Some Lincoln Wheat pennies from 1909–1958 are worth $1,000–$300,000+ today! Discover the top 5 rare dates and errors that collectors are hunting for in 2025 – you might already own one.
What Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
The Lincoln Wheat penny (or “wheat cent”) is the classic U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it shows Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse – that’s where the nickname comes from!
A Quick History of the Wheat Cent (1909–1958)
Released in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the wheat penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The original 1909 coins even had Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse – and that tiny detail created one of the rarest coins in history.
Why Some Wheat Pennies Are Worth a Fortune Today
Most wheat pennies are worth only face value, but low mintages, famous errors, and key dates turn a few into treasures. In 2025, top-grade examples regularly sell for five and six figures at auction.
The Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies in 2025
- 1909-S VDB – The King of Wheat Pennies
Only 484,000 minted. MS65+ examples now bring $100,000–$250,000+. - 1914-D – The Sleeper Key Date
Just 1.2 million made in Denver. Fine condition starts at $200, Mint State 65 can hit $40,000+. - 1922 No D (Plain) – Famous Mint Error
The Denver die wore off the “D” – creating the legendary “1922 Plain.” Even worn examples start at $800; MS65 Red can exceed $50,000. - 1931-S – Tiny Mintage Classic
Only 866,000 produced during the Depression. Red BU coins now sell for $8,000–$25,000. - 1955 Doubled Die Obverse – The Error Everyone Knows
Dramatic doubling on date and lettering. High-grade examples routinely sell for $1,500–$40,000.
Value Comparison Table (2025 Average Retail)
| Coin | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | MS63 | MS65+ Red |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $800 | $1,200 | $3,500 | $100,000+ |
| 1914-D | $150 | $300 | $3,000 | $40,000+ |
| 1922 No D | $500 | $1,000 | $15,000 | $50,000+ |
| 1931-S | $60 | $100 | $300 | $10,000–$25k |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,800 | $25,000–$40k |
How to Spot These Rare Coins in Your Collection
- Grab a 10x loupe and good light
- Check the date and mintmark first (S = San Francisco, D = Denver, no mark = Philadelphia)
- Look under the 1918–1939 dates for tiny VDB initials
- Flip to 1922 and search for missing “D”
Expert Tips for Grading & Selling
- Never clean your coins – it destroys value
- Get rare ones graded by PCGS or NGC (slabbed coins sell for 2–5× more)
- Sell through reputable auction houses like Heritage or GreatCollections for top dollar
Bonus Rare Error Table
| Error Year | Description | Recent Sale (2024–2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Struck on wrong planchet | $204,000–$1.7M |
| 1944 Steel | Wartime steel planchet leftover | $100,000–$373,000 |
| 1955 DDO | Doubled Die Obverse | Up to $40,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No – common dates are worth 2–10¢ each in circulation.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell a rare wheat penny?
A: Major auctions (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers) or trusted local dealers.
Q: Should I get my coin appraised?
A: Yes! A $20–$50 appraisal can turn into thousands if it’s real.
Final Thoughts – Start Digging Through Your Jars Today!
Your spare change jar, attic box, or that old Whitman folder could be hiding a $50,000+ Lincoln wheat penny. The five coins above have made ordinary people rich overnight. Grab a magnifier, start searching, and who knows – the next big discovery could be yours!