Wheat pennies (also called Lincoln wheat cents) are the classic U.S. one-cent coins made from 1909 to 1958. They show Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. Most are worth only a few cents, but a handful of rare dates, mint marks, and errors are worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions in 2025. This easy-to-follow guide lists the top valuable wheat pennies, current prices, and tips to start your own collection.
Why Wheat Pennies Are Still Hot in 2025
These old pennies are loved because:
- They are the first U.S. coins to show a real person (Lincoln).
- Many key dates have super-low numbers made.
- Mint mistakes from the early 1900s create one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Prices keep rising — some coins have doubled in value since 2020.
How to Read a Wheat Penny Quickly
- Date: Look right under Lincoln’s face.
- Mint mark: Tiny letter under the date (D = Denver, S = San Francisco, no letter = Philadelphia).
- Condition: “Red” (bright copper color) coins are worth way more than brown or worn ones.
Top 15 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies in 2025 (Updated Prices)
| Rank | Year & Variety | Mint | Key Feature | 2025 Value Range (Good – Mint State) | Why It’s Valuable Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1909-S VDB | S | Designer initials V.D.B. | $800 – $2,000,000+ | Only 484,000 made; most famous U.S. coin rarity |
| 2 | 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | — | Doubled lettering & date | $500 – $125,000+ | Bold error you can see without a magnifying glass |
| 3 | 1914-D | D | Low mintage | $150 – $300,000+ | Only 1.2 million made; many were lost or worn |
| 4 | 1922 No D (Plain) | — | Missing D mint mark | $400 – $150,000+ | Die wore off; fewer than 500 high-grade known |
| 5 | 1931-S | S | Only 866,000 made | $60 – $25,000+ | Second-lowest mintage in the series |
| 6 | 1909-S | S | First year San Francisco | $200 – $20,000+ | Early low-mintage issue |
| 7 | 1943 Bronze (all mints) | All | Struck in copper instead of steel | $100,000 – $2,000,000+ | Famous WWII mistake; only about 20 exist |
| 8 | 1944 Steel | All | Steel instead of bronze | $5,000 – $400,000+ | Leftover 1943 steel planchets used by accident |
| 9 | 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | — | Strong doubling on date | $300 – $200,000+ | Dramatic early error |
| 10 | 1936 Doubled Die Obverse | — | Clear doubling | $200 – $40,000 | Popular and visible error |
| 11 | 1926-S | S | Low mintage | $50 – $15,000+ | Tough semi-key date |
| 12 | 1910-S | S | Early San Francisco issue | $30 – $10,000+ | Always in demand |
| 13 | 1909 VDB (regular) | — | First year, no mint mark | $5 – $3,000+ | Huge nostalgia value |
| 14 | 1931-D | D | Depression-era low mintage | $20 – $5,000+ | Scarce Denver coin |
| 15 | 1943-S Bronze | S | Copper instead of steel | $200,000 – $1,800,000+ | Highest-priced single 1943 bronze sold |
Best Places to Find Wheat Pennies in 2025
- Coin roll hunting — ask your bank for $25 boxes of pennies.
- Estate sales and old jars — many families still have coffee cans full.
- Online marketplaces — eBay, Etsy, and coin forums.
- Local coin shops — they often sell “wheat penny bags” for cheap.
How to Store and Protect Your Wheat Pennies
- Use 2×2 cardboard or plastic flips.
- Keep in albums or tubes — never loose in a drawer.
- Store in a cool, dry place (avoid basements or attics).
- Handle only by the edges — fingerprints lower value.
Quick Tips for Beginners in 2025
- Start with a 1909–1958 Whitman folder (under $10).
- Focus on filling dates first, then upgrade to better condition.
- Get anything that looks weird checked by PCGS or NGC.
- Join free Facebook groups like “Wheat Penny Hunters” for daily tips.
Final Thoughts: Start Hunting Wheat Pennies Today!
In 2025, wheat pennies remain one of the most fun and profitable areas of coin collecting. A single rare date or error can pay for an entire collection — or even change your life. With prices climbing every year and millions of old cents still out there, now is the perfect time to start looking. Grab a roll from the bank, check grandma’s jar, or buy a cheap starter album. You don’t need a big budget — just sharp eyes and a little luck. Your next pocket change could contain a tiny piece of history worth thousands. Happy hunting!