You’ve probably seen them – those old copper pennies with two wheat stalks on the back. Officially called “Wheat Cents,” these classics were minted from 1909 to 1958 and are the #1 most collected U.S. coin series ever.
A Quick History of the Wheat Penny (1909–1958)
Designed by Victor David Brenner to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the wheat penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Over 25 billion were made across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.
Why Wheat Penny Values Are Exploding Right Now
Low mintages, rare errors, and surging collector demand have pushed prices way up. Everyday circulated wheat pennies now sell for 10–25¢ each, while key dates and errors fetch hundreds to millions!
2025 Wheat Penny Value Chart (Average Retail Prices)
| Year & Mint | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (XF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $800 | $1,200 | $1,800 | $8,000+ |
| 1914-D | $180 | $350 | $1,500 | $12,000+ |
| 1922 No D | $650 | $1,200 | $6,000 | $35,000+ |
| 1931-S | $65 | $90 | $200 | $1,500+ |
| 1943 Bronze | — | — | — | $1,700,000+ |
| 1955 DDO | $900 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,500+ |
Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Ever Sold
- 1943-D Bronze – $2.1 million (2024)
- 1944-S Steel – $373,000
- 1909-S VDB MS-68 – $168,000
- 1922 No D Strong Reverse – $144,000
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – $124,000
How to Grade Your Wheat Pennies Like a Pro
Look for:
- Full wheat lines on the reverse
- Clear “LIBERTY” and date
- Sharp Lincoln cheek & hair details
Red (RD) coins are worth 3–10× more than brown ones!
Expert Tips: Where to Find Rare Wheat Pennies Today
- Buy unsearched bank rolls ($25–$50 face value)
- Check coin-star reject trays
- Ask family members for old jars
- Hit estate sales & flea markets early
FAQs About Wheat Penny Values
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No, common dates are only 10–50¢, but checking every one is worth it!
Q: What’s the holy grail?
A: The 1943 bronze penny – only a handful exist.
Q: Should I clean my wheat pennies?
A: NEVER! Cleaning can drop value 90%.
Final Thoughts – Start Hunting Today!
Your next million-dollar coin could be sitting in a coffee can right now. Grab a magnifier, download a free wheat penny checklist, and start sorting – the thrill of finding a key date is unbeatable. Happy hunting, and let me know in the comments what treasures you discover!