The Lincoln wheat cent series (1909–1958) is a favorite for new and experienced collectors. This guide breaks down key years and practical tips so you can identify higher-value coins when hunting through rolls, jars, and pocket change.
How to use this Lincoln Wheat Pennies year-by-year guide
Read the short notes for each important year to learn identifying marks and typical value ranges. Values depend heavily on condition, mint mark, and any die varieties like doubled dies or repunched mintmarks.
Follow the hunting tips and grading checklist to improve your chances of finding something worth more than face value.
Key dates and high-value Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The list below highlights the most sought-after dates and why they matter. Each entry gives quick ID tips and a conservative sense of value ranges by grade.
1909-S VDB
- ID: Initials “VDB” on the reverse rim near the wheat sheaf. San Francisco mint mark “S” under date.
- Why it matters: Low mintage and first-year design make it popular with collectors.
- Value: Commonly worth hundreds in circulated grades; thousands in high mint state.
1914-D
- ID: Denver mint mark “D” under date. Look for weak strikes in some examples.
- Why it matters: Low mintage and strong collector demand.
- Value: Ranges from high hundreds in low grade to several thousand in better condition.
1922 No D (Plain)
- ID: Buffalo nickel 1922 was notable for no mintmark; for wheat pennies, seek the 1922/1922 overdates and strong repunched mintmarks in other years. For wheat pennies, check 1922 strong doubled die varieties if present.
- Why it matters: Die anomalies and weak strikes create collectible variants.
- Value: Varies widely by variety; research the specific die variety for accurate value.
1931-S
- ID: San Francisco mintmark “S” and often a weak strike on high points.
- Why it matters: Low mintage relative to other years.
- Value: Frequently worth more than face; can reach hundreds in higher grades.
1943 Bronze (Error)
- ID: Most 1943 cents were struck in steel because of wartime copper needs. A 1943 bronze (copper) cent is a striking error.
- Why it matters: Extreme rarity; authenticated examples command collector attention.
- Value: Can be very high, varying from tens of thousands to much more depending on grade and provenance.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
- ID: Strong doubling on date and LIBERTY lettering — most visible on the obverse.
- Why it matters: One of the most famous doubled dies in U.S. coinage, popular with collectors and investors.
- Value: Thousands in circulated grades; significantly more in mint state.
Grading and condition for Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Condition matters more than many beginners expect. Grading follows standard coin grades from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS).
Look for these visual clues when judging a wheat penny:
- High points: Wear shows first on Lincoln’s cheek and hair strands.
- Strike quality: Many early coins have weak strikes that reduce value compared to well-struck examples.
- Surface issues: Scratches, cleaning, or corrosive spots dramatically lower value.
Where to hunt Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Common places to find wheat cents include circulation, coin rolls, estate lots, and garage finds. Be systematic and patient.
- Bank rolls: Ask for pre-1960 rolls from banks — sometimes older rolls are still in inventory.
- Yard sales and estate collections: Boxes of old coins often hide wheat cents in circulated condition.
- Metal detecting and flea markets: These can yield surprising finds, but condition varies.
Tools for hunting and verification
- Loupe (10x) to check mint marks and doubling.
- Reference book or online price guide for current values and die variety images.
- Scale or magnet: 1943 steel cents are magnetic; copper ones are not.
From 1909 to 1958 the reverse of the Lincoln cent featured two wheat ears. Collectors now call these coins “wheat pennies” or “wheat cents.” Many key varieties are identified by small mint marks and die errors, not by dramatic design differences.
Practical identification checklist
Use this quick checklist when you inspect a wheat penny so you can decide whether to set it aside for further research or grading.
- Check the date and location of the mint mark (after the date, look for D or S).
- Inspect for doubling on the obverse and reverse; doubled dies are common valuable errors.
- Test with a magnet if the date is 1943 — steel vs copper is a key ID.
- Compare to reference photos to identify rare varieties such as 1909-S VDB or 1955 doubled die.
Case study: Finding a 1955 doubled die in circulation
A collector reported finding a 1955 doubled die obverse wheat penny in pocket change. They noticed heavy doubling on LIBERTY and the date using a 10x loupe.
After photographing and consulting a price guide, they had the coin graded. In circulated grade the piece sold for several thousand dollars at auction. The lesson: careful inspection of common dates can turn up valuable varieties.
Final tips for Lincoln Wheat Pennies hunters
Save coins that look unusual, even if worn. Many valuable varieties begin as subtle die anomalies rather than pristine appearances.
Join online forums and use reliable price guides to track recent auction results. When in doubt, consult a professional grader before selling.
With patience, a loupe, and a focused eye, you can unlock the worth hidden in everyday Lincoln wheat pennies. Happy hunting.