While many of them are relatively common, there are several rare varieties that are highly valuable. Some of these pennies can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases, even more. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the most incredible wheat pennies that could potentially make you a fortune.
1. 1943-D Bronze Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to conserve copper. However, a few 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets. The 1943-D bronze cent is one of the rarest of all U.S. coins, with only one known example.
Value: Sold for $840,000
Mint Mark: ‘D’ for Denver
Why it’s rare: This coin’s rarity and historical significance make it highly coveted by collectors.
2. 1944 Steel Cent
In 1944, the Mint resumed copper production for pennies, but a few steel planchets from the previous year were mistakenly used. These 1944 steel cents are incredibly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Value: One sold for $408,000
Error: Struck on steel planchets instead of copper
Why it’s rare: The mix-up during production makes this a fascinating error coin.
3. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse
This penny features a dramatic doubling of the inscriptions on the obverse, caused by a die error. Only three of these coins are known to exist, making it one of the rarest doubled die varieties in the U.S.
Value: One fetched $336,000
Error: Doubled die obverse (DDO)
Why it’s rare: Its rarity and unique error make it highly valuable.
4. 1943-S Bronze Cent
Similar to the 1943-D, the 1943-S bronze cent was struck on a bronze planchet instead of steel. There are only about five or six known examples.
Value: Sold for $504,000
Mint Mark: ‘S’ for San Francisco
Why it’s rare: The scarcity of these coins makes them extremely desirable to collectors.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB is the first year of the Lincoln cent, and it’s notable for featuring the initials “VDB” of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner. With a mintage of only 484,000, this penny is one of the most famous and valuable wheat pennies.
Value: High-grade examples can exceed $100,000
Mintage: 484,000
Why it’s rare: Its historical significance and low mintage make it highly collectible.
6. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is considered a key coin for any wheat penny collector, particularly those seeking high-grade examples. Its mintage of 1,193,000 makes it scarce, and it’s highly prized in excellent condition.
Value: High-grade specimens can fetch up to $158,625
Mintage: 1,193,000
Why it’s rare: Its scarcity and demand for high-quality examples drive its value.
7. 1922 No D Strong Reverse
In 1922, most Lincoln cents were minted in Denver, but some were struck without the “D” mintmark due to a die polishing error. The “No D” variety with a strong reverse is particularly valuable.
Value: Up to $82,250
Error: Missing “D” mintmark
Why it’s rare: This error makes the coin extremely collectible.
8. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Minted during the Great Depression, the 1931-S Lincoln cent is rare due to its low mintage of just 866,000. It’s a significant piece of U.S. history and highly desirable among collectors.
Value: Top-grade coins can sell for up to $18,600
Mintage: 866,000
Why it’s rare: Its low mintage and historical context make it an important piece in a coin collection.
9. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 DDO is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Its dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions makes it an easy one to spot. Although around 24,000 of these coins were circulated, high-quality examples are extremely rare.
Value: High-grade examples can fetch up to $114,000
Error: Doubled die obverse
Why it’s rare: The doubling makes this one of the most iconic error coins.
10. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
The 1943 bronze cent is one of the most famous error coins in history, as it was struck on a bronze planchet instead of steel. These coins are highly valuable, with one selling for over $372,000.
Value: One sold for $372,000
Error: Struck on a bronze planchet
Why it’s rare: The rarity of this error makes it one of the most valuable coins in circulation.
Wheat Pennies Worth Checking For
| Year | Mint Mark | Error/Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | D | Bronze Planchet | $840,000 |
| 1944 | None | Steel Planchet | $408,000 |
| 1958 | None | Doubled Die Obverse | $336,000 |
| 1943 | S | Bronze Planchet | $504,000 |
| 1909 | S | VDB Initials | $100,000+ |
| 1914 | D | None | $158,625 |
| 1922 | None | No D, Strong Reverse | $82,250 |
| 1931 | S | None | $18,600 |
| 1955 | None | Doubled Die Obverse | $114,000 |
| 1943 | None | Bronze Planchet | $372,000 |
From rare errors to low mintages, these wheat pennies are treasures worth keeping an eye out for. You might just have one of these gems hiding in your collection!
FAQ: 10 Incredible Wheat Pennies You Can Still Find Today – One Could Be Valued at $700,000
1. What makes a wheat penny valuable?
- Wheat pennies can be valuable due to their rarity, historical significance, minting errors, or low production numbers. For example, coins with manufacturing mistakes or low mintages often command higher prices in the numismatic market.
2. What is a “doubled die” penny?
- A doubled die penny is a coin that features a noticeable doubling of the inscriptions or design elements due to a flaw in the die used during the minting process. These coins are highly sought after because they are rare and visually distinct.
3. How can I tell if my wheat penny is valuable?
- To determine if your wheat penny is valuable, check for key characteristics such as mint marks, the condition of the coin, and any errors or unusual features. Consulting with a professional numismatist or using a coin guide can help identify rare varieties.
4. What is the most valuable wheat penny?
- The 1943-D Bronze Cent is considered one of the most valuable wheat pennies, with one example selling for $840,000. Its rarity, as only one known specimen exists, makes it highly coveted.
5. Are there any common wheat pennies that are worth a lot of money?
- Most wheat pennies are not extremely valuable, but certain varieties like the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent or 1914-D Lincoln Cent can be worth substantial amounts depending on their condition and rarity.
6. How do I find rare wheat pennies?
- Rare wheat pennies can still be found in circulation, though it requires careful examination. Check pennies from years known to have rare varieties, especially those with low mintages or minting errors, and look for distinctive characteristics such as doubled dies or missing mint marks.
7. Are there other errors to look for besides doubled dies?
- Yes, there are several errors to watch for, such as missing mint marks (like the 1922 No D), bronze planchet errors (like the 1943 bronze cents), and coins struck on incorrect metal planchets (like the 1944 steel cent).
8. How much can I sell a rare wheat penny for?
- The value of a rare wheat penny depends on factors like its condition, rarity, and demand. Some can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, while others might fetch a more modest price. Professional appraisals can help determine its exact market value.
9. Why are the 1943 and 1944 wheat pennies so valuable?
- These pennies are valuable due to the errors in their production. The 1943-D bronze cent and 1944 steel cent were mistakenly struck on the wrong planchets, making them extremely rare and highly desirable to collectors.
10. Can I find these rare wheat pennies in my pocket change?
- While it’s unlikely to find a coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in your pocket change, it’s still possible to find valuable wheat pennies by examining old coin rolls or collections from the past. Coins with rarer mint marks or errors have higher chances of being valuable