Millions of Americans keep old jars full of pennies—some passed down from relatives, others collected over time. What many don’t realize is that some of those seemingly worthless coins may be hiding a fortune. Among the most valuable are Wheat Pennies, a series minted between 1909 and 1958. These coins are already iconic for their twin stalks of wheat on the reverse, but certain rare issues are now worth up to $100,000 or more—if you know what to look for.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
This is the holy grail for many penny collectors. Minted in San Francisco in 1909, this was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and only 484,000 coins included the designer’s initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse. The mint quickly removed the initials due to public backlash, making this version incredibly rare. If found in excellent condition, these pennies regularly sell for $50,000 to $100,000 at auction.
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve materials. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets. These are among the most famous and expensive error coins in American history. Fewer than 20 are known to exist, and one sold for over $200,000. Even circulated versions can bring six-figure sums.
1922 No D Wheat Penny
Most pennies from 1922 were minted in Denver, and therefore should carry a “D” mint mark. But a rare die issue resulted in coins being struck with no mint mark at all, despite coming from the Denver Mint. This “No D” variety is highly sought after, especially in high grades. Clean examples of this error have sold for over $30,000, and it continues to be a favorite among serious collectors.
If you’ve been ignoring that jar of pennies on your shelf, now’s the time to take a closer look. While most Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare issues can be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Whether it’s a rare mint mark, an error coin, or a low mintage piece, the next valuable treasure might be resting in your change jar, waiting to be discovered. Grab a magnifying glass—you might just strike gold.
FAQ’s:
1. What are Wheat Pennies?
Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature two wheat ears on the reverse side. They are early versions of the Lincoln cent.
2. How do I know if my penny is a rare Wheat Penny?
Look for key dates like 1909-S VDB, 1922 No D, and 1943 bronze pennies. Also, check for unusual mint marks or misprints.
3. Where can I get my Wheat Penny appraised?
Coin dealers, numismatic shows, or professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are reliable sources for appraisals.
4. Should I clean my old Wheat Pennies before selling them?
No—cleaning a coin can damage it and drastically reduce its value. Leave it in its natural condition.
5. Can these rare pennies still be found in circulation?
It’s rare but not impossible. They’re more likely to be found in old coin jars, estate collections, or inherited savings.
