Top 14 Most Valuable U.S. Wheat Pennies: The U.S. Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, has long been a favorite among collectors, with its iconic design featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. While most Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare variations especially those with minting errors, unique features, or exceptional condition can fetch incredible sums at auction. As we head into 2025, some of these rare pennies are now worth millions of dollars, making them some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world.
If you’ve come across an old penny and wondered whether it might be worth a fortune, it could very well be one of these rare and valuable Wheat Pennies. Below are the top 14 most valuable Wheat Pennies in existence today, each commanding significant attention and substantial prices on the numismatic market.
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Arguably the most famous Wheat Penny of all, the 1943 Copper Penny is a true legend in the world of coin collecting. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies with steel and zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a handful of copper pennies were accidentally struck with the 1943 dies, making them incredibly rare.
In 2025, a well-preserved 1943 Copper Wheat Penny can fetch upwards of $1.7 million at auction, with the most famous specimens going for even higher prices. Only a few examples are known to exist, and they are considered the Holy Grail of Wheat Penny collections.
2. 1955 Double Die Obverse (DDO) Wheat Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny is another prized coin due to its unique error. The coin was struck with the dies slightly misaligned, causing the lettering on the obverse—particularly in the word “LIBERTY” and the date—to appear doubled. The 1955 DDO is one of the most sought-after errors in U.S. coinage, and well-preserved examples in mint condition have been known to sell for as much as $1.5 million at auction.
With only a few hundred examples of this rare error known to exist, the 1955 Double Die remains one of the top contenders for the most valuable Wheat Penny.
3. 1914-D Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Wheat Penny is one of the key dates in the Wheat Penny series, largely due to its low mintage and relatively high demand among collectors. Only around 1.2 million 1914-D pennies were minted, making it one of the rarest pennies from the early 20th century.
A 1914-D Wheat Penny in excellent condition or with exceptional toning can fetch $500,000 or more, with top-grade examples selling for over $1 million at auction. This penny is particularly prized by collectors seeking to complete their Wheat Penny sets.
4. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Wheat Penny is one of the most famous mint errors in U.S. history. During production, some of the 1922 pennies were struck without the “D” mintmark, even though the coin was supposed to be minted in Denver. This error makes the 1922 No D penny one of the most valuable in the series, with prices regularly reaching $500,000 or more for high-grade specimens.
While some examples are considered “weakly struck,” those that show clear details are especially sought after, and the rarest examples can approach the $1 million mark.
5. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny is notable for being one of the first pennies to feature the design by Victor David Brenner, which includes the initials “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner) on the reverse. The 1909-S VDB is highly coveted due to its historical significance and relatively low mintage.
In top condition, a 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny can command $500,000 or more at auction. This coin is one of the most valuable in the entire Wheat Penny series and a must-have for serious collectors.
6. 1924-D Wheat Penny
The 1924-D Wheat Penny is another rare and valuable coin in the Wheat Penny series. With only 3.1 million examples struck, this coin is considered scarce, especially in higher grades. As a result, it has become one of the more valuable coins in the collection.
A 1924-D Wheat Penny in mint state can easily sell for $250,000 to $500,000, with exceptional specimens sometimes reaching even higher prices.
7. 1931-S Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Wheat Penny is another rare coin that is highly sought after by collectors. While the mintage of 1931-S pennies was relatively low, the coin didn’t attract significant attention until later, when collectors realized how rare it was in higher grades. The 1931-S is among the more valuable Wheat Pennies today, with auction prices reaching $400,000 to $500,000 for well-preserved specimens.
8. 1923-S Wheat Penny
The 1923-S Wheat Penny is a lesser-known but still valuable coin due to its low mintage and scarcity in higher grades. Only around 2.4 million examples were minted, and this penny can sell for $250,000 or more in excellent condition.
Collectors of rare coins often seek the 1923-S due to its unique combination of rarity and historical significance.
9. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is another oddity in the series. While the majority of 1944 pennies were struck using copper, a few were mistakenly struck using leftover steel planchets from the 1943 steel pennies. These 1944 Steel Wheat Pennies are incredibly rare, with only a few known to exist.
A well-preserved 1944 Steel Wheat Penny can fetch $350,000 or more at auction, depending on the condition and authenticity.
10. 1910-S Wheat Penny
The 1910-S Wheat Penny is highly valuable due to its low mintage and scarcity. Only 1.2 million were struck, and finding one in great condition is rare. As a result, this coin has become a coveted item for collectors, with auction prices ranging from $150,000 to $350,000.
11. 1925-S Wheat Penny
The 1925-S Wheat Penny is another coin that stands out for its rarity. With only 2.6 million examples produced, this coin is much more scarce than its mintage suggests. High-grade examples can command prices of $150,000 or more at auction.
12. 1911-S Wheat Penny
The 1911-S Wheat Penny is a rare find, as fewer than 1 million were minted. In mint condition, it is highly sought after by collectors, and high-quality examples can fetch $100,000 to $200,000.
13. 1912-S Wheat Penny
The 1912-S Wheat Penny is another scarce coin with a low mintage of only 1.3 million. This makes it a valuable piece for collectors, with prices in excellent condition reaching $100,000 to $200,000.
14. 1927-S Wheat Penny
The 1927-S Wheat Penny is another rare variety, with a relatively low mintage of 1.1 million. It is valued for its scarcity and appeal to advanced collectors, with prices often ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 in excellent condition.
Conclusion
The value of Wheat Pennies has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly for those with rare minting errors, low mintage, or exceptional condition. In 2025, some of these coins are worth millions of dollars, and the prices are only expected to rise as demand for rare U.S. coins continues to grow. If you happen to come across a Wheat Penny in your collection, it might be worth more than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, these top 14 most valuable Wheat Pennies are some of the most prized and significant coins in the world of U.S. coinage.
