Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958: Value of Wheat Pennies by Year

If you have ever searched through old coin jars, inherited a family collection, or stumbled across an unusual penny in everyday change, you have probably wondered whether it might be valuable. That curiosity is exactly why the Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958 continues to attract collectors year after year. The Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958 helps people understand which Lincoln wheat pennies are common keepsakes and which ones could be worth serious money. Wheat pennies are appealing because they are easy to find, affordable to collect, and deeply tied to American history. While many examples are only worth a few cents, certain dates, mint marks, and errors can command hundreds, thousands, or even six figure prices. Knowing what separates a valuable wheat penny from an ordinary one is the key to making smart collecting decisions.

The Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958 serves as a roadmap for collectors navigating one of the longest running and most popular U.S. coin series. Lincoln wheat pennies were minted for nearly fifty years, and values vary widely across that timeline. Some years produced massive quantities that are still common today, while others had limited mintages or special circumstances that make them scarce. This guide focuses on the factors that actually matter when determining wheat penny value. Year, mint mark, condition, and errors all play a role. A worn common date penny may be worth only a few cents, while a sharply detailed key date coin can be worth thousands. By understanding how pricing works across the entire series, collectors can better judge what they own and what is worth pursuing.

Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958

Year	Mint Mark	Notable Feature	Estimated Value Range
1909	VDB	First year issue with designer initials	$10 to $2,000+
1909	S VDB	Extremely low mintage	$700 to $3,500+
1914	D	Key date with low production	$150 to $5,000+
1922	No D	Missing mint mark error	$500 to $20,000+
1931	S	Low mintage during Depression	$75 to $1,500+
1943	Copper	Wrong metal error	$100,000+
1955	Doubled Die	Strong visible doubling	$1,000 to $15,000+
1958	P	Final year of wheat reverse	$1 to $100+

The Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958 remains one of the most useful tools for anyone interested in Lincoln wheat cents. While many wheat pennies are common, a small percentage are genuinely rare and valuable. With patience, knowledge, and careful evaluation, collectors can enjoy the hunt and possibly uncover coins worth far more than their one cent face value. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, wheat pennies offer a rewarding and historically rich collecting experience.

History Of the Lincoln Wheat Penny

• The Lincoln wheat penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This marked a major shift in U.S. coinage, as Lincoln became the first real person to appear on a regularly circulating American coin. The design was created by Victor David Brenner, whose initials later became a source of controversy.
• The reverse design featured two wheat stalks surrounding the words One Cent, symbolizing prosperity and agricultural strength. This design remained unchanged until 1958. Over its long production run, billions of wheat pennies were minted, making them one of the most familiar vintage coins in the United States. Despite their abundance, specific dates and varieties remain highly collectible.

What Determines Wheat Penny Value

• Several key factors influence prices listed in the Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958. The most important is the coin’s date and mint mark. Pennies struck at the San Francisco and Denver mints often had lower production numbers, which can increase scarcity.
• Condition is equally important. Coins with minimal wear, strong detail, and original luster are far more valuable than heavily circulated examples. Errors and varieties also play a major role. Coins with doubled dies, missing mint marks, or other minting mistakes are especially attractive to collectors. Finally, market trends and collector demand affect prices, meaning values can change over time.

Most Valuable Wheat Pennies By Year

• Certain wheat pennies consistently rank among the most valuable in the series. The 1909 S VDB penny is one of the most famous key dates due to its very limited production and historical significance. Even worn examples are valuable, while high grade coins can sell for thousands.
• The 1914 D wheat penny is another key date that collectors actively seek. Its low mintage and heavy circulation make well preserved examples difficult to find. The 1922 No D penny stands out as a unique error, created when the Denver mint mark was struck so weakly that it disappeared entirely. These coins are highlights in any serious collection.

Wartime Wheat Pennies

• World War II had a major impact on wheat penny production. In 1943, copper was needed for military use, so the U.S. Mint switched to zinc coated steel for penny production. These steel cents are easy to recognize by their silver color and magnetic properties.
• While most 1943 steel pennies are common, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally struck that year. These copper 1943 wheat pennies are among the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins ever produced. Copper pennies returned in 1944, often made from recycled shell casings, adding another layer of historical significance to wartime issues.

In 1964 this was worth $500

Now it’s worth $28,660

That’s how bad inflation has been. pic.twitter.com/0fOCtsWUdE

— Jambo (@degenJambo) December 29, 2025

Famous Error Wheat Pennies

• Error coins are an exciting part of wheat penny collecting. The most famous example is the 1955 doubled die wheat penny. This coin shows clear doubling in the date and lettering, making it easy to identify even without magnification. Strong examples regularly sell for thousands of dollars.
• Other collectible errors include off center strikes, clipped planchets, and repatched mint marks. Not every error increase value, but dramatic and well-defined mistakes are highly sought after. Error coins often bring strong premiums compared to standard issues of the same year.

Common Wheat Pennies And Their Value

• Most wheat pennies minted from the mid 1930s through the 1950s are common and affordable. In circulated condition, they typically sell for just a few cents above face value. However, uncirculated coins with full detail and original luster can still command respectable prices.
• Many collectors purchase wheat pennies in bulk, often sold by the pound, to search for better dates and errors. While common coins may not be individually valuable, they play an important role in completing date and mint mark sets and building collection experience.

How To Properly Evaluate A Wheat Penny

• Evaluating a wheat penny starts with identifying the date and mint mark located just below the year. Next, examine the overall condition, paying close attention to Lincoln’s hair, cheek, and jawline. These areas show wear quickly and help determine grade.
• Look carefully for signs of doubling, missing details, or unusual features that could indicate an error. Never clean a wheat penny, as cleaning almost always lowers value. If you believe you have a rare or high value coin, professional grading can help authenticate and preserve it.

Storing And Protecting Wheat Pennies

• Proper storage is essential for maintaining wheat penny value. Coins should be kept in holders, flips, or albums designed for coin collecting. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, as these can cause discoloration and damage over time.
• Handling coins by the edges rather than the surface helps prevent oils from your skin from affecting the metal. Long term collectors often invest in archival quality storage materials to ensure their coins remain in stable condition for years to come.

Buying And Selling Wheat Pennies

• When buying wheat pennies, research current market prices and compare multiple sources. The Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909-1958 provides a helpful baseline, but real-world prices depend on condition and demand. Auctions, coin shops, and online marketplaces all offer different opportunities.
• Selling wheat pennies works best when rare coins are sold individually and common coins are grouped together. Certified coins often sell more easily and for higher prices, especially for key dates and errors.

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