Top Rare Wheat Pennies
Many Lincoln Wheat Pennies minted in the early–mid 1900s are now selling for tens of thousands – and even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.
In this guide, you will discover the most valuable Wheat Pennies, why they are so rare, and how to know if the one in your drawer could be worth a fortune.
Why Are Wheat Pennies So Valuable?
Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature:
- Abraham Lincoln on the front
- Two wheat stalks on the back
Their value depends on:
Condition (grade) Mint mark (or lack of one) Original red copper color (RD) Errors or special varieties Professional grading (PCGS / NGC)
Coins graded MS‑65 or higher are considered premium collectibles.
1. 1932 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $42,500+
Why it is special:
- Minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- 95% copper composition
- Great Depression era coin
- Rare in high grades
Key value factors:
- Full mint luster
- Sharp strike details
- Minimal contact marks
- Grade: MS‑65+ (especially Red – RD)
Auction record: Up to $42,500 for pristine examples.
2. 1951 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $85,000+
Why collectors want it:
- Extremely scarce in top condition
- Post‑World War II era coin
- Strong demand among investors
What increases value:
- Red copper color (RD)
- Professional grading (PCGS / NGC)
- Grade MS‑65 or higher
Top auction prices: Around $85,000
3. 1935 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $85,000+
Highlights:
- Minted during U.S. economic recovery
- Most coins heavily worn today
- High‑grade examples are extremely rare
Why it is expensive:
- Original mint shine
- Sharp design
- Certified grading
Estimated value: $30,000 – $85,000+ depending on condition
4. 1936 Wheat Penny with Edge Error – Worth Up to $100,000+
What makes it unique:
- Rare edge minting error
- Philadelphia mint origin
- Very limited high‑grade survivors
Collector checklist:
- MS‑65+ grade
- Visible edge error
- Clean surfaces
Top prices: $100,000 or more
5. 1944‑S Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $98,000+
Details:
- Minted in San Francisco (S mint mark)
- WWII era coin
- Scarce in uncirculated condition
Bonus factor:
Collectors also hunt for the legendary 1944 steel penny error, which could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars 
High grade value: $50,000 – $98,000+
6. 1940 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $95,000+
Why it matters:
- Minted during U.S. economic recovery
- Philadelphia mint
- Rare in mint state
What to look for:
- Strong red luster
- Sharp portrait
- MS‑65+ grade
Market value: Up to $95,000
7. 1955 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $200,000+ (Even $800,000 with errors)
Important facts:
- Final year of the Wheat Penny design
- Philadelphia mint
- Famous for double‑die error varieties
Value breakdown:
- Normal high‑grade coin: $50,000 – $200,000
- Double‑die error: $300,000 – $800,000+
How to Check If Your Penny Is Valuable (Step‑by‑Step)
Step 
– Check the Year
Look for dates between 1909 – 1958
Step 
– Look for Mint Mark
Under the year:
- No letter = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
Step 
– Inspect the Color
- RD (Red) = highest value
- RB (Red‑Brown) = medium
- BN (Brown) = lower
Step 
– Examine Condition
- Sharp details?
- No scratches?
- Original shine?
Step 
– Get Professional Grading
Send to:
- PCGS
- NGC
This alone can multiply value by 10x or more.
Final Thoughts
Wheat pennies are more than old coins — they are historical assets and serious investments.
A single penny could:
- Pay off debt
- Fund a business
- Change your financial future
So before spending that old coin… look twice.
You might be holding a small copper fortune.
