You’ve probably seen them – those old copper pennies with two wheat stalks on the back. Officially called “Wheat Cents” or “Lincoln Wheat Pennies,” they were minted from 1909 to 1958 and were the very first U.S. coins to feature Abraham Lincoln.
The Fascinating History (1909–1958)
Designed by Victor David Brenner to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Wheat Penny replaced the Indian Head cent in 1909. The famous “VDB” initials on early 1909 coins caused a scandal and were removed… then quietly added back! Production ran for 50 years until the Memorial reverse replaced it in 1959.
Why Wheat Pennies Are Still Hot in 2025
They’re affordable, historic, and some rare dates are absolute monsters in value. With copper prices rising and nostalgia booming, beginners can start for pocket change while top-grade rarities now sell for five and six figures.
Wheat Penny Value Chart by Year & Mint (Average 2025 Prices)
| Year | Common Circulated | Good-VG | Fine | XF/AU | MS63 RD | MS65+ RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $600–$900 | $1,000+ | $1,200+ | $1,500+ | $3,000+ | $10,000+ |
| 1909-S | $90–$150 | $200 | $300 | $500 | $1,200 | $5,000+ |
| 1914-D | $150–$300 | $400 | $600 | $1,200 | $4,000 | $25,000+ |
| 1922 No D | $500–$1,000 | $1,500+ | $3,000+ | $8,000+ | $20,000+ | $100,000+ |
| 1931-S | $50–$90 | $120 | $150 | $250 | $600 | $2,500+ |
| 1955 DDO | $800–$1,200 | $1,500+ | $2,000+ | $2,500+ | $4,000+ | $15,000+ |
(Prices are retail for problem-free coins – source: PCGS CoinFacts & recent auctions, Dec 2025)
The Most Valuable Key Dates & Errors (Top 10)
| Rank | Coin | Record Sale | Why It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943 Bronze (error) | $1.7 million | Struck in bronze instead of steel |
| 2 | 1944 Steel (error) | $373,000 | Wrong planchet |
| 3 | 1922 Plain (No D) | $147,500 | Die abrasion removed mint mark |
| 4 | 1909-S VDB | $126,000 (MS68) | Lowest mintage Lincoln cent |
| 5 | 1955 Double Die | $124,000 | Dramatic doubling on date/Liberty |
How to Grade Your Wheat Pennies Like a Pro
Look for sharp wheat lines, full “ONE CENT,” and original red color. Even light wear drops value 90%. Use a 10x loupe – it’s the best $10 you’ll ever spend as a collector.
Expert Tips to Start or Grow Your Collection
- Buy Whitman folders – they’re cheap and fun to fill.
- Focus on high-grade red coins (RD) – they’ve outperformed the market.
- Cherry-pick bank rolls and “wheat cent” lots on eBay.
- Never clean your coins – it destroys value instantly.
- Get the rare dates certified (PCGS/NGC) if over $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No – common dates in worn condition are worth 3–15¢ each, but key dates skyrocket.
Q: Where can I sell my wheat pennies?
A: Local coin shops, eBay, Heritage Auctions, or GreatCollections for big ones.
Q: What’s the holy grail right now?
A: An MS68+ 1909-S VDB or a 1943 bronze in any grade.
Final Thoughts – Your Jar of Pennies Could Change Everything
From the ultra-rare 1909-S VDB to the iconic 1955 Double Die, wheat pennies prove that everyday pocket change can become serious money. Grab that old coffee can, check your dates and mint marks against the chart above, and you might just find a tiny copper fortune. Happy hunting – and let me know in the comments if you discover a treasure!