You’ve probably seen those old Lincoln pennies with two sheaves of wheat on the back, often called “wheaties.” Even though they have a face value of just one cent, some wheat pennies are actually worth thousands of dollars.
Knowing which wheat pennies are valuable is easier when you understand what makes them rare. These pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958, so there are plenty of them out there.
While not all are valuable, wheat pennies are often among the most sought-after Lincoln coins. Rare minting errors and low production numbers can make certain wheat pennies worth a fortune.
Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
If you have an old coin collection or a jar of pennies from a flea market or inheritance, you might be sitting on a hidden treasure.
Here’s a quick list of the most valuable wheat pennies and what they’ve sold for:
| Wheat Penny | Value |
|---|---|
| 1943-D bronze cent | $840,000 |
| 1943-S bronze cent | $504,000 |
| 1943 (Philadelphia) bronze cent | $372,000 |
| 1944-D steel cent | $115,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent | $92,000 |
| 1914 Lincoln cent | $83,000 |
| 1922 No D strong reverse | $67,000 |
| 1921 Lincoln cent | $55,000 |
| 1925-S Lincoln cent | $54,000 |
| 1915-S Lincoln cent | $48,000 |
Why These Wheat Pennies Are So Valuable?
1943-D Bronze Cent
The most valuable wheat penny is the 1943-D bronze cent from the Denver Mint. In 1943, most pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II.
However, a few bronze pennies were mistakenly made, including one from the Denver Mint. Only one is known to exist, and it sold for $840,000 in 2021.
1943-S Bronze Cent
Similar minting mistakes happened at the San Francisco Mint, where a few bronze blanks (planchets) were accidentally struck. Only six 1943-S bronze pennies are known to exist, with one selling for $504,000 in 2020.
1943 (Philadelphia) Bronze Cent
Philadelphia also had the same minting error with bronze planchets in 1943. About 20 are believed to exist today. One in excellent condition sold for $372,000 in 2021.
1944-D Steel Cent
In 1944, the mint switched back to using copper, but a few steel planchets from 1943 were accidentally used. Fewer than 10 of these 1944-D steel pennies are known to exist. One sold for $115,000 in 2007.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The Lincoln penny was first minted in 1909. The initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), were included in the original design.
The Treasury disliked the initials and removed them shortly after minting began. Only about 484,000 were struck at the San Francisco Mint, making them rare. One sold for $92,000 in 2005.
1914 Lincoln Cent
The 1914 Lincoln penny is highly sought after by collectors. The 1914-D is rarer than the 1914-S, but condition plays a big role in value. A 1914-S penny in excellent condition sold for over $83,000 in 2008.
1922 No D Strong Reverse
This penny was struck at the Denver Mint, but the “D” mint mark is missing. The reverse (wheat side) is more clearly stamped than the front. A well-preserved version sold for over $67,000 in 2014.
1921 Lincoln Cent
The 1921 wheat penny is tough to find in mint condition. Only two are rated “superb,” and one sold for over $55,000 in 2005.
1925-S Wheat Penny
Many 1925 pennies from the San Francisco Mint were poorly made. Finding one with sharp details is rare. A crisp, well-preserved example sold for over $54,000 in 2005.
1915-S Wheat Penny
Like the 1925 version, the 1915-S penny often lacked clarity and crispness. A well-defined, uncirculated example sold for over $48,000 in 2005.
How to Spot a Valuable Wheat Penny?
While most wheat pennies aren’t worth more than a few cents, some could be valuable. Here’s what to look for:
- Early dates – Pennies from the early years of production (especially 1909) are often valuable.
- World War II years (1941–1945) – Any unusual material (like bronze or steel) from these years can mean a valuable error coin.
- Minting errors – Look for missing mint marks, double stamping, or off-center designs.
- Good condition – The sharper the details and edges, the more valuable the coin is likely to be.
Next time you’re sorting through spare change, take a closer look at those old wheat pennies—you might have a small fortune hiding in plain sight!
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.