The Value OF Wheat Pennies BY Year: Wheat pennies, officially known as Lincoln Wheat Cents, were minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. While most are worth just a few cents above face value, certain years and mint marks can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coin collector, knowing which years carry higher value is key to spotting hidden treasures in your pocket change or coin jar.
What Makes a Wheat Penny Valuable?
Several factors affect a wheat penny’s value:
- Year of minting
- Mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, no mark for Philadelphia)
- Condition/grade of the coin
- Rarity (low mintage or errors)
Wheat Penny Values by Year (Select Highlights)
| Year | Mint Mark | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | No mint | $2 – $12 | $30+ | First year of issue |
| 1909-S | VDB | $750 – $1,500 | $2,500+ | Rare & highly sought after |
| 1914-D | D | $200 – $2,500 | $5,000+ | One of the rarest |
| 1922 | No D | $500 – $4,000 | $10,000+ | Only known year with missing mint mark |
| 1931-S | S | $40 – $100 | $150+ | Low mintage |
| 1943 | D/S/No | $0.10 – $1.00 | $5 – $10 | Common steel cents |
| 1943 | Bronze | $60,000 – $200,000+ | $1M+ (MS) | Ultra-rare error coin |
| 1944 | Steel | $75,000+ | $100K+ | Transitional error – very rare |
| 1955 | No mint | $1 – $20 | $50 – $1,000+ | Famous doubled die error |
| 1958 | Doubled Die | $20,000+ | $100,000+ | One of the rarest errors |
| 1958-D | D | $0.05 – $0.25 | $2 – $10 | Common final year |
Wheat Penny Value by Year (Key Dates & Highlights)
Here’s a breakdown of notable Wheat pennies by year and what they’re worth in circulated condition (values can be much higher for mint-state grades):
1909
1909 VDB: $5–$12
1909-S VDB: $700–$2,000+ (key date)
1909-S (no VDB): $100–$300
1910–1919
1914-D: $200–$1,000+ (very rare)
1917 Doubled Die Obverse: $150–$1,200
Common dates (1910–1919): $0.20–$5 depending on condition
1920–1929
1922 (No D): $500–$3,000+ (extremely rare, Denver mint error)
Most other dates: $0.10–$2
1930–1939
1931-S: $70–$200
1936 Doubled Die: $100–$1,000+
Other dates: $0.05–$1.50
1940–1949
1943 Steel Cents (zinc-coated steel): $0.10–$0.50
1943 Copper (error): $100,000+ (extremely rare — check with magnet; copper won’t stick)
Most 1940s: $0.05–$0.25
1950–1958
Common dates: $0.05–$0.20
1955 Doubled Die Obverse: $1,000–$2,500+ (very popular error coin)
Tips for Collectors
Check the back: If it has wheat ears on both sides, it’s a Wheat penny.
Look for mint marks below the date: D = Denver, S = San Francisco, blank = Philadelphia.
Use a magnifying glass to spot doubling or other mint errors.
Store valuable finds properly in coin flips or albums to avoid damage.
Final Thoughts
While most Wheat pennies are common, a few rare ones are worth serious money. With a bit of knowledge and attention to detail, you might uncover a small fortune hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re coin roll hunting or just sorting through grandpa’s old jar, always keep an eye out for those key dates — one coin could change your collection (or your bank account) forever.
FAQs The Value of Wheat Pennies by Year
What are Wheat Pennies?
Wheat pennies are U.S. one-cent coins minted from 1909 to 1958, featuring wheat stalks on the reverse.
Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
Most are worth 1–10 cents, but rare dates like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1955 Doubled Die can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
What is the most valuable Wheat Penny?
The 1943 copper Wheat penny is one of the rarest and can be worth over $100,000.
How can I check if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
Look at the date, mint mark, and condition. Coins with errors, low mintage, or from specific years can be worth much more.