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Wheat Penny Value Chart
Lincoln Cents 1909–1958 • By Year • By Mint Mark • Current Prices
Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
Quick Value Tip: The three letters to look for on any wheat penny are the mint marks — no mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), and S (San Francisco). San Francisco issues are almost always scarcer and more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts. Check just below the date on the obverse.
How Much Is a Wheat Penny Worth?
Most wheat pennies are worth 3 to 10 cents, and common dates from the 1940s and 1950s often sell for about a nickel in circulated condition. Value jumps for key dates like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D, for uncirculated coins, and for errors such as the 1955 Doubled Die, which starts around $1,000.
Find your coin's year and mint mark in the chart below. KEY dates are highlighted. G–VG and F–EF are approximate retail for circulated coins; MS-63 shows the uncirculated premium. Every row links to a targeted eBay search.
| Year & Mint | Mintage | G–VG | F–EF | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 — First Year Issues & VDB Varieties | ||||||
| 1909 (P) | 72.7M | $0.10–$0.25 | $0.50–$2 | $15–$40 | First year Lincoln cent | eBay → |
| 1909 VDB (P) KEY | 28M | $8–$12 | $14–$18 | $60–$100 | Designer's initials on reverse | eBay → |
| 1909-S KEY | 1.83M | $90–$130 | $150–$200 | $500–$900 | Low mintage S-mint | eBay → |
| 1909-S VDB 🏆 KEY | 484,000 | $700–$900 | $1,000–$1,500 | $2,500+ | Holy grail wheat penny | eBay → |
| 1910s | ||||||
| 1910 (P) | 146.8M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.50 | $12–$25 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1910-S KEY | 6.05M | $10–$18 | $25–$40 | $150–$250 | Scarce S-mint | eBay → |
| 1911 (P) | 101.2M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.60 | $15–$30 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1911-D KEY | 12.7M | $2–$4 | $10–$20 | $100–$175 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1911-S KEY | 4.03M | $20–$35 | $55–$80 | $275–$450 | Key date | eBay → |
| 1912 (P) | 68.2M | $0.05 | $0.50–$1 | $18–$35 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1912-D KEY | 10.4M | $3–$6 | $15–$25 | $120–$200 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1912-S KEY | 4.43M | $18–$28 | $50–$75 | $250–$400 | Key date | eBay → |
| 1913 (P) | 76.5M | $0.05 | $0.50–$1 | $20–$40 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1913-D | 15.8M | $1.50–$3 | $8–$15 | $90–$150 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1913-S KEY | 6.1M | $10–$18 | $30–$50 | $200–$325 | Scarce date | eBay → |
| 1914 (P) | 75.2M | $0.10 | $0.75–$1.50 | $25–$50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1914-D ⭐ KEY | 1.19M | $150–$250 | $400–$700 | $2,000–$4,000 | Major key date | eBay → |
| 1914-S KEY | 4.14M | $12–$20 | $35–$55 | $200–$325 | Scarce S-mint | eBay → |
| 1915 (P) | 29.1M | $0.20–$0.40 | $1.50–$3 | $35–$60 | Moderate date | eBay → |
| 1915-D | 22.1M | $0.25–$0.50 | $2–$4 | $50–$85 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1915-S KEY | 4.83M | $10–$16 | $30–$50 | $175–$275 | Scarce date | eBay → |
| 1916 (P) | 131.8M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.50 | $12–$22 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1916-D | 36M | $0.15–$0.30 | $1.50–$3 | $45–$75 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1916-S | 22.5M | $0.50–$1 | $3–$6 | $60–$100 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1917 (P) | 196.4M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.40 | $10–$18 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1917-D | 55.1M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $35–$60 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1917-S | 32.6M | $0.20–$0.50 | $2–$4 | $50–$80 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1918 (P) | 288.1M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.35 | $8–$15 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1918-D | 47.8M | $0.10–$0.20 | $0.75–$1.50 | $30–$50 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1918-S | 34.7M | $0.15–$0.30 | $1.50–$3 | $45–$70 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1919 (P) | 392M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $7–$12 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1919-D | 57.2M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $35–$55 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1919-S | 139.8M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.50 | $18–$30 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| Year & Mint | Mintage | G–VG | F–EF | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1920s | ||||||
