Wheat pennies, which were first introduced by the U.S. Mint in 1909, are among the most beloved and sought-after coins by collectors. These pennies, featuring the iconic wheat stalks on the reverse side, have become a staple in numismatic collections. While most wheat pennies are fairly common, there are certain rarities within the series that can be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. If you’re into coin collecting, here’s a look at 9 ultra-rare wheat pennies that could turn out to be incredibly valuable finds.
1. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
Perhaps the most famous wheat penny of all, the 1909-S VDB is highly coveted due to its historical significance. The initials “VDB” were originally stamped on the reverse, but public outcry led to their removal. Only a limited number of these pennies were minted, and their rarity has made them extremely valuable. Depending on the condition, the 1909-S VDB can fetch upwards of $1 million for coins in MS-65 or higher.
2. 1914-D Wheat Penny
The 1914-D is another sought-after coin in the wheat penny series. With a low mintage from the Denver mint, it’s one of the more elusive coins for collectors. In good condition, the 1914-D can be worth several hundred dollars, while high-grade examples can command thousands. Some rare specimens in MS-65 condition have been known to sell for over $10,000.
3. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D wheat penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Minted with a missing “D” mintmark from Denver, this coin is a result of a mistake during the minting process. The absence of the mintmark makes this coin extremely rare and highly desirable. Depending on the grade, a 1922 No D penny can be worth up to $100,000 or more.
4. 1931-S Wheat Penny
The 1931-S is a rare find among the 1930s wheat pennies. With a very low mintage from the San Francisco mint, this coin is particularly valuable to collectors. While not as well-known as other key dates, a 1931-S penny in high grade can fetch thousands of dollars. If you find one in excellent condition, it can be worth several hundreds of dollars to $10,000.
5. 1924-D Wheat Penny
The 1924-D wheat penny from Denver is often overlooked, but it is a highly valuable coin due to its limited mintage. In excellent condition, this coin can fetch hundreds of dollars, and in higher grades, it can command a much higher price. Uncirculated examples have been known to sell for several thousand dollars, making it a desirable coin for collectors.
6. 1936 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1936 Double Die Obverse penny features a striking error where the lettering and design on the front of the coin are doubled. This visual flaw makes the coin particularly distinctive and highly valued. Because of its rarity and unique appearance, a 1936 Double Die Obverse penny in high-grade condition can sell for thousands of dollars.
7. 1912-S Wheat Penny
The 1912-S wheat penny, minted in San Francisco, is another rare coin in the wheat penny series. While it may not be as famous as other key dates, its low mintage makes it valuable. Coins in good condition can sell for several hundred dollars, while those in higher grades can command thousands.
8. 1920-S Wheat Penny
The 1920-S penny, minted in San Francisco, is rare due to its limited production. While it’s not as valuable as some other rare wheat pennies, it still holds significant value. Depending on its condition, a 1920-S penny can be worth from $50 to several hundred dollars, with high-grade examples reaching into the thousands.
9. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous error coins in American history. Due to wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel, but a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly struck. These copper pennies are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors. Depending on the condition, a 1943 copper penny can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
The 1909-S VDB penny is valuable because of its historical importance and rarity. The “VDB” initials, placed on the reverse side, were quickly removed, making the coin rare. Its low mintage and the error of the initials’ removal make it highly collectible and worth up to $1 million.
2. How can I identify a 1922 No D wheat penny?
A 1922 No D penny can be identified by the absence of the “D” mintmark on the reverse side. This minting error occurred during production, and coins lacking the “D” are considered extremely rare and valuable.
3. What makes the 1943 copper wheat penny so special?
The 1943 copper penny is special because it was mistakenly struck on copper blanks instead of steel during World War II. This error makes it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history, with some selling for millions of dollars.
4. Are all 1914-D pennies valuable?
The 1914-D penny is valuable, but its worth depends on its condition. While lower-grade examples are worth several hundred dollars, high-grade specimens, particularly those graded MS-65, can command thousands of dollars.
5. How do I know if I have a rare wheat penny?
To identify a rare wheat penny, look for specific characteristics like missing mintmarks, doubled dies, or coins in excellent condition. Consulting a professional coin grader or appraiser can help determine the coin’s value and rarity.
