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Wheat Pennies Worth Money

Wheat Pennies Worth Money

Posted by Andrew Adamo on Nov 13th 2024

Wheat Penny Value. Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies Worth Money List.

As of 2024, the value of a Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, typically ranges from 5 cents to $20 for common dates and average conditions. Rare varieties, such as the 1909-S V.D.B. or 1955 Doubled Die, can be worth $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on their condition and rarity. High-grade examples and specific rare mint errors can command prices of several thousand dollars. Continue reading to learn about wheat penny value and use our list to estimate worth of your penny.

Wheat Penny

The Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin minted by the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front) and two stalks of wheat on the reverse (back). Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was introduced to replace the Indian Head Penny and is notable for its collectible value, with key dates and mint errors being especially sought after by numismatists.

Wheat Penny Value

The value of a Wheat Penny, also known as a Lincoln Wheat Cent, is influenced by several factors, including the year of minting, its condition, and the mint mark. Key dates and rare minting errors can significantly increase a Wheat Penny value, with some coins fetching high premiums. Typically, pennies from the Philadelphia mint are considered superior in quality. Understanding these variables helps collectors accurately assess the value of their Wheat Pennies. Find the most valuable wheat pennies worth money along with key dates with our Lincoln cent value guide. Use our list to estimate worth of your penny.  

Introduced in 1909, the Lincoln wheat penny quickly became a foundational piece for many coin collectors, serving as an accessible entry point into the hobby. Lincoln pennies from their debut year hold particular value for collectors, but other versions of this coin are also highly sought after. Factors such as the year it was minted, its condition, and the minting location significantly influence its collector value. Known both as “Wheat Reverse cents” and “Lincoln Cents,” these pennies were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, with those from Philadelphia often regarded as superior in quality compared to their counterparts from Denver or San Francisco. The design of the Lincoln penny boasts the distinction of being the longest-running coin design in the history of the U.S. Mint. Generally, Lincoln wheat pennies in better condition are more highly prized and command greater value than those showing signs of wear or damage.

Lincoln Penny Design History

The design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny was crafted by Victor David Brenner, a sculptor-engraver, and chosen personally by President Theodore Roosevelt. In a bid to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth in 1909, Roosevelt commissioned the penny's design based on Brenner's work. This marked a historical departure as Lincoln became the first individual, whether living or deceased, to be depicted on a circulating U.S. coin, a move previously deemed inappropriate.

Brenner's design closely mirrors a desk plaque he created for the Gorham Manufacturing Company in 1907 and a profile portrait of Lincoln from 1864. The coin's obverse features the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Lincoln’s head, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the minting date to the right. On the reverse, designed also by Brenner, two wheat stalks flank the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the coin's denomination and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” earning the coin its nickname, “Wheat Penny.”

Upon the completion of his design, Brenner initially included his full name on the obverse, which Mint Director Frank A. Leach opposed. Brenner then opted to place his initials at the reverse's base. However, following their appearance on the penny released on August 2, 1909, the initials sparked controversy, leading Leach to remove them entirely from the coins being produced by August 12, 1909. It wasn't until 1918 that Brenner’s initials made a discreet comeback, positioned below Lincoln’s shoulder, where they have remained up to the present day.

Mint Marks on the Lincoln Wheat Penny

The value of Lincoln Wheat Cents can significantly vary based on their mint of origin and the year they were minted. Coins bearing the "S" mint mark, indicating production at the San Francisco mint, are particularly coveted by collectors. Denver-minted Lincoln Cents are identified by a "D" mint mark, whereas those produced in Philadelphia carry no mint mark, adhering to a longstanding tradition of the US Mint.

Value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny

While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies hold nominal value, typically just a few cents, those in superior condition might fetch between $20 to $30. Nevertheless, pennies from specific years, with low mintages, or featuring errors can command substantial sums. Among these, the 1909-S VDB penny stands out due to its exceptionally low mintage, making it a notable rarity with around 484,000 units minted and merely an estimated 20,000 surviving today. Despite not being the series' scarcest, its fame extends even outside numismatic circles. Additionally, the 1943 Bronze/Copper Cent is another remarkable variety. In an effort to conserve copper for wartime needs during World War II, pennies were produced in steel. However, a few copper planchets were mistakenly left in the presses, leading to the creation of approximately 30 to 40 copper pennies in 1943, adding to their rarity and desirability among collectors.

1909 S Penny

The 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies List

Here's the top 10 most valuable pennies (for mint state coins that have never been in circulation).