| 1920 (P) | 310.2M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $7–$12 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1920-D | 49.3M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $35–$55 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1920-S | 46.2M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $40–$65 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1921 (P) | 39.2M | $0.25–$0.50 | $2–$4 | $45–$75 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1921-S KEY | 15.3M | $1–$2 | $6–$12 | $90–$150 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1922 Plain 🔥 KEY | Die fill | $500–$750 | $1,000–$1,500 | $3,000+ | No D visible on Denver cent | eBay → |
| 1922-D KEY | 7.16M | $3–$6 | $12–$20 | $80–$130 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1923 (P) | 74.7M | $0.05 | $0.35–$0.75 | $15–$25 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1923-S KEY | 8.7M | $3–$6 | $12–$20 | $100–$165 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1924 (P) | 75.2M | $0.05 | $0.35–$0.75 | $15–$28 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1924-D KEY | 2.52M | $20–$35 | $65–$100 | $350–$550 | Key date | eBay → |
| 1924-S KEY | 11.7M | $1–$2 | $6–$12 | $75–$120 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1925 (P) | 139.9M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.40 | $8–$15 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1925-D | 25.6M | $0.20–$0.40 | $2–$4 | $50–$80 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1925-S | 26.4M | $0.25–$0.50 | $2–$4 | $55–$85 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1926 (P) | 157.1M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.35 | $8–$14 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1926-D | 28M | $0.15–$0.30 | $1.50–$3 | $45–$70 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1926-S KEY | 4.55M | $10–$18 | $35–$55 | $250–$375 | Scarce date | eBay → |
| 1927 (P) | 144.4M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.35 | $8–$14 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1927-D | 27.2M | $0.15–$0.30 | $1.50–$3 | $45–$70 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1927-S | 14.3M | $0.50–$1 | $4–$8 | $75–$120 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1928 (P) | 134.1M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.35 | $8–$14 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1928-D | 31.2M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $35–$55 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1928-S | 17.3M | $0.50–$1 | $3–$6 | $60–$95 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1929 (P) | 185.3M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $7–$12 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1929-D | 41.7M | $0.10–$0.20 | $0.75–$1.50 | $30–$50 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1929-S | 50.1M | $0.10–$0.20 | $0.75–$1.50 | $30–$50 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
Still searching for a key date? Compare certified wheat pennies across all grades from verified eBay sellers.
Shop Wheat Pennies on eBay
Lincoln Cent 1909-S NGC MS-63 Red and Brown CAC! Absolutely Stunning PQ near-Gem
USD $1,200.00
1910 Lincoln Cent, PCGS MS65RD, Old Green Holder
USD $400.00
1939 Lincoln Wheat Cent MS67 RD NGC *6809
USD $129.95
1936 Lincoln Wheat Cent MS66 RD NGC Special Label
USD $49.95
Lincoln Cent 1926-D, PCGS MS-63 RB! Denver mint. Gold Shield. Nice eye appeal!
USD $415.00
1939S MS 66+ RD Lincoln Cent graded by PCGS (UCC-LWC-1939S-MS66+RD-P-0116)
USD $75.00
One - 1941 Lincoln Wheat Cent PCGS MS66RD
USD $29.99
1936-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS66RD Gorgeous! #9GQM
USD $130.00
1930 Lincoln Wheat Cent PCGS MS66+ RD Gem Red Gold Shield Penny 1c
USD $289.99
Mint condition PCGS. e.g.,MS-60 grade 1939 whole wheat penny.
