The Wheat Penny or Lincoln Wheat Penny was originally released on August 2, 1909. People were intrigued about their new cent coin because the mint did not release any pictures of the Lincoln Cent before the release of the actual coin. The mint sent out what was believed to be a sufficient amount of Lincoln Wheat Pennies, but the morning of August 2 proved their predictions to be astoundingly wrong. With long lines outside of each treasury to buy the new Lincoln cent the U.S. Mint was overwhelmed!
The Lincoln Cent's obverse design consisted of a profile of President Lincoln, the side profile was inspired by a photo taken on February 9, 1864. On the reverse of the coin a wheat stock was featured on each side and the words “ ONE CENT” were in-scripted. The wheat stock featured on the coin is the reason why the Lincoln Cent coin got its other name, the Wheat Penny. The designer of the Lincoln Wheat Penny was Victor D. Berner.
The Wheat penny was minted from 1909-1958 in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Some of these Lincoln cents were also minted in 1909 with the initials “VDB” for the designer of the coin. If someone were to have this rare version of the Lincoln cent these initials will be found on the bottom of the reverse of the coin.
Wheat Penny Value
Many collectors throughout the United States collect Lincoln Cents. The main reason for this is affordability. Complete sets of the Lincoln Pennies can often be put together for only a couple hundred dollars in circulated quality. Some collectors look to spend a little more money and put together a certified Lincoln Penny set graded either by NGC or PCGS. The key dates in the Lincoln Penny series are the following:
-1909 S Wheat Penny
-1914-D Wheat Penny
-1922 D No D Wheat Penny
-1924 D Wheat Penny
-1931 S Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mintages and Values
| 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 | |
*Source Red Book
FAQ
What is a Wheat Penny?
A Wheat Penny, also known as a Lincoln Wheat Cent, is a United States one-cent piece produced from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse.
Why are Wheat Pennies collected?
They are collected for their historical significance, aesthetic appeal, the variety of mint marks and errors, and potential value.
What are the key dates for Wheat Pennies?
Key dates include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 (no D), 1931-S, and the 1955 double die.
How much is a 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny worth?
Depending on condition, it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
What does the "S" and "D" mean on Wheat Pennies?
"S" stands for the San Francisco Mint and "D" for the Denver Mint. No mark indicates the Philadelphia Mint.
What is the rarest Wheat Penny?
The 1909-S VDB is considered one of the rarest due to its low mintage and high collector demand.
Can Wheat Pennies be valuable?
Yes, especially those in uncirculated condition, with key dates, or with errors.
How do I know if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check its date, mint mark, condition, and for any errors. Consult a price guide or a professional appraiser for a precise value.
What errors increase a Wheat Penny's value?
Common errors include double dies, off-center strikes, and missing letters. The 1955 double die is particularly famous.
What is the value of a 1943 steel Wheat Penny?
While most are worth between 10 to 50 cents in circulated condition, pristine uncirculated examples can fetch higher prices.
How to store and care for Wheat Pennies?
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in acid-free holders or albums to prevent damage and corrosion.
Are Wheat Pennies made of gold?
No, they were primarily made of copper, except for the 1943 steel version.
What is the most expensive Wheat Penny ever sold?
A 1943-D bronze Wheat Penny sold for over $1.7 million due to its rarity as a mint error.
How can you clean a Wheat Penny?
Generally, cleaning coins is discouraged as it can decrease their value. If necessary, consult a professional.
What is the "VDB" on some Wheat Pennies?
"VDB" are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin's designer, found on the 1909 version.
How to identify a Wheat Penny?
Look for the iconic wheat stalks on the reverse and Abraham Lincoln on the obverse.
Why was the Wheat Penny replaced?
It was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959 to honor the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
How many Wheat Pennies were minted?
Billions were minted over the series' 50-year span, making them relatively common but with some rare exceptions.
What years of Wheat Pennies are most valuable?
Key dates like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 no D, 1931-S, and those with errors like the 1955 double die.
What do the wheat stalks on the reverse symbolize?
They symbolize prosperity and abundance.
Can you still find Wheat Pennies in circulation?
It's rare, but possible, as some may still be found in change, coin rolls, or collections.
What is the composition of Wheat Pennies?
Primarily 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, except for the 1943 steel cent.
What is a "Lincoln Cent"?
The Lincoln Cent is the current denomination of the U.S. penny, with the Wheat Penny being the first design in this series.
Are there any color variations in Wheat Pennies?
Yes, depending on the metal composition and environmental exposure, they can range from copper red to brown.
How to start collecting Wheat Pennies?
Begin by checking your own change, visiting local coin shops, attending coin shows, and learning about grading and valuation to build your collection.