1998-P Wide AM: 

AUCTION RECORD for the MS62 BN: $250

1998-P Wide AM Penny

1995-D Doubled Die:

AUCTION RECORD for the MS67+RD: $4,200

1995 D DDO Lincoln Cent

1970-S Small Date High 7

AUCTION RECORD: $2,464


1970 s small date high 7

1984-P Doubled Die Ear

AUCTION RECORD: $904

1984-P Doubled Die Ear

1960-D Small D Over Large D

$200 - $500

1960-D Small D Over Large D

1983-P Doubled Die Reverse

AUCTION RECORD: $7,050

1983-P Doubled Die Reverse

1992-D Close AM

AUCTION RECORD: $3,525

1992-D Close AM


1999-P Wide AM

AUCTION RECORD: $2,300

1999-P Wide AM

1972-P Doubled Die Obverse

AUCTION RECORD: $14,400

1972-P Doubled Die Obverse

1971-P Doubled Die Obverse

AUCTION RECORD: $10,925

1971-P Doubled Die Obverse

The Lincoln Cent with the Lincoln Memorial reverse design was first released in 1959, on February 12th to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. (150th anniversary) The reverse was designed by Frank Gasparro, who won the internal competition the Mint held amongst the Mint's engravers.

The design features the Lincoln Memorial from straight on, with a tiny Lincoln Memorial statue in the center, meaning Lincoln is actually featured on both sides of the coin!


