Rare Lincoln Wheat pennies are among the most valuable U.S. coins ever produced. While most Wheat pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare dates and minting errors have sold for hundreds of thousands — and even millions of dollars. Surprisingly, some of these coins may still be hiding in old collections, jars, or inherited change.
Why Lincoln Wheat Pennies Can Be Extremely Valuable
Lincoln Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958. Their value skyrockets when rarity, historical significance, mint errors, and high-grade condition come together. Coins authenticated and graded by PCGS or NGC typically bring the highest auction prices.
1. 1943 Bronze (Copper) Lincoln Wheat Penny
The most legendary Wheat penny ever discovered.
- Accidentally struck in bronze instead of steel during World War II
- Fewer than 20 genuine examples known
- Auction prices exceed $1,000,000
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
A rare transitional error from the wartime period.
- Struck on leftover steel planchets
- Extremely scarce with only a handful known
- Values range from $75,000 to $500,000+
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The key date of the Wheat penny series.
- Only 484,000 minted
- Features designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials
- High-grade examples can exceed $100,000
4. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
One of the rarest regular-issue Wheat pennies.
- Low mintage from the Denver Mint
- Strong collector demand
- High-grade coins sell for tens of thousands
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
A famous mint mark error.
- Denver Mint coin missing its “D” mint mark
- Caused by worn dies
- High-quality examples sell for $20,000+
6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny
One of the most dramatic error coins ever produced.
- Bold doubling visible without magnification
- Highly sought by collectors
- Values range from $1,500 to over $50,000
7. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny
An early doubled die error.
- Doubling visible on date and lettering
- Scarce in high condition
- Can be worth thousands of dollars
8. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
A low-mintage Great Depression era coin.
- San Francisco Mint issue
- Often saved, but rare in top grades
- High-grade coins sell for $5,000+
9. 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Penny (No VDB)
Another early San Francisco rarity.
- Low production and strong demand
- Valuable in mint state condition
10. Other Rare Wheat Pennies and Errors
Several lesser-known Wheat pennies can still be extremely valuable.
- 1924-D Wheat Penny
- 1926-S Wheat Penny
- Off-center strikes and wrong planchet errors
Value Snapshot: Rare Wheat Pennies
| Wheat Penny | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny | $1,000,000+ |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | $75,000–$500,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny | $100,000+ |
How to Check If You Own a Hidden Treasure
- Inspect dates and mint marks carefully
- Use a magnet to test 1943 pennies (steel sticks, bronze does not)
- Look closely for doubling or missing details
- Never clean coins — cleaning destroys value
Final Thoughts
Rare Lincoln Wheat pennies prove that priceless treasures can still be hiding in plain sight. From million-dollar errors to overlooked key dates, these historic coins continue to surprise collectors. Before you dismiss old pennies as spare change, take a closer look — you might already own a small copper fortune.