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

Wheat pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, are highly sought-after by collectors due to their historical significance and unique design. Some of these coins, however, are more than just collectibles—they are incredibly rare and valuable.

In fact, a few Wheat pennies have been sold for jaw-dropping prices, with their value skyrocketing due to various factors like rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Below are three ultra-rare Wheat pennies that have collectively amassed a value of over $99 million and continue to grow in worth.

1943 Copper Wheat Penny

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for penny production to save copper for the war effort. However, a few pennies were accidentally struck in copper, making them extremely rare.

Only a handful of these pennies are known to exist, and their scarcity has driven their value into the millions. A 1943 copper penny fetched nearly $1.7 million at auction, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world.

1909-S VDB Wheat Penny

The 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny is another rare and valuable coin that has captivated collectors. This penny was the first in the Wheat series and was minted in San Francisco with the designer’s initials, VDB, prominently displayed on the reverse side.

Due to controversy over the size of the initials, production was halted early, making the 1909-S VDB one of the rarest Wheat pennies. These coins can sell for tens of thousands of dollars in high-grade condition, and certain mint-state examples have fetched prices nearing $1 million.

1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny

The 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny is famous for its striking error. The doubling of the design elements on the front of the coin, including the date and inscriptions, makes it instantly recognizable. This error occurred during the minting process, and only a limited number of these coins were released into circulation.

Collectors are willing to pay substantial sums for this rare coin, with high-grade examples selling for more than $100,000. This penny’s unique minting flaw and historical significance make it one of the most valuable Wheat pennies ever.

Coin NameYearMint MarkAuction Price
1943 Copper1943None$1.7 million
1909-S VDB1909S$1 million
1955 Doubled Die1955None$100,000
1944 Steel1944None$400,000
1922 No D1922None$80,000

These coins stand as a testament to how errors, rarity, and historical value can turn a simple penny into a multimillion-dollar treasure. Collectors continue to search for these rare finds, and as interest in numismatics grows, so too does the value of these extraordinary coins.

FAQs

What makes the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny so valuable?

The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is valuable due to a minting error. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel, but a few were accidentally struck in copper, making them extremely rare and valuable.

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

The 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny has an obvious doubling effect on the date and inscriptions. If you see significant doubling, you might have this rare and valuable coin.

Why is the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny important?

The 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny is significant because it was the first in the Wheat series, and controversy over the large initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, led to limited production, making it a rare find.

Are all 1944 Steel Pennies valuable?

Yes, 1944 Steel Pennies are extremely rare because pennies that year were supposed to be made from copper. Only a few were mistakenly struck in steel, which makes them highly valuable.

Where can I sell rare Wheat pennies?

You can sell rare Wheat pennies through auction houses, coin dealers, or numismatic websites. Ensure you get your coin graded and authenticated for the best results.

Sandy Dane
Sandy Dane
Articles: 175

60 Comments

    • Best thing you can do is you can buy yourself one of those metal detectors they’re like a small one you can hold it in your hand and possibly you can use that machine to tell if you have steel or copper pennies you can also look online they have books at the library or online at certain options to find out the pneumatic and rarity of your coin it’s supposed to be numeric but I can’t pronounce it that well

    • I have some coins that I will like to saled but I don’t have a place to take them

    • I have a few more pennies for sale. I have a bicentennial quarter too

  1. I have a strange penny I found, says 2016 but looks from early 1900’s, but I have coins from around the world and American how do I find the value?

  2. Hey I’m not sure how these pennies work but I have like I like almost like 90 1944 wheat pennies and maybe 50 1958 wheat pennies I have no idea but eventually I’ll figure it out

  3. I have some coins that I will like to saled but I don’t have a place to take them

  4. I have both of those wheat penny’s I would love, to get $99 million dollars for 1958 & 1909 wheat penny’s with those years on them if u know somebody send them my way I will sell them that would set my retirement up for me to do everything I have ever wanted to do in my life time or until I die……….

  5. I have the 1909 vdb s and 4 of the steel Pennie’s the copper war penny also and Ive gone through the worst 2 years ever had covid 4 times lost my company both vehicles and could really use some cash first reasonable offer can have any one of them or all of them 7209493860

  6. I have 7 of these pennies I been had for years 3- 1943 and 1-1944 1-1955 and two more I don’t remember the years on them right off and A dollar Andrew coin

  7. I am from Vancouver, Brtish Columbia,Canada
    I have this U.S.Wheat penny dated 1942 D mint mark,1944 D Mint mark to Lincoln U.S. penny the from 1960 with mint mark and without mint and with the Shield penny 2013 D mint .All ing good condition aside from penny I have US. Dime U.S. nickel, U.S. QUARTER and other different Old coins from different Countries ,anyone interested ,you can email me .

  8. These coins are just oh so rare and yet there’s …… How many people posting “I have that coin! Oh I’ve got those wheat pennies “! What a freaking JOKE LOL good luck becoming millionaires

  9. I have a lot of great condition coins wheat pennies for sale 1955 1969 s and 1958 double dies and the 1922 no D how can I sale them

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