Wheat Penny Values by Year

Date Mintage Good Very Fine Extremely Fine Uncirculated
1909 Wheat Penny (VDB) 27,995,000 $15.00 $18.00 $19.00 $25.00
1909-S Wheat Penny  (VDB) 484,000 $600.00 $725.00 $850.00 $1,200.00
1909 Wheat Penny  72,702,618 $4.00 $7.00 $8.00 $17.00
1909-S Wheat Penny  1,825,000 $80.00 $130.00 $150.00 $300.00
1910 Wheat Penny  146,801,218 $0.35 $1.50 $4.00 $18.00
1910-S Wheat Penny  6,045,000 $17.00 $25.00 $45.00 $100.00
1911 Wheat Penny  101,177,787 $0.45 $2.50 $6.00 $21.00
1911-D Wheat Penny  12,672,000 $6.00 $20.00 $50.00 $95.00
1911-S Wheat Penny  4,026,000 $35.00 $60.00 $75.00 $185.00
1912 Wheat Penny  68,153,060 $1.25 $5.50 $1.00 $35.00
1912-D Wheat Penny  10,411,000 $7.00 $25.00 $65.00 $170.00
1912-S Wheat Penny  4,431,000 $20.00 $40.00 $75.00 $180.00
1913 Wheat Penny  76,532,352 $0.85 $4.00 $18.00 $35.00
1913-D Wheat Penny  15,804,000 $3.00 $10.00 $50.00 $110.00
1913-S Wheat Penny  6,101,000 $10.00 $30.00 $60.00 $175.00
1914 Wheat Penny  75,238,432 $0.75 $6.00 $20.00 $55.00
1914-D Wheat Penny  1,193,000 $150.00 $250.00 $700.00 $2,000.00
1914-S Wheat Penny  4,137,000 $20.00 $40.00 $85.00 $325.00
1915 Wheat Penny  29,092,120 $1.75 $18.00 $60.00 $90.00
1915-D Wheat Penny  22,050,000 $2.00 $7.00 $22.00 $85.00
1915-S Wheat Penny  4,833,000 $20.00 $35.00 $70.00 $200.00
1916 Wheat Penny  131,833,677 $0.30 $2.00 $8.00 $18.00
1916-D Wheat Penny  35,956,000 $1.00 $6.00 $15.00 $75.00
1916-S Wheat Penny  22,510,000 $1.75 $8.00 $25.00 $105.00
1917 Wheat Penny  196,429,785 $0.30 $2.00 $4.00 $16.00
1917-D Wheat Penny  55,120,000 $0.80 $4.50 $35.00 $80.00
1917-S Wheat Penny  32,620,000 $0.50 $2.50 $10.00 $75.00
1918 Wheat Penny  288,104,634 $0.20 $1.50 $3.00 $16.00
1918-D Wheat Penny  47,830,000 $0.75 $4.00 $12.00 $80.00
1918-S Wheat Penny  34,680,000 $0.50 $3.00 $11.00 $80.00
1919 Wheat Penny  392,021,000 $0.20 $1.00 $3.25 $14.00
1919-D Wheat Penny  57,154,000 $0.50 $4.00 $10.00 $65.00
1919-S Wheat Penny  139,760,000 $0.20 $2.00 $6.00 $50.00
1920 Wheat Penny  310,165,000 $0.20 $0.50 $2.25 $15.00
1920-D Wheat Penny  49,280,000 $1.00 $0.50 $19.00 $80.00
1920-S Wheat Penny  46,220,000 $0.50 $2.25 $10.00 $110.00
1921 Wheat Penny  39,157,000 $0.50 $2.10 $9.00 $50.00
1921-S Wheat Penny  15,274,000 $1.50 $7.00 $35.00 $135.00
1922-D Wheat Penny  7,160,000 $20.00 $27.00 $40.00 $110.00
1923 Wheat Penny  74,723,000 $0.35 $1.00 $5.00 $15.00
1923-S Wheat Penny  8,700,000 $5.00 $12.00 $40.00 $220.00
1924 Wheat Penny  75,178,000 $0.20 $0.85 $5.00 $24.00
1924-D Wheat Penny  2,520,000 $40.00 $60.00 $125.00 $300.00
1924-S Wheat Penny  11,696,000 $2.00 $5.50 $20.00 $125.00
1925 Wheat Penny  139,949,000 $0.20 $0.60 $3.00 $10.00
1925-D Wheat Penny  22,580,000 $1.00 $0.60 $13.00 $75.00
1925-S Wheat Penny  26,380,000 $1.00 $5.00 $12.00 $90.00
1926 Wheat Penny  157,088,000 $0.20 $4.00 $2.00 $8.00
1926-D Wheat Penny  28,020,000 $1.35 $0.50 $14.00 $85.00
1926-S Wheat Penny  4,550,000 $9.00 $5.25 $35.00 $155.00
1927 Wheat Penny  144,440,000 $0.20 $17.00 $2.00 $10.00
1927-D Wheat Penny  27,170,000 $1.25 $0.60 $7.50 $62.00
1927-S Wheat Penny  14,276,000 $1.50 $3.75 $15.00 $85.00
1928 Wheat Penny  134,116,000 $0.20 $5.00 $2.00 $9.00
1928-D Wheat Penny  31,170,000 $0.75 $0.60 $5.50 $37.00
1928-S Wheat Penny  17,266,000 $1.00 $3.00 $9.50 $75.00
1929 Wheat Penny  185,262,000 $0.20 $3.75 $2.00 $8.00
1929-D Wheat Penny  41,730,000 $0.40 $0.75 $5.50 $25.00
1929-S Wheat Penny  50,148,000 $0.50 $2.25 $5.80 $21.00
1930 Wheat Penny  157,415,000 $0.12 $0.50 $1.25 $6.00
1930-D Wheat Penny  40,100,000 $0.20 $0.55 $2.50 $12.00
1930-S Wheat Penny  24,286,000 $0.20 $0.60 $1.75 $10.00
1931 Wheat Penny  19,396,000 $0.50 $1.50 $4.00 $20.00
1931-D Wheat Penny  4,480,000 $5.00 $8.50 $13.50 $60.00
1931-S Wheat Penny  866,000 $60.00 $100.00 $125.00 $175.00
1932 Wheat Penny  9,062,000 $1.50 $2.50 $4.50 $20.00
1932-D Wheat Penny  10,500,000 $1.50 $2.75 $4.50 $19.00
1933 Wheat Penny  14,360,000 $1.50 $3.00 $6.25 $20.00
1933-D Wheat Penny  6,200,000 $3.50 $7.25 $12.00 $23.00
1934 Wheat Penny  219,080,000 $0.12 $0.30 $1.00 $7.00
1934-D Wheat Penny  28,446,000 $0.20 $0.75 $2.25 $20.00
1935 Wheat Penny  245,388,000 $0.15 $0.25 $0.50 $3.00
1935-D Wheat Penny  47,000,000 $0.15 $0.25 $0.50 $5.00
1935-S Wheat Penny  38,702,000 $0.15 $0.50 $2.00 $12.00
1936 Wheat Penny  309,632,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.50 $3.00
1936-D Wheat Penny  40,620,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.00 $3.00
1936-S Wheat Penny  29,130,000 $0.15 $0.55 $1.00 $5.00
1937 Wheat Penny  309,170,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.00 $3.00
1937-D Wheat Penny  50,430,000 $0.15 $0.40 $1.00 $5.00
1937-S Wheat Penny  34,500,000 $0.15 $0.40 $1.00 $5.00
1938 Wheat Penny  156,682,000 $0.15 $0.40 $1.00 $4.00
1938-D Wheat Penny  20,010,000 $0.20 $0.80 $1.25 $4.00
1938-S Wheat Penny  15,180,000 $0.40 $0.75 $1.10 $4.00
1939 Wheat Penny  316,466,000 $0.15 $0.25 $0.50 $2.00
1939-D Wheat Penny  15,160,000 $0.50 $0.85 $1.25 $4.00
1939-S Wheat Penny  52,070,000 $0.15 $0.75 $1.00 $3.00
1940 Wheat Penny  586,810,000 $0.15 $0.40 $0.60 $2.00
1940-D Wheat Penny  81,390,000 $0.15 $0.60 $0.75 $3.00
1940-S Wheat Penny  112,940,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.00 $3.00
1941 Wheat Penny  887,018,000 $0.15 $0.30 $0.60 $2.00
1941-D Wheat Penny  128,700,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.00 $4.00
1941-S Wheat Penny  92,360,000 $0.15 $0.50 $1.00 $4.00
1942 Wheat Penny  657,796,000 $0.15 $0.25 $0.50 $1.00
1942-D Wheat Penny  206,698,000 $0.15 $0.25 $0.50 $1.00
1942-S Wheat Penny  85,590,000 $0.20 $0.85 $1.25 $7.00
1944 Wheat Penny  1,435,400,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1944-D Wheat Penny  430,578,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1944-S Wheat Penny  282,760,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1945 Wheat Penny  1,040,515,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1945-D Wheat Penny  266,268,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1945-S Wheat Penny  121,770,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1946 Wheat Penny  991,655,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1946-D Wheat Penny  315,690,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1946-S Wheat Penny  198,100,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1947 Wheat Penny  190,555,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1947-D Wheat Penny  194,750,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1947-S Wheat Penny  99,000,000 N/A $0.25 $0.25 N/A
1948 Wheat Penny  317,570,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1948-D Wheat Penny  172,637,500 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1948-S Wheat Penny  81,735,000 N/A $0.30 $0.30 N/A
1949 Wheat Penny  217,775,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1949-D Wheat Penny  153,132,500 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1949-S Wheat Penny  64,290,000 N/A $0.30 $0.30 N/A
1950 Wheat Penny  272,635,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1950-D Wheat Penny  334,950,000 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1950-S Wheat Penny  118,505,000 N/A $0.25 $0.25 N/A
1951 Wheat Penny  284,576,000 N/A $0.25 $0.25 N/A
1951-D Wheat Penny  625,355,000 N/A $0.12 $0.12 N/A
1951-S Wheat Penny  136,010,000 N/A $0.30 $0.30 N/A
1952 Wheat Penny 186,775,000 N/A $0.15 $0.15 N/A
1952-D Wheat Penny  746,130,000 N/A $0.15 $0.15 N/A
1952-S Wheat Penny  137,800,004 N/A $0.20 $0.20 N/A
1953 Wheat Penny  256,755,000 N/A $0.15 $0.15 N/A
1953-D Wheat Penny  700,515,000 N/A $0.15 $0.15 N/A
1953-S Wheat Penny  181,835,000 N/A $0.15 $0.15 N/A
1954 Wheat Penny  71,640,050 N/A $0.35 $0.35 N/A
1954-D Wheat Penny  251,552,500 N/A $0.12 $0.12 N/A
1954-S Wheat Penny  96,190,000 N/A $0.12 $0.12 N/A
1955 Wheat Penny  330,958,200 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1955-D Wheat Penny  263,257,500 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1955-S Wheat Penny  44,610,000 N/A $0.20 $0.12 N/A
1956 Wheat Penny  420,745,000 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1956-D Wheat Penny  1,098,201,100 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1957 Wheat Penny  282,540,000 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1957-D Wheat Penny  1,051,342,000 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1958 Wheat Penny  252,525,000 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A
1958-D Wheat Penny  800,953,300 N/A $0.10 $0.12 N/A

