Wheat Penny Value (1909–1958)
Quick answer: Most wheat pennies are worth 3 to 10 cents in circulated condition. Key dates like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D and 1931-S are worth $100 to $1,000+.
The Lincoln Wheat cent — minted from 1909 to 1958 — is the most collected U.S. coin of all time, and the one most likely to be sitting in your change jar right now. The good news: every wheat penny is worth more than face value. The better news: a handful of dates are worth serious money.
Value depends on three things: the date, the mint mark (the small letter under the date — S for San Francisco, D for Denver, none for Philadelphia), and the condition. A worn common date is a few cents; the same coin uncirculated can be worth several dollars.
Key dates worth serious money
1909-S VDB
$700 – $2,000+
1914-D
$150 – $2,500
1922 No D
$500 – $3,000+
1931-S
$60 – $150
1955 Doubled Die
$1,000 – $2,500+
The story behind the coin
Introduced in 1909 for the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the wheat cent was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a real person. Designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the first 1909 coins caused a public controversy — they were removed within weeks, creating the legendary 1909-S VDB rarity.
The reverse’s two wheat stalks gave the coin its nickname. In 1943, copper was needed for the war effort, so cents were struck in zinc-coated steel — and a few copper blanks that slipped through became million-dollar errors.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my wheat penny is valuable?
Check the date and mint mark first. 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 (no mint mark), 1931-S and the 1955 doubled die are the stars. Then judge wear: sharp wheat lines and full lettering mean higher grades and higher values.
Are all wheat pennies worth keeping?
Yes — even common dates sell in bulk for 3–5 cents each, and uncirculated rolls are collectible. Never clean them; cleaning destroys collector value.
What is the rarest wheat penny?
The 1943 bronze cent (struck on leftover copper blanks) — genuine examples have sold for over $200,000. The 1909-S VDB is the most famous key date.
Where is the mint mark on a wheat penny?
Directly below the date on the front (obverse). No letter means Philadelphia; S is San Francisco; D is Denver.
Related value guides
Values shown are typical retail ranges for the grades described, based on recent dealer and auction pricing. Markets move; exact value depends on grade, variety and eye appeal. This guide is informational and not a formal appraisal.