USD $1,250.00
1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Cent / Penny PCGS MS66
USD $70.00
1909 VDB 1C PCGS MS65RD-PURE RED-OLD RATTLER SLAB-PQ LINCOLN WHEAT SMALL CENT
USD $1,275.00
| Year & Mint | Mintage | G–VG | F–EF | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930s — Depression Era | ||||||
| 1930 (P) | 157.4M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $6–$10 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1930-D | 40.1M | $0.10–$0.20 | $0.75–$1.50 | $25–$40 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1930-S | 24.3M | $0.10–$0.20 | $1–$2 | $30–$50 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1931 (P) | 19.4M | $0.35–$0.75 | $2–$4 | $30–$50 | Depression year | eBay → |
| 1931-D KEY | 4.48M | $3–$6 | $12–$20 | $80–$130 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1931-S 💰 KEY | 866,000 | $60–$80 | $90–$130 | $175–$275 | Key date — low mintage | eBay → |
| 1932 (P) | 9.06M | $0.50–$1 | $3–$5 | $30–$50 | Depression-era low | eBay → |
| 1932-D | 10.5M | $0.35–$0.75 | $2.50–$4 | $30–$50 | Depression-era | eBay → |
| 1933 (P) | 14.4M | $0.25–$0.50 | $1.50–$3 | $25–$40 | Depression-era | eBay → |
| 1933-D KEY | 6.2M | $0.75–$1.50 | $4–$7 | $45–$70 | Semi-key | eBay → |
| 1934 (P) | 219.1M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.25 | $5–$8 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1934-D | 28.4M | $0.10–$0.20 | $0.75–$1.50 | $20–$35 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1935 (P) | 245.4M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $4–$7 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1935-D | 47M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.40 | $8–$14 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1935-S | 38.7M | $0.05 | $0.25–$0.50 | $10–$16 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1936 (P) | 309.6M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $3–$6 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1936-D | 40.6M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $6–$10 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1936-S | 29.1M | $0.05 | $0.20–$0.40 | $8–$12 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1937 (P) | 309.2M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $3–$5 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1937-D | 50.4M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.25 | $5–$8 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1937-S | 34.5M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.30 | $6–$10 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1938 (P) | 156.7M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $3–$5 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1938-D | 20M | $0.10 | $0.50–$1 | $10–$16 | Common D-mint | eBay → |
| 1938-S | 15.2M | $0.10 | $0.50–$1 | $12–$20 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1939 (P) | 316.5M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $2–$4 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1939-D | 15.2M | $0.10 | $0.40–$0.80 | $10–$16 | Moderate D-mint | eBay → |
| 1939-S | 52.1M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.25 | $5–$8 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| Year & Mint | Mintage | G–VG | F–EF | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1940s — WWII Era & Post-War | ||||||
| 1940 (P) | 586.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1940-D | 81.4M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1940-S | 112.9M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1941 (P) | 887M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1941-D | 128.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1941-S | 92.4M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $4–$7 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1942 (P) | 657.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1942-D | 206.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1942-S | 85.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $4–$6 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1943 (P) Steel | 684.6M | $0.10–$0.25 | $0.35–$0.75 | $4–$8 | Zinc-coated steel — wartime | eBay → |
| 1943-D Steel | 217.7M | $0.15–$0.35 | $0.50–$1 | $5–$10 | Steel D-mint | eBay → |
| 1943-S Steel | 191.6M | $0.20–$0.40 | $0.60–$1.25 | $8–$14 | Scarcer steel | eBay → |
| 1943 Copper 🔥 KEY | ~20–25 known | $100,000+ | $200,000+ | $500,000+ | Authenticate with PCGS/NGC first | eBay → |
| 1944 (P) | 1,435M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Most common wheat penny | eBay → |
| 1944-D | 430.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1944-S | 282.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1944 Steel 🔥 KEY | ~35 known | $75,000+ | $150,000+ | $400,000+ | Authenticate with PCGS/NGC first | eBay → |
| 1945 (P) | 1,040M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1945-D | 226.3M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1945-S | 181.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1946 (P) | 991.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1946-D | 315.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1946-S | 198.1M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1947 (P) | 190.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1947-D | 194.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1947-S | 99M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1948 (P) | 317.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1948-D | 172.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1948-S | 81.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1949 (P) | 217.5M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1949-D | 153.1M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1949-S | 64.3M | $0.05 | $0.10–$0.20 | $3.50–$6 | Moderate | eBay → |
Looking for error wheat pennies? The 1955 Doubled Die is in the 1950s table just below, or browse all errors now.
