Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, have a special place in the world of coin collecting. Their historical significance, unique errors, and limited production numbers make them very valuable to collectors. Below are seven rare Wheat pennies that have set records at auctions and are considered a must-have for any collection.
1. The 1909 V.D.B Penny
This coin was the first piece of the Lincoln cent. The initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner-V.D.B., appear on the reverse.
- Coinage: Only 484,000.
- Price: These coins go anywhere from $700 to well over $2,000 in uncirculated grades.
2. 1914-D Penny
Over 12 million were minted in Denver, but few, over 1.2 million, went into circulation so high quality is extremely rare.
- Value: Based on condition, prices range from $200 to $5,000.
3. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
This error coin happens to miss the “D” mark of the Denver Mint because of its minting error, thus making it one of the very few U.S. coins without a mint mark.
- Mintage: Around 866,000 coins were minted.
- Value: Prices range from $500 to $10,000 with premium amounts for higher grades.
4. 1931-S Penny
The desirability that also comes attached is in the number produced, extremely few pieces.
- Mintage: It produced only 866,000.
- Value: For this coin graded a little poorly can be purchased at $50 but in those perfect grades upwards $2,000 or better
5. 1943 Copper Penny
To save a limited amount of copper for WWII production, steel pennies replaced some of these from the United States Mint during WWII, leaving a rare batch of them from the run where a mistake produced a batch of copper to coin.
- Rarity: Only a few pieces known to exist in this era.
- Price: Between $10,000 and over $100,000 depending on its condition.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The coin has gained popularity for the doubling error, where the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is printed twice.
- Characteristics: The errors are easily noticeable, thus it is a favorite among collectors.
- Price: Typically sells at $1,000 to $15,000
7. 1944 Steel Penny
A minting error resulted in some pennies being made of steel instead of the intended copper content.
- Price: These coins sell for between $10,000 and $75,000.
Rare Wheat Pennies Summary
Coin Name | Year | Mint Location | Key Feature/Error | Estimated Value ($) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1909-S V.D.B | 1909 | San Francisco | Initials on Reverse | $700 – $2,000 |
1914-D | 1914 | Denver | Low Mintage | $200 – $5,000 |
1922 No D | 1922 | Denver | Missing Mint Mark | $500 – $10,000 |
1931-S | 1931 | San Francisco | Low Mintage | $50 – $2,000 |
1943 Copper | 1943 | Philadelphia | Copper Instead of Steel | $10,000 – $100,000+ |
1955 Doubled Die Obverse | 1955 | Philadelphia | Double Die Obverse | $1,000 – $15,000 |
1944 Steel | 1944 | Philadelphia | Steel Composition | $10,000 – $75,000 |
Rare Coins Worth Money
The value of these coins depends on their rarity, historical importance, and uniqueness in minting errors. The 1943 Copper Penny and 1944 Steel Penny have become legendary because of their rarity and connection to pivotal moments in history, such as World War II.
How to Own a Rare Wheat Penny
Rare Wheat pennies can be found in many ways:
- Inherited Collections: Coins passed down through generations may hold hidden gems.
- Old Homes: Unsought coin collections in old homes sometimes produce surprises.
- Coin Dealers and Auctions: Respected dealers and online platforms are a good source to find rare coins.
Conclusion
Rare Wheat pennies are more than just monetary assets—they are tangible pieces of history. For collectors, these coins are prized for their unique features and historical context. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, adding one of these rare finds to your collection is a rewarding endeavor.