Wheat pennies, those little copper coins with wheat stalks on the back, were made from 1909 to 1958. Most are worth just a cent or two, but some are so rare they can sell for thousands or even millions. If you’ve got a stash of old pennies in a jar or drawer, you might be holding a small fortune! This article highlights nine ultra-rare wheat pennies that collectors are crazy about. Let’s explore these coins and learn how to spot them.
Why Are Some Wheat Pennies So Valuable?
The value of a wheat penny depends on a few things: how many were made, the coin’s condition, and any mistakes made during minting. Pennies from years with low production numbers are harder to find, so they’re worth more. Coins in great shape, especially shiny “uncirculated” ones, fetch higher prices. Errors, like doubled letters or the wrong metal, make some pennies super special. Here’s a list of nine wheat pennies that could make you rich.
The 9 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
| Penny | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark, VDB initials | $1,000–$15,000+ |
| 1914-D | Low mintage, “D” mint mark | $300–$40,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | Copper instead of steel | $100,000–$1.8M+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Clear doubling on date, words | $800–$40,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Missing “D” mint mark | $400–$15,000+ |
| 1909-S Over S | “S” mint mark repunched | $150–$8,000+ |
| 1931-S | Low mintage, “S” mint mark | $50–$4,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | Steel instead of copper | $10,000–$100,000+ |
| 1917 Doubled Die | Doubling on date, “IN GOD WE TRUST” | $150–$12,000+ |
- 1909-S VDB: This penny has the designer’s initials “VDB” and an “S” mint mark from San Francisco. Only 484,000 were made, and top-condition ones can sell for over $15,000.
- 1914-D: Minted in Denver with just 1.2 million made, this coin is a collector’s favorite. A near-perfect one sold for $152,750 in 2020.
- 1943 Bronze: Most 1943 pennies are steel due to World War II, but a few bronze ones slipped through. One sold for $1.75 million in 2010.
- 1955 Doubled Die: This error coin shows bold doubling on the date and words. High-grade ones can go for $40,000 or more.
- 1922 No D: Some Denver pennies missed the “D” mint mark, making them rare. A top-quality one can fetch $15,000.
- 1909-S Over S: This error has an “S” mint mark punched over another “S.” A pristine one sold for $25,000 in 2023.
- 1931-S: Only 866,000 were minted in San Francisco, so it’s a key date. Uncirculated ones can hit $4,000.
- 1944 Steel: A rare error where steel was used instead of copper. One sold for $100,000 at auction.
- 1917 Doubled Die: This penny has doubling on the date and motto. A high-grade one sold for $165,000 in 2021.
What Makes These Coins Stand Out?
These pennies are special because of their rarity or minting mistakes. For example, the 1943 Bronze and 1944 Steel pennies were made with the wrong metal due to wartime changes, making them incredibly rare. Low mintage coins like the 1909-S VDB or 1931-S are scarce because so few were made. Errors like doubled dies or missing mint marks add excitement for collectors. The better the coin’s condition—especially if it’s still reddish and shiny—the more it’s worth.
How to Find and Cash In on These Pennies
You might have one of these rare pennies in your pocket change, a coin roll, or an old collection. Check for mint marks (below the date), errors, or doubling using a magnifying glass. Compare your coin to photos online or in coin books. If you think you’ve found a valuable one, get it graded by a trusted service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its condition and authenticity. You can sell through coin dealers, online sites like eBay, or at coin shows, but always deal with reputable buyers to avoid scams.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Strike It Rich
Wheat pennies are more than old change—they’re tiny treasures that could change your life. The nine coins listed here, from the 1909-S VDB to the 1917 Doubled Die, are the ones collectors hunt for. Dig through your pennies, check your family’s old coins, or visit a local coin shop. With a little luck, you could find a rare wheat penny worth thousands. Start looking today, and you might uncover a hidden gem!