Shop Wheat Penny Errors on eBay
| Year & Mint | Mintage | G–VG | F–EF | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s — Final Years of the Wheat Penny | ||||||
| 1950 (P) | 272.7M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1950-D | 335M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1950-S | 118.5M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1951 (P) | 284.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1951-D | 625.4M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$2 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1951-S | 136M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1952 (P) | 186.9M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1952-D | 746.1M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$2 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1952-S | 137.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2.50–$4 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1953 (P) | 256.9M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1953-D | 700.5M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$2 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1953-S | 181.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1954 (P) | 71.9M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1954-D | 251.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$2 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1954-S | 96.2M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $2–$3 | Common S-mint | eBay → |
| 1955 (P) | 330.6M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1.50–$2.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1955 DD (P) 🎯 KEY | ~22,000 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,800–$2,800 | $5,000+ | Famous doubled die error | eBay → |
| 1955-D | 563.3M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$2 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1955-S | 44.6M | $0.05 | $0.15–$0.25 | $3–$5 | Moderate | eBay → |
| 1956 (P) | 421.4M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$1.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1956-D | 1,098M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.75–$1.50 | Most common year | eBay → |
| 1957 (P) | 283.8M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$1.50 | Common date | eBay → |
| 1957-D | 1,051M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.75–$1.50 | Very common | eBay → |
| 1958 (P) | 253.4M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $1–$1.50 | Last Philadelphia wheat penny | eBay → |
| 1958-D | 800.9M | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.75–$1.50 | Last wheat penny issued | eBay → |
How to Grade Your Wheat Penny: Good (G): Heavily worn, design visible but flat. Fine (F): Moderate wear, major details clear. Extremely Fine (EF): Light wear on high points only. MS (Mint State): No wear — original luster present. Grade has a dramatic impact on value for key dates — a 1909-S VDB in Good is worth $700; in MS-65 it's worth $10,000+.
Wheat Penny Key Dates
Key dates are the low-mintage issues that set the price of a complete Lincoln wheat cent set. The major keys are the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 Plain and 1931-S, all worth $60 or more even in worn condition. For a full breakdown of the 1914-D, see the 1914-D wheat penny value guide.
Semi-key dates are scarcer than common years but more affordable: 1909 VDB, 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-D, 1911-S, 1912-D, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, 1915-S, 1921-S, 1922-D, 1923-S, 1924-D, 1924-S, 1926-S, 1931-D and 1933-D. Most of them are early San Francisco issues, which is why the S mint mark is worth checking first.
Recommended Reading
Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909–1958: A Collector's Guide
A date-by-date guide to the entire wheat-cent run, from the 1909 VDB to the last 1958 issues. Learn to spot the key dates, read mintmarks, and recognize the valuable varieties hiding in old jars and rolls, with clear advice on condition and what your finds are worth.
Check Price on Amazon →
1943 Wheat Penny: Steel vs. Copper
In 1943 the U.S. Mint struck pennies from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. A small number were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets — the famous 1943 copper penny. The unique 1943-D sold privately for $1.7 million in 2010. Standard 1943 steel cents in circulated condition are worth $0.10–$1.00. For values by grade and mint mark, including the 1943-S, see the full 1943 steel penny value guide.
To test if your 1943 cent is steel, hold a magnet near it — steel cents will stick. Copper cents won't. If your 1943 cent doesn't stick to a magnet, have it authenticated by PCGS or NGC immediately before drawing any conclusions about its value. Authentic copper examples are extremely rare and fakes are well documented.
Is Your 1943 Penny Copper?
Try the magnet and weight test, then see what genuine 1943 copper pennies have sold for.
Check Yours →
1944 Wheat Penny Value
A normal 1944 wheat penny is worth about 5 cents in circulated condition and $1.50 to $3 uncirculated. The Mint returned to copper in 1944, using brass from recycled shell casings, and struck more than 2 billion cents across Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. That makes the 1944, 1944-D and 1944-S some of the most common wheat pennies you can find.
