Wheat pennies, those small copper coins with two wheat stalks on the back, were minted from 1909 to 1958. Most are worth just a cent, but some rare ones can sell for hundreds, thousands, or even millions. If you’ve got old pennies in a jar or tucked away in a drawer, you might be sitting on a treasure. This article highlights the top wheat pennies that collectors are paying big money for. Grab a magnifying glass and start checking your coins!
What Makes Wheat Pennies So Special?
Not all wheat pennies are valuable, but certain ones stand out because of their rarity, condition, or minting errors. Coins from years with low production numbers are harder to find, so they’re worth more. Pennies in great shape, especially shiny “uncirculated” ones, fetch higher prices. Errors, like doubled letters or the wrong metal, make some pennies a collector’s dream. Here’s a look at five wheat pennies that could bring you a fortune.
Top Wheat Pennies Collectors Are Hunting
| Penny | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark, VDB initials | $1,000–$20,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | Copper instead of steel | $100,000–$2M+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Clear doubling on date, words | $800–$50,000+ |
| 1914-D | Low mintage, “D” mint mark | $300–$40,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Missing “D” mint mark | $400–$20,000+ |
- 1909-S VDB: This penny, with the designer’s initials “VDB” and an “S” mint mark from San Francisco, had only 484,000 made. A top-condition one can sell for $20,000 or more.
- 1943 Bronze: During World War II, most 1943 pennies were steel, but a few bronze ones were made by mistake. One sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- 1955 Doubled Die: This error coin has bold doubling on the date and words, easy to spot. High-grade ones can fetch up to $50,000.
- 1914-D: Only 1.2 million were minted in Denver, making it super rare. A near-perfect one sold for $159,000 in 2018.
- 1922 No D: Some Denver pennies were missing the “D” mint mark, a major error. A top-quality one can go for $20,000.
Why Are These Pennies Worth So Much?
These coins are valuable because of their scarcity or unique mistakes. The 1909-S VDB and 1914-D had tiny mintages, so few survived. The 1943 Bronze penny is a famous error—copper was reserved for the war, so bronze pennies shouldn’t exist. The 1955 Doubled Die and 1922 No D have clear errors that make them stand out. Coins that are still shiny and copper-colored (called “red” by collectors) are worth the most, especially if they’re uncirculated.
How to Find These Rare Pennies
You might have one of these pennies in your change, an old coin roll, or a family collection. Check the date and mint mark (a small letter below the date—“S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver). Use a magnifying glass to look for doubling on the 1955 penny or a missing “D” on the 1922. For the 1943 penny, see if it’s bronze (not magnetic) instead of steel (magnetic). Compare your coin to pictures online or in coin books. If it looks promising, take it to a coin dealer for a closer look.
Selling Your Valuable Pennies
If you find a rare wheat penny, get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll check its condition and authenticity, which can increase its value. You can sell through trusted coin shops, auction houses, or online platforms like eBay. Be careful of fakes, especially with coins like the 1943 Bronze or 1909-S VDB, and only deal with reputable buyers. Sites like CoinWeek report that rare wheat pennies in top condition can fetch huge prices at auction, so don’t sell too quickly.
Start Your Coin Hunt Today
Wheat pennies are more than old change—they’re tiny pieces of history that could be worth a fortune. The 1909-S VDB, 1943 Bronze, 1955 Doubled Die, 1914-D, and 1922 No D are the top coins collectors are after. Check your pennies, dig through old jars, or visit a coin shop. With a little luck, you could find a rare wheat penny worth thousands or more. Happy hunting!
