Wheat pennies are among the most iconic and collectible coins in U.S. history. While many of these pennies were minted in massive numbers, a few rare varieties are still in circulation today and can be worth incredible amounts of money.
Some of these coins have even fetched astonishing prices at auctions, with the highest ones valued at over $99 million. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of these, it could be your ticket to a substantial payday. Let’s dive into the top 10 most valuable Wheat pennies still in circulation and what makes them so special.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and sought-after coins. Due to a minting error, a few of these pennies were made using copper instead of the standard steel used during World War II. This rarity can fetch a high price, with some selling for up to $1.7 million at auctions.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
This penny marks the first year of the Lincoln Wheat series, and its rarity is due to the low mintage of the “S” (San Francisco) variety with the designer’s initials, “V.D.B.” This coin is a favorite among collectors, and it can be valued in the tens of thousands, depending on condition.
1914-D Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Wheat Penny is another highly sought-after coin due to its low mintage. While over 22 million pennies were produced that year, only 1.1 million of the “D” mintmark variety were made. A well-preserved example of this penny can bring in tens of thousands of dollars.
1922 Plain Wheat Penny
Unlike other pennies from that era, the 1922 Plain Wheat Penny lacks a mintmark, making it a valuable oddity. This error occurred when dies from the Denver Mint were overused, resulting in the absence of the mintmark. Depending on its condition, this penny can fetch anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $30,000.
1931-S Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Wheat Penny is known for its low mintage of only 866,000 coins, making it a prized possession for collectors. While it’s not as valuable as some of the others, it can still be worth thousands in top condition.
1909-S Wheat Penny
Though the 1909-S Wheat Penny lacks the “VDB” initials, it remains highly collectible due to its limited production. With only 1.8 million minted, this coin is often valued at several thousand dollars, especially if it’s in pristine condition.
1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny is another example of a rare and valuable coin created due to a minting error. The doubling of the image on the obverse side makes it highly recognizable. A coin in excellent condition can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny is also popular due to a minting error that caused the image to be struck twice. This variety can be worth several thousand dollars, depending on its state of preservation.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Similar to the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny was a result of a minting error. As steel pennies were primarily made in 1943, finding one dated 1944 makes it an incredible rarity, with values ranging from $75,000 to over $100,000.
1926-S Wheat Penny
The 1926-S Wheat Penny is notable for its low mintage and scarcity in high grades. While it’s not as valuable as some of the others on this list, a well-preserved specimen can still fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
| Coin Name | Mintage | Mint Mark | Estimated Value (USD) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Unknown | None | $1.7 Million | Minted in copper during WWII |
| 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny | 484,000 | S | $50,000+ | First year of Lincoln series |
| 1914-D Wheat Penny | 1.1 million | D | $20,000+ | Low mintage |
| 1922 Plain Wheat Penny | Unknown | None | $30,000+ | Mintmark missing due to error |
| 1931-S Wheat Penny | 866,000 | S | $1,000 – $2,500 | Limited mintage |
| 1909-S Wheat Penny | 1.8 million | S | $5,000 – $7,000 | First year of issue |
| 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny | Unknown | None | $1,000 – $10,000 | Doubling error |
| 1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny | Unknown | None | $5,000+ | Doubling error |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | Unknown | None | $75,000+ | Minted in steel after 1943 |
| 1926-S Wheat Penny | 4.5 million | S | $1,000 – $2,500 | Scarcity in high grades |
While many Wheat pennies are common, these rare varieties are truly the gems of any coin collection. If you happen to find one in circulation, you could be holding onto a small fortune.
FAQs
What makes Wheat pennies so valuable?
Wheat pennies are valuable due to factors like rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Certain varieties, like the 1943 Copper or 1909-S VDB pennies, were produced in very limited numbers, driving up their value.
How can I tell if my Wheat penny is rare?
Look for specific mint marks, dates, and any unusual features like doubling errors or the wrong metal composition. Coins from certain years or those with minting errors are often more valuable.
Are Wheat pennies still in circulation?
Yes, some Wheat pennies can still be found in circulation, though it’s becoming increasingly rare. Checking your pocket change or bank rolls can sometimes yield one of these valuable coins.
How do I get my Wheat penny appraised?
You can have your Wheat penny appraised by a professional coin dealer or numismatist. They can determine the value based on the coin’s condition, rarity, and demand in the collector’s market.
Where can I sell my rare Wheat penny?
You can sell rare Wheat pennies at auctions, through coin dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay. Many coin collectors are willing to pay top dollar for these rare finds.
How do I clean my old coins without damaging them?
What can I use to clean my coins nickel dimes quarters and pennys