|
1909-S VDB | 1909 | 484,000 | $100,000+ |
1943 Bronze | 1943 | Unknown | $100,000+ |
1914-D | 1914 | 1,193,000 | $100,000+ |
1922 No D | 1922 | Unknown | $100,000+ |
1955 Doubled Die | 1955 | 20,000 | $100,000+ |
1944 Steel | 1944 | Unknown | $100,000+ |
1917 Doubled Die | 1917 | Unknown | $100,000+ |
These rare Wheat pennies are not only historically significant but can also fetch life-changing amounts at auctions if you are lucky enough to come across one.
FAQs
What makes Wheat pennies valuable?
Wheat pennies are valuable due to their rarity, mint errors, and historical significance. Coins with low mintage or minting errors tend to be the most valuable.
Where can I find Wheat pennies?
You can find Wheat pennies in circulation, coin rolls, or estate sales. Checking your pocket change could also result in discovering a rare coin.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is valuable because it was mistakenly struck in bronze when pennies were supposed to be made of steel during World War II. Only a few exist, making it incredibly rare.
How can I tell if I have a valuable Wheat penny?
Look for mint marks, dates, and striking errors. Consulting a professional coin appraiser can help determine the value of your penny.
Are all Wheat pennies worth money?
Not all Wheat pennies are worth large sums of money. However, those with rare dates, mint marks, or errors can be worth significantly more than face value.