The Value of Wheat Pennies By Year:The Lincoln Wheat Cent, more commonly known as the Wheat Penny, holds a special place in the hearts of coin collectors across the United States. Minted from 1909 to 1958, these coins feature President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse, symbolizing prosperity. While many of these pennies remain affordable, certain rare issues and errors can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This guide explores the value of Wheat Pennies by year and what collectors should look for.
Key Factors That Influence Value
Before diving into year-by-year values, it’s important to understand what makes one Wheat Penny more valuable than another:
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Mint Year & Mint Mark: Coins from early years or low-production mints (such as Denver or San Francisco) often carry higher value.
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Condition (Grade): Uncirculated or high-grade coins can be worth far more than heavily worn examples.
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Errors & Varieties: Double dies, off-center strikes, or unusual minting errors can skyrocket a coin’s worth.
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Historical Significance: Some coins mark important anniversaries, like the 1909 cent celebrating Lincoln’s centennial.
Wheat Penny Values by Year
1909–1919: Early Years
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1909 VDB & 1909-S VDB: The 1909 VDB (Victor David Brenner, the designer’s initials) is especially popular. The 1909-S VDB is one of the most valuable, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars in circulated condition to thousands in mint state.
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1914-D: Another key date, often worth several hundred to thousands depending on grade.
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Other early teens are generally more valuable in better conditions, with prices between $1–$20 for circulated coins.
1920–1929: Scarcer Mid-Era Issues
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1922 “No D”: A rare variety from the Denver Mint where the “D” mint mark is missing. This error coin can be worth hundreds to thousands.
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Standard 1920s pennies typically run from $0.20 to $5 in circulated condition.
1930–1939: The Great Depression Era
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Many 1930s pennies remain common, with values between $0.10 and $2.
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1931-S: A lower mintage issue, often worth $50–$100 or more in better grades.
1940–1949: War-Time & Steel Cents
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1943 Steel Penny: Minted during World War II due to copper shortages, these steel cents are iconic. Most are worth a few dollars, but error versions like the 1943 copper cent can exceed $100,000.
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Other 1940s issues are usually $0.10–$1, except for mint-state coins or rare errors.
1950–1958: Final Wheat Years
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Most 1950s wheat pennies are common and worth only a few cents in circulated condition.
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Mint-state rolls are popular with collectors, and high-grade examples with full details can reach higher premiums.
Tips for Collectors
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Check for Mint Marks: The small letters “D” (Denver) and “S” (San Francisco) can greatly affect value.
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Look for Errors: Double-die obverses, off-center strikes, and re-punched mint marks are highly collectible.
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Preserve Condition: Store coins in protective holders to avoid scratches and tarnish.
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Get Coins Graded: Professional grading from services like PCGS or NGC adds authenticity and helps secure higher resale prices.
Conclusion
Wheat Pennies may seem like ordinary copper coins, but they hold immense historical and collectible value. From the rare 1909-S VDB to the unusual 1943 copper penny, these coins tell a story of America’s past while offering exciting opportunities for collectors today. Whether you’re just starting your collection or searching for that rare gem, knowing the value of Wheat Pennies by year is the first step in building a truly valuable coin collection.
FAQs The Value of Wheat Pennies By Year
Q1. What year of Wheat Penny is the most valuable?
The 1909-S VDB and the 1943 copper Wheat Penny are among the most valuable, often worth thousands of dollars.
Q2. Are Wheat Pennies made of real copper?
Yes, most Wheat Pennies (1909–1942 and 1944–1958) were made of 95% copper, except the 1943 steel cents minted during World War II.
Q3. How much is a common Wheat Penny worth?
Most circulated Wheat Pennies from the 1940s and 1950s are worth 5–20 cents, though mint-state coins can be more valuable.
Q4. How do I know if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check the coin’s year, mint mark, condition, and any unusual errors. Having it graded by a professional service is the best way to confirm its value.