The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, represents one of America’s most collected coins. While most Wheat Pennies in circulation are worth only a few cents, certain dates, mint marks, and conditions can command impressive premiums. Let’s explore the values of these historic cents and understand what makes some worth thousands of dollars.
Key Date Values
1909-S VDB The most famous Wheat Penny, featuring designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials:
Good (G-4): $600-700
Fine (F-12): $900-1,000
Very Fine (VF-20): $1,200-1,400
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $2,000-2,300
Uncirculated (MS-60): $3,500-4,000
Gem (MS-65): $8,000-9,000
Superb (MS-67): $25,000+
1914-D A key date with significant value in all grades:
Good (G-4): $175-200
Fine (F-12): $300-350
Very Fine (VF-20): $500-600
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $1,200-1,500
Uncirculated (MS-60): $2,500-3,000
Gem (MS-65): $10,000-12,000
1922 Plain (No D) A famous variety created when the Denver mint mark wore away:
Good (G-4): $400-500
Fine (F-12): $700-800
Very Fine (VF-20): $1,200-1,500
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $2,000-2,500
Uncirculated (MS-60): $6,000-7,000
Gem (MS-65): $20,000+
Semi-Key Dates and Values
1909-S (Without VDB)
Good (G-4): $90-100
Fine (F-12): $150-175
Very Fine (VF-20): $250-300
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $400-450
Uncirculated (MS-60): $800-900
Gem (MS-65): $3,000-3,500
1931-S
- Good (G-4): $75-85
- Fine (F-12): $100-125
- Very Fine (VF-20): $150-175
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $200-250
- Uncirculated (MS-60): $400-450
- Gem (MS-65): $2,000-2,500
Condition Rarity Values
Some dates become valuable in high grades despite being common in circulated condition:
1916-D
Uncirculated (MS-60): $200-250
Gem (MS-65): $1,500-2,000
Superb (MS-67): $8,000-10,000
1926-S
Uncirculated (MS-60): $500-600
Gem (MS-65): $4,000-5,000
Superb (MS-67): $15,000+
Error and Variety Values
1943 Copper The legendary wartime error (normally struck in steel):
Fine (F-12): $100,000+
Very Fine (VF-20): $150,000+
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $200,000+
Uncirculated: $250,000+
1955 Doubled Die Obverse The most famous Wheat Penny variety:
Good (G-4): $900-1,000
Fine (F-12): $1,500-1,800
Very Fine (VF-20): $2,000-2,500
Extremely Fine (EF-40): $3,000-3,500
Uncirculated (MS-60): $5,000-6,000
Gem (MS-65): $25,000+
Common Date Values
Most Wheat Pennies from the 1930s-1950s in circulated condition:
Good to Very Fine: 10-25 cents
Extremely Fine: 50 cents-$1
Uncirculated: $2-5
Gem: $20-50
Factors Affecting Value
Several key factors influence Wheat Penny values:
Condition The state of preservation dramatically impacts value:
Original mint luster
Strike quality
Surface preservation
Color (red, red-brown, or brown)
Contact marks
Rarity Population figures affect value:
Original mintage numbers
Survival rates
Certified population data
Market availability
Eye Appeal Subjective factors that enhance value:
Natural toning
Sharp strike
Original surfaces
Overall visual appeal
Investment Considerations
When investing in Wheat Pennies, consider:
Authentication
Professional grading recommended for valuable dates
Learn to identify genuine specimens
Study variety diagnostics
Storage
Use inert materials
Control environment
Avoid handling coins directly
Market Research
Track auction results
Study price guides
Monitor market trends
Buying Tips
When purchasing valuable Wheat Pennies:
Buy certified examples when possible
Work with reputable dealers
Study before buying key dates
Consider eye appeal alongside grade
Verify authenticity of rare varieties
Common Date Investment Strategy
Even common Wheat Pennies can provide investment opportunities:
Focus on high-grade examples
Look for original red specimens
Consider full strike pieces
Watch for interesting toning
Future Value Potential
Several factors suggest continued strength in Wheat Penny values:
Growing collector base
Limited supply of key dates
Strong interest in American coins
Historical significance
Preservation Guidelines
To maintain value:
Handle coins by edges only
Store in proper holders
Maintain stable environment
Never clean or alter surfaces
Document provenance when possible
Market Dynamics
Current market trends show:
Strong demand for key dates
Premium prices for quality
Growing interest from new collectors
Stable long-term appreciation
Building a Collection
For those starting to collect:
Begin with common dates
Learn grading standards
Study authentication points
Network with other collectors
Join numismatic organizations
A Legacy of Value – The Lincoln Wheat Penny coins value
Lincoln Wheat Pennies continue offering opportunities for collectors and investors. Whether focusing on key dates, varieties, or high-grade commons, understanding values helps make informed decisions in building and maintaining a collection. As these coins become increasingly scarce, their status as numismatic treasures ensures their place in American coin collecting.