13 Rare Wheat Pennies Worth Thousands to Millions: The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is one of the most beloved coins in American numismatics. Its design, featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, symbolizes both history and artistry. While billions were produced, certain rare dates, mint marks, and error varieties have become legendary treasures. In 2026, collectors continue to pay extraordinary sums for these coins, with values ranging from thousands to millions of dollars.
The Allure of Wheat Pennies
Collectors are drawn to Wheat Pennies for several reasons. They represent a tangible piece of American history, they are accessible to beginners yet rewarding for experts, and they offer investment potential. The thrill of discovering a rare coin in circulation or acquiring one at auction adds to their mystique. Rarity, condition, and historical context all play a role in determining value.
1909 S VDB Wheat Penny
The 1909 S VDB is the crown jewel of Wheat Pennies. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the initials “VDB” on the reverse caused controversy, leading to their removal. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco before the change. Today, this coin is worth anywhere from $2,000 in lower grades to over $100,000 in pristine condition.
1914 D Wheat Penny
The 1914 D is another rarity, with just over one million struck in Denver. Most circulated heavily, making high-grade examples scarce. Collectors prize this coin, with values ranging from $1,500 to $50,000 depending on grade.
1922 No D Wheat Penny
This variety is unique because all pennies in 1922 were struck in Denver. A worn die produced coins without the “D” mint mark, creating a rare error. Values range from $10,000 to $75,000, with sharp examples commanding premiums.
1931 S Wheat Penny
With a mintage of only 866,000, the 1931 S is one of the lowest production Wheat Pennies. It is highly collectible, valued between $100 and $5,000 depending on condition.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
During World War II, pennies were made of steel to conserve copper. A few copper planchets were mistakenly used, resulting in one of the most famous U.S. coin errors. A 1943 Copper Penny can sell for over $1 million, making it a dream find for collectors.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
In 1944, pennies returned to copper, but some leftover steel planchets were struck. These coins are extremely rare, valued at $75,000 to $100,000 or more.
1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1955 doubled die is famous for its dramatic doubling of the date and lettering. Even circulated examples are worth thousands, while mint state coins can exceed $50,000.
1926 S Wheat Penny
Although 4.5 million were minted, most were poorly struck and heavily circulated. High-grade examples are rare, with values reaching $10,000 or more.
1909 S Wheat Penny Non VDB
The 1909 S without the VDB initials is still rare and valuable, often selling for several thousand dollars. It remains a key coin for collectors.
1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
This error variety shows clear doubling on the obverse. Collectors pay premiums for well-preserved examples, with values ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.
1936 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
The 1936 doubled die is less dramatic but still collectible. Prices vary widely, from hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on grade.
1941 S Doubled Die Wheat Penny
This San Francisco mint error is scarcer than many doubled dies, with values climbing into the thousands for high-grade coins.
Value Comparison Table
| Coin | Mintage | Key Feature | Value Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 S VDB | 484,000 | Designer initials VDB | $2,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1914 D | 1.2 million | Rare Denver issue | $1,500 – $50,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Unknown | Missing mint mark | $10,000 – $75,000 |
| 1931 S | 866,000 | Low mintage | $100 – $5,000 |
| 1943 Copper | Few dozen | Wrong planchet | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | Few dozen | Wrong planchet | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Unknown | Dramatic doubling | $2,000 – $50,000+ |
| 1926 S | 4.5 million | Poor strikes | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1909 S Non VDB | 1.8 million | No initials | $500 – $5,000+ |
| 1917 Doubled Die | Unknown | Obverse doubling | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| 1936 Doubled Die | Unknown | Doubling | $500 – $5,000 |
| 1941 S Doubled Die | Unknown | San Francisco error | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| 1944 Copper | Few dozen | Wrong planchet | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Collecting Tips for 2026
- Buy certified coins from reputable grading services such as PCGS or NGC.
- Focus on condition, as even common dates can be valuable in mint state.
- Learn to spot errors, including doubling and missing mint marks.
- Stay updated on auction results and market trends, as values fluctuate.
Conclusion
Wheat Pennies are more than just small copper coins. They are pieces of American history and treasures for collectors. From the legendary 1909 S VDB to the million-dollar 1943 Copper Penny, these coins continue to captivate enthusiasts in 2026. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned numismatist, understanding the rarest issues and their values can help you build a collection that is both meaningful and financially rewarding.