The Lincoln Wheat penny represents one of America’s most beloved and widely collected coins.
First issued in 1909 and continuing through 1958, the Lincoln Wheat penny features Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back. Though originally valued at just one cent, many of these coins have grown in popularity and value, becoming prized possessions for coin collectors.
While the majority of Lincoln Wheat pennies are affordable, certain rare dates, mint errors, and specific mint marks have turned ordinary coins into highly valuable items sought after by collectors and investors alike.
This guide highlights five of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat pennies, shedding light on what makes them special and how much they’re worth today. These rare coins show how factors like limited minting, errors, historical events, and excellent condition can turn small change into a small fortune.
1. The 1909-S VDB Penny: First-Year Rarity
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most iconic and desired coins in the Lincoln cent collection. Its importance comes from being the first year of the Lincoln cent, celebrating 100 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth, and the controversy surrounding the designer’s initials “VDB” placed on the back.
The public criticized the large initials, prompting the U.S. Mint to remove them shortly after production began. Only 484,000 coins were made at the San Francisco Mint before the change, making this coin extremely rare compared to the over 27 million VDB cents minted in Philadelphia.
This combination of limited mintage, historical significance, and early controversy adds to its appeal. A well-worn 1909-S VDB sells for around $700 to $900, while high-grade, uncirculated examples with mint shine can range from $2,500 to $3,500. Pristine pieces with a rich red tone have sold for over $100,000.
It’s often the first rare Lincoln penny collectors seek and remains one of the most famous U.S. coins due to its rich backstory and consistent market demand.
2. The 1914-D Penny: The Sleeper Key Date
The 1914-D Lincoln cent is a perfect example of how a coin can become rare over time, even without having an extremely low mintage. Just over 1.1 million were made at the Denver Mint, but most were not saved in good condition.
Back in 1914, collectors didn’t focus on mint marks, so few uncirculated coins were kept. Most entered circulation and wore down before people realized their scarcity. By the 1930s, when collecting by mint mark became common, high-grade 1914-D cents were already hard to find.
Economic struggles during the Great Depression also led people to spend their saved coins, further reducing the supply of well-preserved pieces.
Today, a worn 1914-D penny is worth $200 to $300. Coins in better shape can fetch $800 to $1,000, and uncirculated ones can range from $3,000 to $5,000. The finest known examples have sold for more than $150,000.
The 1914-D is considered a “sleeper” coin—one whose value grew over time. Its rarity in high grades makes it the second most valuable regular-issue Lincoln Wheat penny.
3. The 1922 Plain (No D) Penny: The Accidental Philadelphia Issue
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were struck at the Denver Mint, so every coin should have a “D” mint mark. However, due to excessive polishing of worn dies, some coins were produced without any visible mint mark—creating the rare “No D” penny.
This unusual mistake gave the impression that the coin came from the Philadelphia Mint, which did not produce any pennies that year. Experts have identified a few different die combinations used in these coins, with one—called “Die Pair 2”—being the most valuable due to its strong features and complete lack of a mint mark.
Collectors value these coins highly. Worn examples start at $500 to $750. Mid-grade pieces can sell for $1,500 to $2,000, while top-grade uncirculated versions can fetch $25,000 or more. The rarest, most pristine versions have been auctioned for over $100,000.
This coin is a favorite among collectors because it shows how routine mint operations can lead to unexpected and valuable errors.
4. The 1943 Copper Penny: The Wartime Mistake
The 1943 copper cent is one of the most legendary error coins in U.S. history. In that year, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies because copper was needed for World War II.
Still, a few copper blanks from 1942 accidentally got mixed into the production line and were stamped with the 1943 date. These errors occurred at all three mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Roughly 15 to 20 copper 1943 pennies from Philadelphia are known to exist, while only a handful were confirmed from the other two mints. Because of their unique wartime backstory and extreme rarity, these coins often sell for enormous sums.
Even well-used 1943 copper cents can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Uncirculated ones regularly top $1 million. One example sold in 2010 for a record $1.7 million.
Due to their high value, many fakes exist. People have been known to plate steel pennies with copper or alter the dates on other pennies. Authentic examples are verified by weight, magnetism (copper pennies are non-magnetic), and expert analysis.
5. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny: The Spectacular Error
The 1955 Doubled Die penny is famous for its eye-catching error. The words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date all show a strong doubling that’s easy to spot without a magnifying glass.
This happened because the die used to strike the coin was misaligned during the hubbing process. Around 20,000 to 24,000 of these error coins were made before the problem was caught, and many ended up as change in vending machines in the northeastern U.S.
Because the doubling is so clear, even casual collectors are drawn to this coin. It became a sensation soon after its release and many were saved.
Today, circulated 1955 Doubled Die cents are worth $1,000 to $1,500, with better-quality examples bringing $2,000 to $2,500. Mint condition pieces can be worth up to $4,000, while top-grade “Red” specimens can sell for over $10,000. The best known examples have exceeded $100,000 in auctions.
It remains one of the most well-known coin errors in the U.S. and is often mentioned in books, TV shows, and coin-collecting guides.
These 5 Lincoln Wheat Penny coins worth is $98 Million each
These five coins prove that ordinary pennies can become extraordinary finds. Thanks to their unique stories, rare mistakes, and historical importance, they are worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Their continued popularity shows how passionate collectors are about Lincoln cents and how powerful the combination of history, rarity, and condition can be. While it’s unlikely to find one of these coins in your pocket today, their stories inspire collectors to keep looking.
FAQs
Q1: What makes a Lincoln Wheat penny valuable?
A Lincoln Wheat penny becomes valuable due to rare dates, mint errors, low mintage numbers, and excellent condition.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—steel pennies will stick; copper ones won’t. A copper 1943 penny should weigh about 3.11 grams.
Q3: What is the most valuable Lincoln penny ever sold?
A 1943 copper penny once sold for $1.7 million, making it the most expensive Lincoln cent on record.
Q4: Are all old pennies worth money?
Not necessarily. While many are collectible, only specific dates, errors, and mint conditions bring high values.