For collectors and history lovers alike, Lincoln Wheat pennies are more than just coins — they’re a glimpse into America’s past. First introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, these pennies featured wheat stalks on the reverse until 1958, earning the nickname “Wheat pennies.”
While many Wheat pennies are still common, a handful are genuinely rare and extremely valuable, especially if they feature mint errors or were produced in limited numbers. If you’re holding onto old change, these are the coins you hope to find.
1. 1943-D Bronze Penny – $1,700,000+
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel due to copper shortages during World War II. But a few bronze planchets slipped through — including one struck in Denver. Only one confirmed 1943-D bronze penny exists, making it a holy grail for collectors.
Record sale: Over $1.7 million
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – $700 to $100,000+
The very first Lincoln cent came with “V.D.B.” initials (for designer Victor D. Brenner) boldly printed on the reverse. Public criticism led to the design being pulled early. The San Francisco-minted 1909-S VDB version had only 484,000 coins, making it one of the most iconic and desirable Lincoln pennies ever made.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – $200 to $15,000+
Minted in Denver, the 1914-D Wheat penny is scarce and sought after in any grade. High-grade examples can cross into five-figure territory. The popularity of this coin hasn’t faded, especially among collectors completing full Lincoln cent sets.
4. 1922 No D Strong Reverse Penny – $500 to $15,000+
All 1922 Lincoln cents were made in Denver — but due to worn dies, some coins lost their “D” mint mark entirely. The most desirable version shows a strong reverse with no mint mark, and collectors will pay thousands for well-preserved examples.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – $1,000 to $25,000+
Probably the most famous error penny ever made. On the 1955 doubled die, inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear dramatically doubled to the naked eye. These coins are beloved by collectors and command huge premiums, especially in uncirculated grades.
6. 1944 Steel Penny – $75,000 to $125,000+
After switching back to copper in 1944, a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used. These 1944 steel Wheat pennies are extremely rare — fewer than 30 are believed to exist. One sold for over $100,000, making it a must-watch for error hunters.
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – $25,000 to $75,000+
This San Francisco mint error features strong doubling on the front inscriptions, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It’s incredibly rare and valuable, especially in higher grades. Be cautious though — many counterfeits exist, so certification is crucial.
8. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Penny – $200 to $5,000+
The 1972 version of the doubled die penny is a bit more common but still prized. Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date. A crisp, high-grade MS66+ version can earn several thousand dollars.
9. 1992 Close AM Penny – $1,000 to $20,000
A transitional design mix-up resulted in some 1992 pennies using the Close AM reverse meant for 1993. Only a few exist. These are extremely subtle errors that require a magnifying glass but pay off big time in value.
10. 1999 Wide AM Penny – $500 to $5,000+
Another design anomaly — the 1999 Wide AM penny was also the result of mixing dies between business strikes and proof coins. Spotting this requires attention to detail, but lucky finds have sold for up to $5,000.
What Makes a Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable?
Mint Errors: Double dies, wrong planchets, and missing mint marks all increase rarity.
Grade/Condition: Uncirculated (MS65 or higher) and certified coins fetch premium prices.
Limited Mintage: Coins like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D had low production numbers and high demand.
Historical Context: War-era coins, transitional designs, and unique stories give these coins a special appeal.
FAQs
What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat penny?
The 1943-D bronze penny is the rarest and most valuable — worth over $1.7 million.
How can I tell if I have a valuable Wheat penny?
Look for key dates, mint marks, or visible errors like doubling. Compare with verified examples and consider having it certified.
Are Wheat pennies still found in circulation?
Yes, though rarely. It’s still possible to find Wheat pennies in rolls of coins from banks or even pocket change.
Do all 1943 pennies have value?
Most 1943 steel cents are worth under $5, but if yours is bronze, it could be worth thousands.
Where should I sell a rare penny?
Use certified auction houses or consult with PCGS/NGC-verified dealers for best results and authentication.
Final Thought
Lincoln Wheat pennies aren’t just historical artifacts — they can be surprisingly valuable pieces of metal hiding in old jars or inherited collections. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual treasure hunter, these 10 coins are the ones to look out for.
If you want help identifying your Lincoln penny, feel free to share a photo or description!
