Wheat Penny Price Guide 1909 to 1958 Overview
This guide gives collectors clear, practical value ranges for key Wheat penny dates from 1909 to 1958. It focuses on commonly sought dates, how grade affects price, and market factors that drive value.
Use this as a reference when buying, selling, or evaluating a wheat cent. Prices change with auction results, condition, and authentication.
What Determines Wheat Penny Value
Condition, rarity, mint mark, and known varieties are the top value drivers. Authentication by a third-party grading service raises buyer confidence and typically increases realized prices.
Other factors include historical demand, overall copper market interest, and whether a coin has eye appeal or damage.
How to Read the Value Ranges
- Grades referred to: Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (EF), About Uncirculated (AU), Mint State (MS).
- Ranges are approximate retail/auction results and will vary by market and grade.
- Authentication can move a coin to a higher price bracket.
Complete Collectors Value Chart for Key Dates
The list below highlights key dates and typical value ranges. This is a condensed chart for the most collectible Wheat pennies. For common dates, cents often sell for face value up to a few dollars in circulated grades.
- 1909-S VDB: G $1,000 – F $3,000 – MS $8,000+
- 1909-S (no VDB): G $400 – EF $2,500 – MS $5,000+
- 1914-D: G $500 – F $2,000 – MS $8,000+
- 1922 Plain (no D): G $1,500 – EF $7,000 – MS $50,000+
- 1931-S: G $150 – EF $1,000 – MS $6,000+
- 1943 Bronze/Copper (rare): AU $100,000 – MS $500,000+ depending on grade and provenance
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: G $1,200 – EF $6,000 – MS $20,000+
- Other dates (common): Most circulated 1909–1958 pennies range $0.05–$5.00; higher if uncirculated or attractive.
Note: Ranges above are illustrative. High-grade examples and well-documented provenance can greatly exceed listed estimates.
Grading Tips for Wheat Pennies
Learn the grading basics before deciding on purchase or sale. Look for date legibility, mint mark clarity, overall wear pattern, and hairlines or cleaning marks.
- G to F: Heavy wear, major devices readable but smooth.
- EF to AU: Light to minimal wear; most details visible.
- MS: No wear; luster and strike quality matter.
Common Red Flags
- Artificial toning or cleaning that dulls surfaces.
- Altered mint marks or restrikes.
- Poor repairs or surface fills that reduce value.
The Lincoln Wheat cent was produced from 1909 to 1958. In 1959 the reverse design changed to the Lincoln Memorial, ending the wheat ear reverse series.
Market Insights and Selling Advice
Auction houses and specialist dealers typically pay a premium for authenticated, high-grade, or well-documented pieces. Private sales and local shows can be faster but may yield lower prices.
Before selling, consider third-party grading for high-value coins, and get multiple offers. For low- to mid-value coins, list clearly with photos and honest condition notes.
Where to Sell or Buy
- Reputable auction houses (for rare, high-value pieces)
- Online marketplaces with buyer protections
- Local coin shops and regional shows for quick trades
Authentication and Certification
Submit candidates for grading to established services to confirm variety and grade. Buyers pay more for certified coins because of the reduced risk.
Real-World Example
Case study: A hobby collector found a worn 1955 doubled die obverse in a small dealer lot. After authentication by a grading service, the coin was listed at auction and sold for $3,200. The grading certificate and clear photos drove buyer confidence and a higher realized price.
This shows the value of verification for well-known varieties: even mid-grade examples can demand strong prices when documented.
Quick Practical Checklist
- Check the date and mint mark carefully under magnification.
- Compare to reference photos for known varieties (e.g., doubled dies, 1943 bronze).
- Consider third-party grading for coins estimated above a few thousand dollars.
- Keep provenance and any auction records to support value.
Use this guide as a practical reference. For exact valuations, consult a professional appraiser or recent auction records for the specific date, mint mark, and grade.