The Lincoln Wheat penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is more than just pocket change—it’s a piece of American history. These small copper coins have been hoarded, studied, and loved by collectors for generations.
But among the billions struck over those five decades, a few stand out as rare gems. These are coins that can fetch thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars today.
Let’s take a look at five of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat cents and what makes each one a numismatic superstar.
1909-S VDB
The 1909-S VDB is the crown jewel of the Lincoln cent series. It was minted during the first year of production and includes the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, boldly placed on the back.
That small detail caused a huge stir, with critics calling it “advertising.” The Mint responded by removing the initials—but only after 484,000 had been struck in San Francisco.
That low mintage, combined with the fact that not many were saved at the time, makes it incredibly rare. Collectors have been chasing this coin ever since.
Here’s what they go for today:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $700–$800 |
| Fine-12 | $950–$1,200 |
| Very Fine-20 | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Extremely Fine-40 | $1,900–$2,300 |
| About Uncirculated-50 | $2,500–$3,000 |
| MS-63 Red Brown | $3,500–$4,500 |
| MS-63 Full Red | $5,000–$6,500 |
| MS-65 Red | $9,500–$12,000 |
| MS-66 Red | $18,000–$25,000 |
Counterfeits and added mint marks are out there, so authentication is crucial. Experts rely on specific die markers, mint mark position, and the shape of the “VDB” initials. Always get certified examples through PCGS, NGC, or another trusted grading service.
1914-D
The 1914-D doesn’t get as much attention, but it should. With just over 1.1 million minted, this Denver issue didn’t seem rare—until collectors realized how few survived in good condition. Most were heavily circulated, and almost none were saved in mint state.
Values have skyrocketed, especially for high-grade examples:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good-4 | $200–$275 |
| Fine-12 | $350–$500 |
| Very Fine-20 | $600–$850 |
| Extremely Fine-40 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| About Uncirculated-50 | $2,200–$3,000 |
| MS-63 Red Brown | $4,000–$5,500 |
| MS-63 Full Red | $9,000–$12,000 |
| MS-65 Red | $20,000–$28,000 |
This coin is often counterfeited by adding a “D” to a Philadelphia cent. Watch for weak details on Lincoln’s ear and beard—common traits of genuine Denver-struck coins from this year.
1922 Plain
Now here’s a mystery coin. The 1922 Plain wasn’t supposed to exist. In 1922, only the Denver Mint struck cents, so all coins should have had a “D” mint mark. But due to worn dies and grease clogging, some coins came out without any visible mint mark.
The most valuable version, known as Die Pair 2, shows no trace of a mint mark and has sharp reverse details. This unique error created an extremely desirable variety that has fascinated collectors for decades.
Value depends on which die pair the coin belongs to and its condition. Genuine examples have been sold for thousands of dollars, especially when authenticated as the no-mint-mark Die Pair 2 variant.
1931-S
Although not quite as rare as others on this list, the 1931-S stands out for its low mintage—only 866,000 made. That makes it the second-lowest regular-issue Lincoln cent after the 1909-S VDB.
The value of a 1931-S has steadily grown, especially in higher grades. Even circulated examples carry a premium:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Fine-12 | $80–$100 |
| Very Fine-20 | $125–$175 |
| MS-63 Red | $150–$300 |
| MS-65 Red | $500–$750 |
It’s a relatively affordable entry into key-date collecting for new numismatists.
1943 Bronze
This one’s the ultimate Lincoln cent rarity. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be struck in steel to conserve copper for World War II efforts. But a few bronze planchets were left in the presses and accidentally struck. The result? A coin that was never meant to exist.
Only about 15 to 20 examples are known from all mints. One Philadelphia version famously sold for over $1 million.
If you think you’ve found one, test it with a magnet. Real 1943 steel cents will stick—bronze ones won’t. And don’t forget to get it authenticated!
FAQs
Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
It has a low mintage and was only made briefly with designer initials.
How can I spot a fake 1914-D cent?
Look for weak details and get it certified by a grading service.
What is the 1922 Plain penny?
It’s a Denver coin struck without a visible mint mark due to die wear.
How rare is the 1943 bronze penny?
Only 15–20 are known to exist, making it ultra rare.
Is the 1931-S Lincoln cent a key date?
Yes, with low mintage, it’s highly sought after by collectors.
