Wheat pennies, also known as Lincoln cents, are some of the most iconic coins in American numismatics. Introduced in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, these pennies feature the famous Lincoln portrait on the obverse and a pair of wheat stalks on the reverse. Over the decades, certain wheat pennies have become highly prized among collectors due to their rarity, minting errors, and historical significance. Some of these coins have even rewritten U.S. coin history, elevating ordinary pennies into extraordinary collector’s items. For anyone interested in coin collecting or American history, understanding the most notable wheat pennies is essential.
Why Wheat Pennies Are Special
Wheat pennies hold a special place in coin collecting because they were the first U.S. coins to feature a real person, Abraham Lincoln, rather than symbolic figures or allegories. They were minted from 1909 to 1958 and were produced in large quantities, yet certain years and mint marks are exceptionally rare. These coins are also admired for their design simplicity, historical context, and copper composition, especially those minted before 1959. For collectors, wheat pennies are not just coins; they are artifacts representing early 20th-century America, its economy, and its culture.
Many wheat pennies are relatively common and can be found in circulation or old collections, but a few stand out due to unique characteristics such as minting errors, low production numbers, or historical significance. These exceptional coins can command high prices at auctions, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. As a result, wheat pennies offer both a fascinating hobby and a potential investment opportunity.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous and valuable wheat pennies ever minted. The “S” indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint, while “VDB” are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer. This penny is rare because only a small number were produced, and fewer have survived in high-grade condition. It holds historical importance as one of the very first Lincoln cents ever minted and remains a prized collectible today. Auctions of 1909-S VDB pennies frequently exceed a million dollars for well-preserved specimens, making it a cornerstone for serious collectors.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is another key coin that significantly impacted U.S. coin collecting history. Minted in Denver, this penny had a limited production run, which makes surviving examples rare and highly sought after. Collectors prize it not only for its scarcity but also for its role in completing the early Lincoln cent series. High-grade specimens of the 1914-D penny often sell for tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting both rarity and historical value. Its significance is amplified by its place in the broader story of the Lincoln cent and early 20th-century coinage.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D penny is one of the most intriguing wheat pennies due to a minting anomaly. During production, some coins from the Denver Mint were struck without the “D” mint mark, creating a rare variety known as the “1922 No D.” This error makes the penny highly valuable to collectors. Despite being a relatively modern coin compared to early Lincoln cents, its unique characteristics and rarity make it a sought-after piece. High-quality examples of the 1922 No D penny are extremely rare and can fetch significant sums at auction, highlighting how minting errors can dramatically increase a coin’s value.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 double die Lincoln penny is famous for its striking doubled image of the date and inscriptions. This error occurred during the die creation process, making the coin stand out visually from ordinary pennies. Only a small fraction of pennies minted in 1955 show this doubling, which makes it one of the most collectible and iconic Lincoln cents of the modern era. The 1955 double die penny has become a symbol of coin collecting and is highly sought after, often selling for tens of thousands of dollars in excellent condition. Its unique appearance and historical context make it a standout in U.S. coin history.
1931-S Lincoln Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln penny is another important wheat penny that has had a significant impact on coin collecting. Minted during the Great Depression at the San Francisco Mint, it had a very low mintage compared to other pennies of the era. This scarcity, combined with historical interest from the Depression-era economy, makes the 1931-S highly valuable. Collectors seek it to complete their Lincoln cent sets, and well-preserved examples frequently sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Its historical and numismatic significance solidifies its place among the most important wheat pennies ever produced.
Key Highlights
- Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature Lincoln on the obverse and wheat stalks on the reverse
- The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents
- The 1914-D penny is highly sought after due to low production and historical significance
- The 1922 No D penny and 1955 double die penny are examples of minting anomalies that greatly increase value
- The 1931-S penny is rare due to its low mintage and economic context
Final Words
Wheat pennies are more than just small coins; they are pieces of American history and significant collectibles in the numismatic world. The five pennies discussed—the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1955 double die, and 1931-S—have rewritten U.S. coin history through their rarity, unique characteristics, and historical context. For collectors and enthusiasts, these coins offer both the excitement of discovery and the potential for substantial value. Even for those new to coin collecting, understanding these iconic wheat pennies provides insight into how ordinary coins can become extraordinary treasures over time.