The exception is the 1944 steel cent, struck by mistake on leftover 1943 steel blanks. PCGS estimates 25 to 30 are known, and authentic examples sell for $75,000 or more. If your 1944 penny sticks to a magnet, have it authenticated by PCGS or NGC. The 1943 steel cent guide covers the 1944 steel error in detail.
Wheat Penny Errors to Look For
Wheat Penny Errors Worth Big Money: Watch for the 1955 Doubled Die (dramatic doubling on date and lettering, $1,000+), the 1922 Plain (no D visible, $500+), the 1943 copper (doesn't stick to magnet, potentially $100,000+ — must be authenticated), and the 1944 steel (steel planchet after copper resumed, $75,000+). See the penny error coins guide for every Lincoln cent variety, or the full Error Coins guide for all denominations.
Related Coin Value Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wheat penny is valuable?
Start by checking the year and mint mark. Look just below the date on the obverse — a small D means Denver, S means San Francisco, and no letter means Philadelphia. The most valuable issues are 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 Plain, 1931-S, and 1955 Doubled Die. For 1943 cents, test with a magnet — if it doesn't stick, you may have a rare copper example worth authenticating. Grade also matters enormously: a common date in MS-65 can be worth $50+, while the same coin in Good condition is worth a few cents. Use the free Coin Value Estimator for a quick check.
Are wheat pennies from the 1940s and 1950s worth anything?
Most wheat pennies from 1934–1958 in circulated condition are worth 3–10 cents each — slightly above face value but not dramatically so. The exception is any coin in uncirculated (mint state) condition, which can be worth $1–$10 for common dates. The 1955 Doubled Die and 1944 steel cent are the major errors from this era. If you have a large collection of mixed wheat pennies, sorting them and selling in bulk lots on eBay typically yields more than selling to a local dealer.
What does VDB mean on a wheat penny?
VDB stands for Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. His initials were placed prominently on the reverse of the first 1909 Lincoln cents. Public controversy led the Mint to remove them after only a short production run — creating the scarce 1909-S VDB. In 1918 Brenner's initials were quietly restored in tiny letters on Lincoln's shoulder on the obverse, where they remain on Lincoln cents today.
Is a 1909 wheat penny worth anything?
Yes, though it depends on the mint mark and the initials on the reverse. A plain 1909 cent is worth 10 to 25 cents in circulated condition. A 1909 VDB, with Victor David Brenner's initials at the bottom of the reverse, brings $8 to $18. The 1909-S is worth $90 or more, and the 1909-S VDB, the rarest regular-issue wheat penny, starts around $700 even when heavily worn.
Which wheat penny years are rare?
The rarest years are 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 Plain and 1931-S, followed by most San Francisco issues from 1909 through 1926. From 1934 on, nearly every date was struck in the tens or hundreds of millions, so value from the late 1930s onward depends on condition or an error rather than the year itself.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is steel or copper?
The simplest test is a magnet. Steel cents will be attracted to a magnet; copper cents won't. You can also weigh the coin — a steel cent weighs approximately 2.70 grams, while a copper cent weighs 3.11 grams. Be aware that some people have plated copper cents to look like steel (or vice versa), which is why professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential before assuming a 1943 copper cent is genuine. Authentic examples are worth $100,000 or more, but counterfeits are common.
How much is a 1944 wheat penny worth?
Most 1944 wheat pennies are worth about 5 cents circulated and $1.50 to $3 uncirculated, whether they carry no mint mark, a D or an S. Over 2 billion were made, so they are very common. A 1944 cent that sticks to a magnet could be the rare steel error, worth $75,000 or more once authenticated.
Where is the best place to sell wheat pennies?
For key dates and high-grade coins, certified examples sell best through major auction houses (Heritage, Stack's Bowers) or directly on eBay with full PCGS/NGC attribution. For common circulated wheat pennies, eBay bulk lots typically return 3–10 cents per coin, which beats most local dealer offers. Local coin shows are also good venues for selling directly to collectors without platform fees. Avoid pawn shops, which rarely pay fair numismatic value for coins.
This book is designed to guide both novice collectors and seasoned numismatists through the rich history, intricate details, and unique aspects of one of America's most cherished coins.
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