The 5 Rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny Coins : Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are among the most collected coins in the United States. Though millions were produced, a select few are so rare and valuable that they have become the crown jewels of numismatics. Below, we present the five rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny coins, including detailed specifications, current market values, mintage numbers, and auction histories. These exceptional pieces have fetched tens of thousands—and in some cases, hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Key Features
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Designer Initials: V.D.B. (Victor David Brenner)
- Mintage: 484,000
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
- Weight: 3.11 grams
The 1909-S VDB is the most famous and valuable of all Lincoln Wheat pennies. It was the first year of issue and features the controversial initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse, which were quickly removed from subsequent mintings due to public criticism.
Estimated Value Range:
- Good (G-4): $700–$1,000
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $3,000–$5,000+
- Auction Record: $117,500 (MS67RD, Stack’s Bowers, 2021)
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Key Features
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Mintage: 1,193,000
- Known For: Scarcity in high grades
This coin was widely circulated, making high-grade versions extremely rare. Collectors place a premium on this piece due to its low survival rate in mint condition.
Estimated Value Range:
- Good (G-4): $175–$300
- Very Fine (VF-20): $600–$900
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $10,000–$20,000
- Auction Record: $29,900 (MS66RD, Heritage Auctions)
3. 1922 No D Strong Reverse Lincoln Penny
Key Features
- Mint Mark: None (should be D)
- Mintage: 7,160,000
- Error Type: Die pair 2 (No D, Strong Reverse)
This error coin is the result of a worn or clogged “D” mintmark die. While most 1922 pennies show weak or ghosted mintmarks, the No D Strong Reverse variant is significantly more valuable due to its bold strike and complete omission of the mintmark.
Estimated Value Range:
- Fine (F-12): $1,000–$1,500
- Mint State (MS-63 BN): $5,000–$10,000
- Auction Record: $55,812 (MS64RD, Goldberg Auctions)
4. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
Key Features
- Composition: Bronze instead of zinc-coated steel
- Mintage: Unknown (estimated <20 exist)
- Minting Error: Struck on leftover 1942 bronze planchets
These coins are among the most coveted U.S. error coins. The U.S. Mint transitioned to steel planchets in 1943 to conserve copper for WWII. However, a few bronze blanks were accidentally used.
Estimated Value Range:
- Fine (F-12): $75,000–$125,000
- Mint State (MS-63 RD): $250,000–$350,000
- Auction Record: $372,000 (MS63BN, Heritage Auctions)
5. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Key Features
- Mintage: ~24,000 estimated released
- Error Type: Dramatic doubling of date and inscriptions on the obverse
The 1955 Doubled Die is among the most dramatic and widely known errors in U.S. coinage. The doubling is easily visible to the naked eye, especially on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Estimated Value Range:
- Very Fine (VF-20): $1,200–$1,750
- Mint State (MS-65 RD): $10,000–$20,000
- Auction Record: $50,000 (MS65RD, Stack’s Bowers)
Rarity Comparison Table
| Coin Name | Mintage | Key Feature | Est. Value (MS-65) | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 484,000 | First issue, VDB initials | $3,000–$5,000+ | $117,500 |
| 1914-D | 1,193,000 | Rare in high grade | $10,000–$20,000 | $29,900 |
| 1922 No D | 7,160,000 | Mintmark error | $5,000–$10,000 | $55,812 |
| 1943 Bronze | Unknown | Wrong planchet (bronze) | $250,000–$350,000 | $372,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | ~24,000 | Obvious doubling | $10,000–$20,000 | $50,000 |
Authentication and Grading Tips
flowchart TB
A[Lincoln Wheat Penny] --> B{Mint Mark Present?}
B -->|S (1909)| C[Check for V.D.B.]
B -->|D (1914)| D[Check Year: 1914]
B -->|None| E[Check for 1922 Features]
E --> F{Strong Reverse?}
F -->|Yes| G[High Value Variant]
F -->|No| H[Common Type]
A --> I{Doubling Visible?}
I -->|Yes (1955)| J[Error Coin]
A --> K{Magnetic?}
K -->|No, 1943| L[Bronze Planchet - Rare]
Factors Affecting Wheat Penny Value
- Grade/Condition: Higher grades increase value exponentially.
- Coloration: Red (RD) pennies are worth more than Brown (BN).
- Authentication: Certification from PCGS or NGC is recommended.
- Rarity: Mintage numbers and survival rates define scarcity.
- Demand: Coins with historical significance attract competitive bidding.
Final Thoughts
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are more than just old coins; they’re pieces of American history. The rarest among them—such as the 1909-S VDB and the 1943 Bronze—can command staggering prices in the collector’s market. Owning one of these coins is not only a matter of pride but also a solid investment for the future.
We recommend regular monitoring of auction sites like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections, and always ensure coins are professionally graded before any major transaction.
Collectors who seek these five Lincoln Wheat Penny rarities may find themselves not only holding history—but holding onto a small fortune.