Lincoln Wheat Pennies: Lincoln Wheat Pennies are more than just old copper coins—they’re miniature time capsules that connect us to early 20th‑century America. Created by Victor David Brenner, these pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. While most are held onto for nostalgia or rolled up and spent, a handful of rare varieties have skyrocketed in value, with some fetching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
In this article, we’ll examine seven particularly rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies—exploring why they’re special, how to spot them in your change jar, and what makes collectors so eager to add these coins to their collections.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies: What You Need to Know
Lincoln Wheat Pennies strike a perfect balance between historical charm and potential investment value. These vintage copper coins often slip past notice in everyday pocket change. However, certain editions—like error coins, low mintages, and unusual alloys—are rare enough to be worth significant money. Scanning a jar of pennies for mint marks, doubled dies, or off‑color issues could uncover a treasure. Whether you’re a collector drawn to numismatic heritage or a casual saver curious about coin value, understanding these key varieties can turn mere cents into unexpected windfalls.
| Year & Type | Distinct Characteristics | Approximate Value (Circulated → Uncirculated) |
| 1909‑S VDB | Designer initials on reverse, low mintage | $700–$1,000 → $60,000+ |
| 1914‑D | Denver mint, low production | $200–$400 → $5,000–$10,000 |
| 1922 “No D” | Missing Denver mint mark | $500 → $10,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | Copper planchet used by mistake during war | $100,000–$250,000 |
| 1944 Steel | Steel planchet mistakenly used in 1944 | $30,000–$100,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Pronounced doubling on date and inscriptions | $1,000–$10,000 |
| 1931‑S | Small mintage, San Francisco issue | $75–$300 → $1,000+ |
1. 1909‑S VDB – The Holy Grail of Wheat Pennies
The 1909‑S VDB penny marked the beginning of the Lincoln Wheat series. Its reverse shows the initials “VDB”—those of designer Victor David Brenner. However, public backlash led to their removal after just 484,000 coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint. This low number makes the S‑mint VDB variety one of the most coveted wheat pennies.
Even a worn version can fetch $700–$1,000, while well‑preserved examples have sold for more than $60,000. If you uncover a 1909 penny with both “S” and “VDB,” you may have struck numismatic gold.
2. 1914‑D – A Silent Heavyweight
The 1914‑D penny is a classic case of rarity by regional limitation. From Denver, only about 1.2 million were minted—far fewer than those at Philadelphia. Its scarcity in circulation has built high demand.
Even nicked or scratched coins often sell for $200–$400. Pristine examples can reach from $5,000 to $10,000. If you come across a 1914 penny with a small “D” beneath the date, it’s worth holding onto—and potentially having graded.
3. 1922 “No D” – A Minting Mystery
When meteor makings of 1922 coins were struck, the Denver Mint’s die failed to imprint the “D” mint mark on some pennies. This flaw produced the rare and collectible 1922 “No D” variant, making it one of the most famous errors of the series.
Coins in average circulated condition typically start around $500, while uncirculated pieces frequently exceed $10,000. Spotting a 1922 penny that looks plain but was struck in Denver could be a thrilling find.
4. 1943 Bronze Penny – A World War II Rarity
In 1943, copper was urgently needed for wartime. As a result, all pennies were struck on zinc‑coated steel planchets. But some 1942 bronze blanks were accidentally used, creating the legendary 1943 bronze penny.
These rare accident coins are widely regarded as one of the most valuable Lincoln cents. Depending on condition, they have commanded between $100,000 to $250,000 at auctions. A copper‑colored penny dated 1943 is almost certainly one of the world’s greatest numismatic treasures.
5. 1944 Steel Penny – The Flip Side of 1943
Following the 1943 bronze error, a few steel planchets remained and were accidentally used in 1944. The result: the elusive 1944 steel penny, the opposite mistake to the 1943 bronze issue.
With only a handful known to exist, these coins are exceedingly rare. Auction results have varied from $30,000 to $100,000 or more. A 1944 penny that looks gray rather than copper should be examined carefully—this might be an incredibly scarce collector’s item.
6. 1955 Doubled Die – The Error That Went Viral
The 1955 doubled die penny offers a striking visual catch. Minting equipment timing errors caused dramatic doubling of the date and lettering—so obvious that images of this coin became widely popular in the 1950s.
Doubled die cents often sell for $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the clarity and grade. Daily uses can easily harbor these coins, so inspect any 1955 wheat penny for doubled lines in “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
7. 1931‑S – Low Mintage, High Demand
During the Great Depression, nearly every minted coin was scrutinized for cost. The 1931‑S penny reflects this era, with only about 866,000 struck at the San Francisco Mint.
These coins are uncommon in circulation and valued between $75 and $300 in typical condition. Mint state examples can exceed $1,000. They’re not error coins, but their scarcity makes them prized among collectors and a potential pocket change find.
Why These Pennies Matter
Each of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies carries historical and financial value. They represent minting quirks, wartime shifts in materials, or production anomalies—and each potentially offers unexpected worth. Finding one in everyday change may require patience and attention to detail, but rewards can be significant. These coins celebrate U.S. history while representing opportunities for savvy discoverers.
How to Search Pocket Change
- Sort by year and mint mark – Scan for key dates like 1909, 1914, 1922, 1931, 1943 and 1955.
- Check coin color – Look for off‑color pennies: copper-tone from steel, or vice versa.
- Use magnification – Doubled letters or missing mint marks often require a loupe.
- Compare visuals – Reference coin‑collecting images online or in guidebooks to confirm rarity.
- Get professional help – If unsure, local coin shops can help identify and authenticate rare finds.
FAQs
Q1: Can I really find these rare pennies in my everyday change?
Yes, many collectors have discovered rare wheat pennies in rolls or jars of old pocket change. The odds are low, but patience and careful inspection pay off.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1943 penny is bronze instead of steel?
A genuine 1943 bronze penny has a reddish‑copper tone. Steel coins are silvery-gray and magnetic, while bronze pennies are not magnetic.
Q3: Do all 1955 doubled die pennies look the same?
No. The doubling varies between coins—some have subtle doubling, others have striking, bold shifts on letters. Value depends on how pronounced the doubling is.
Q4: What should I do if I find a rare penny?
Have it authenticated and graded by a respected coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. Experts can tell you its condition and value before you consider selling.
Q5: Could one of these pennies be hiding in a gift from a grandparent?
Absolutely. Many rare coins have been passed down through generations. Old change jars, inherited boxes, or childhood collections are excellent sources for surprises.
Final Thoughts
Finding a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in your change can be a thrill—and possibly a financial windfall. From the DBV of 1909 to the 1943 bronze and 1955 doubled die, these coins each represent a captivating story. The next time you handle pennies, take a moment to examine their date, mint mark, and unusual color or lettering—they may hold more than a cent’s worth.
Discover something extraordinary? Share your find in the comments below. If you enjoyed this guide, pass it on to fellow coin lovers or first-time collectors. And if you’d like to dive deeper into coin grading, market trends, or other rare penny types, drop a note or explore our related content. Happy treasure hunting—your next pocket change could contain gold!