FAQs

How does one accurately assess the condition of a Lincoln Wheat Penny?

Assessing the condition of a Lincoln Wheat Penny involves examining the coin for signs of wear, damage, and overall appearance. The grading system for coins, which ranges from Poor (PR) to Mint State (MS), is commonly used. To accurately assess a coin's condition, collectors look at the coin's luster, strike, and details. For example, a coin in Mint State has no signs of wear and retains its original mint luster, while a coin graded as Good may have significant wear but still shows the major designs and lettering.

What specific characteristics should collectors look for in identifying valuable error pennies?

Identifying valuable error pennies requires knowledge of common minting errors and variations. Errors such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, or wrong metal types can significantly increase a penny's value. Collectors should familiarize themselves with known errors for specific years and mint marks, and carefully inspect the coin's details, such as doubling of letters or numbers, misalignments, or unusual colors indicating a different metal composition. Resources like numismatic guides, websites, and collector forums can provide valuable information on known errors and how to spot them.

Are there any restoration or preservation tips for Lincoln Wheat Pennies to maintain or improve their value?

For preservation and restoration, it is crucial to handle Lincoln Wheat Pennies with care to maintain their condition. Collectors are generally advised against cleaning their coins, as improper cleaning can damage the coin's surface and reduce its value. Instead, storing coins in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in appropriate holders or albums that protect them from environmental damage is recommended. If a coin needs cleaning, it is best to consult a professional conservator who specializes in numismatic items to prevent accidental damage.

By understanding how to assess their condition, identifying valuable errors, and properly preserving their Lincoln Wheat Pennies, collectors can enhance their collections and potentially increase the value of their coins.