What is a wheat penny and what is it worth?
What Is a Wheat Penny?
The wheat penny, officially known as the Lincoln cent with wheat ears reverse, was produced from 1909 to 1958. The obverse shows Abraham Lincoln, and the reverse has two stalks of wheat with the words 'ONE CENT' in the middle.
In 1959, the design changed to the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Wheat pennies are common in old collections and sometimes still found in pocket change, though rarely.
- Minted 1909–1958
- Reverse: two wheat stalks
- Obverse: Lincoln bust
- Replaced by Memorial reverse in 1959
What Is a Wheat Penny Worth?
Most wheat pennies in circulated condition are worth only a few cents—typically 2 to 5 cents each. Even in uncirculated condition, common dates might be worth 25 cents to a dollar.
However, certain key dates and mintmarks are valuable. The 1909-S VDB is the most famous, worth $500 or more in circulated condition. The 1914-D is worth $200 and up, and the 1922 plain (no mintmark) is worth $500 or more. Other semi-key dates include the 1909-S, 1910-S, 1911-S, 1912-S, 1913-S, 1914-S, and 1915-S.
- Common circulated: 2–5 cents
- 1909-S VDB: $500+
- 1914-D: $200+
- 1922 plain: $500+
- Check mintmarks and condition
Common mistakes
- Thinking all wheat pennies are valuable—most are worth only a few cents.
- Overlooking the mintmark; a small 'S' or 'D' can make a huge difference in value.
- Confusing the 1922 plain with the 1922-D; the plain version is much rarer and more valuable.
