The wheat penny (officially the Lincoln Wheat Cent) is the classic U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it shows Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse—hence the nickname every collector knows.
Quick History of the Wheat Cent (1909–1958)
Released in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the wheat penny was the first U.S. coin with a president’s portrait. Over 25 billion were made across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints until the Memorial reverse replaced it in 1959.
Why Are Some Wheat Pennies So Valuable Today?
Condition, rarity, and errors drive prices. A normal circulated wheat penny is worth 3–15¢, but key dates, mint marks, and mistakes (like the famous 1943 bronze penny) can fetch five, six, or even seven figures!
Wheat Penny Value Chart by Decade (2025 Updated Prices)
| Decade | Common Date Value (Good-VG) | Better Date Value (VF-XF) | Key/Semi-Key Dates & Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909–1919 | $1–$5 | $15–$75 | 1909-S VDB ($800–$2,000+), 1914-D ($200–$3,000) |
| 1920–1929 | 10¢–$1 | $3–$25 | 1922 No D ($1,000–$25,000), 1926-S ($50–$3,000) |
| 1930–1939 | 10¢–$1 | $3–$20 | 1931-S ($80–$300), 1936 DDO ($500–$5,000) |
| 1940–1949 | 3¢–25¢ | $1–$10 | 1943 Bronze ($100,000–$1.8M), 1944 Steel ($7,000–$100K) |
| 1950–1958 | 3¢–10¢ | 25¢–$5 | 1955 DDO ($1,000–$2,500) |
The Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies (Recent Auction Records)
- 1943-D Bronze – $1.7 million (only one known)
- 1943-S Bronze – $1 million+
- 1943 Bronze (Philly) – $372,000
- 1909-S VDB – $100,000+ in MS67
- 1922 No D Strong Reverse – $45,000+
- 1914-D – $15,000–$150,000
- 1931-S – $15,000 in MS66+
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – $25,000+
- 1944 Steel – $50,000–$100,000
- 1909-S – $15,000 in high grade
How to Check Your Wheat Pennies for Rare Errors
Grab a 10x loupe and look for:
- Doubled die obverse (1955, 1917, 1936)
- Repunched mintmarks (many 1940s S and D)
- 1943 copper (should be steel—copper is the error!)
- Off-metal strikes (1944 steel, 1943 bronze)
Expert Tips to Start Collecting in 2025
- Buy Whitman folders for $5–$10 and fill from pocket change/rolls
- Focus on high-grade 1934–1958 first (still affordable)
- Never clean coins—it destroys value
- Get rare ones graded by PCGS or NGC
- Join local coin clubs; members sell below eBay prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No—90% are worth only face value to 15¢ in circulation.
Q: What’s the rarest wheat penny?
A: The 1943 bronze cents (only ~20 known).
Q: Where can I sell my wheat pennies?
A: Reputable dealers, eBay, Heritage Auctions, or local coin shows.
Q: Should I keep every wheat penny I find?
A: Yes! Even common dates add up in quantity.
Final Thoughts – Your Million-Dollar Jar Might Be in the Closet
From the legendary 1943 bronze penny worth nearly $2 million to beautiful red MS67 examples selling for thousands, wheat pennies prove pocket change can become treasure. Start sorting tonight—you never know which dusty roll holds your retirement fund. Happy hunting, and feel free to share your best finds in the comments below!