If you’ve ever found an old penny with two wheat stalks on the back, congratulations — you’ve held a piece of American history! Wheat pennies (officially Lincoln Wheat Cents) were minted from 1909 to 1958 and are one of the most beloved rare coins for beginners and pros alike.
A Quick History of the Iconic “Wheat Cent”
Designed by Victor David Brenner to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the wheat penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Over 25 billion were made, but certain years and mint marks turned scarce fast.
Why Wheat Pennies Keep Climbing in Value
Inflation, nostalgia, and a surge in new collectors have pushed prices up dramatically since 2012. Key dates that cost $200–$500 a decade ago now routinely sell for four figures at auction.
Wheat Penny Value: 2012 vs 2025 (Shocking Table)
| Coin | Avg Price 2012 | Avg Price 2025 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB (MS65) | $4,500 | $28,000+ | +522% |
| 1914-D (MS65) | $2,800 | $18,500 | +560% |
| 1922 No D (Strong Rev) | $12,000 | $65,000+ | +442% |
| 1931-S (MS65) | $350 | $2,200 | +529% |
| 1943 Bronze (Any Grade) | $80,000+ | $300,000+ | +275% |
| 1944 Steel (Any Grade) | $35,000 | $180,000+ | +414% |
| Common Date (MS65 Red) | $12 | $45–$75 | +400% |
The 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Today
- 1943 Bronze – $300,000+
- 1944 Steel – $150,000–$375,000
- 1909-S VDB – up to $150,000 in top grade
- 1922 Plain – $30,000–$100,000
- 1955 Doubled Die – $1,200–$50,000
…and five more sleepers hiding in rolls!
How to Start Collecting (or Selling) Right Now
- Check every wheat penny for these dates first.
- Buy rolls from local banks — still the cheapest way.
- Use Red Book or PCGS Price Guide for current values.
- Get rare ones graded — it can 10x your money.
Pro Tips from Seasoned Collectors
- Never clean your coins — it destroys value.
- Look twice at 1943s (most are steel, bronze is the unicorn).
- Store in 2×2 cardboard flips, not random jars.
- Follow Heritage and GreatCollections auctions for real-time prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No — common dates in average condition are still only 5–25 cents each. Rarity + condition = big money.
Q: Where can I sell my wheat pennies fast?
A: Local coin shops, eBay (with good photos), or consignment through Heritage Auctions.
Q: Did any wheat penny values actually go down?
A: Very few — even circulated common dates doubled since 2012.
Final Thoughts – Your Jar Could Be Sitting on Gold
Over the last 13 years, wheat pennies went from “cool old change” to legitimate rare coins that outpaced gold in some cases. Dig out that coffee can, check those key dates, and you might be holding tomorrow’s college fund (or a down payment on a car).
Got a handful of wheat pennies? Drop a photo in the comments — I’ll help you spot anything special! And don’t forget to share this guide with every coin-roll-hunting friend you know. Happy hunting! 🪙
