10 Remarkable Wheat Pennies You Could Discover Today: Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are iconic pieces of numismatic history. While many of these coins are common, a select few are exceptionally rare and incredibly valuable, with some fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here are ten of the most coveted wheat pennies, along with the fascinating stories that make them so valuable.
1. 1943-D Bronze Cent
During World War II, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for military use. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets. The 1943-D bronze cent is a standout rarity, with just one known example.
- Mint Mark: ‘D’ (Denver)
- Value: $840,000 at auction
- Significance: Its rarity and historical background make it one of the most desirable coins in U.S. history.
2. 1944 Steel Cent
The year 1944 saw the return of copper pennies, but a few steel planchets from 1943 accidentally ended up in circulation. These unusual 1944 steel cents are now worth a fortune.
- Error: Struck on leftover steel planchets
- Value: One example sold for $408,000
- Rarity Factor: A rare mistake that intrigues collectors and historians alike.
3. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse
This penny features an obvious doubling of the inscriptions on its obverse due to a die error.
- Error: Doubled die obverse (DDO)
- Value: Only three are known to exist, with one selling for $336,000
- Notability: It ranks among the rarest doubled die varieties ever produced.
4. 1943-S Bronze Cent
Similar to the 1943-D, this version was mistakenly struck on a bronze planchet at the San Francisco Mint. Only a handful of examples exist today.
- Mint Mark: ‘S’ (San Francisco)
- Value: Sold for $504,000
- Appeal: A rare blend of history and error makes this coin highly collectible.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This coin introduced the Lincoln cent design, created by Victor David Brenner. The initials “VDB” appear on the reverse, and with only 484,000 minted, it’s a cornerstone of numismatics.
- Mintage: 484,000
- Value: High-grade specimens exceed $100,000
- Legacy: Its design debut and limited mintage make it a must-have for collectors.
6. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Minted in Denver, this penny is scarce in all grades but particularly rare in pristine condition.
- Mintage: 1,193,000
- Value: Top-grade examples sell for up to $158,625
- Collectible Status: A key piece for any serious wheat penny collection.
7. 1922 No D Strong Reverse
In 1922, Lincoln cents were only minted in Denver, but some coins missed the “D” mint mark due to die polishing errors.
- Error: Missing “D” mint mark
- Value: Up to $82,250
- Unique Feature: The “No D” variety with a strong reverse is particularly prized.
8. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Produced during the Great Depression, this coin had a limited mintage of just 866,000, making it a sought-after collectible.
- Mintage: 866,000
- Value: High-grade examples can fetch up to $18,600
- Historical Context: A coin from a challenging economic period in U.S. history.
9. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
This penny is famous for its dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse, making it a standout among error coins.
- Error: Doubled die obverse
- Value: High-grade examples can reach $114,000
- Circulation: About 24,000 were released, heightening its intrigue.
10. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Another result of bronze planchets mistakenly used during steel penny production, this coin is a rare gem from the Philadelphia Mint.
- Error: Struck on a bronze planchet
- Value: Sold for $372,000
- Collector’s Dream: Its rarity and error make it exceptionally valuable.
Summary Table: Key Wheat Penny Highlights
| 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 limited mintages, these wheat pennies are treasures worth searching for in your collection. You might just uncover a valuable piece of history!