Got Wheaties?... See How Much Your Wheat Pennies Are Worth
I have several hundred wheat pennies, with dates in the 50's, 40's, 30's, 20's, and have a 1909. The 1909 does not have the initials on the back. Could you tell me if it is worth anything, and what would the collective value of the wheat pennies be? Thank you."
Answer below...
A good percentage of the people posting questions here want to know the values of their wheat back pennies, which collectors call "wheaties".
So here is the run-down on wheaties...
The Value Of Wheat Pennies
1930's wheaties and earlier are worth 10 cents to 30 cents.Almost all of the 1940's and 50's wheaties are worth 4 cents to 10 cents, depending on the grade of the coins.
Here are the exceptions:
1955 Double Die -- Some of the 1955 wheat cents were struck from improperly prepared dies that show a fully doubled outline of the 1955 date. The 1955 double die books for about $1,200.
Learn more about the 1955 double die penny .
1931 S -- Only due to very low mintage this coin books for around $75.00.
1924 D -- Low mintage worth $20.00.
1922 -- Three varieties which I have explained in this article.
1914 D -- Over a million were minted, but it still books for around $200.00.
Now we come to a whole new little section...the 1909 wheat cents and what to look for.
About Those 1909 Wheat Pennies
1909 was the first year the wheat cents were issued. The designer of this penny was Victor D. Brenner.When the 1909 coins were first struck, they had Brenner's initials on the reverse and are known as VDB cents. However, his initials were removed mid-way through production and not re-instated again until 1918 when they were switched to the front instead of the reverse side. So we ended up with 1909 VDB's,1909 S VDB's,1909's without VDB,and 1909 S's without VDB. There were a lot fewer of these coins minted at the San Fransisco mint -- which makes the S's worth quite a bit more.
- The 1909 with no VDB is worth about $2.00.
- The 1909 S with no VDB is worth about $80.00.
- The 1909 VDB is worth about $10.00.
And then there is the 1909 S VDB... KING OF THE WHEATIES. One of the most sought-after cents of any collector. There were less than 490,000 of them minted, and this bad boy books anywhere from $650.00 to $2,200 depending on the grade.
Where To Look For The VDB Mark
You will find the VDB letters on the back side of the coin -- at the very bottom -- near the rim. The VDB was printed very small and coins become worn over the years, so if you have a 1909 you might want to look closer with a magnifying glass.
There are a few other wheats that book for more than just a few cents.
They are:
1933 D - $2.00
1932 - $1.50
1931 D - $3.00
1926 S - $2.25
1923 S - $2.00
1916 S - $1.20
1915 S - $7.00
1915 D - $1.75
1915 - $1.60
1914 S - $12.00
1913 S - $7.00
1913 D - $2.50
1912 S - $12.00
1912 D - $6.00
1912 - $1.25
1911 S - $18.00
1911 D - $5.00
1910 S - $8.00
The average buying price for any wheaties (other than the ones I have listed in this article) is about 4 cents each.
This should answer most of the wheat cent questions.
what is a 1917 with no D or S on it worth? 1941D? 1926 no D?, 1956D?, 1932 no D?
Marcia,
The dealer is right. I would say that the "joke" coin is better called a "novelty" coin or, more likely, an illusionist's coin - probably going after the double "tailed" effect rather than the "double headed" coin one would typically expect.
It has no numismatic value, but it may be worth a dollar or two to an illusionist or novelty coin collector.
I HAVE A WHEATIE WITH NO DATE, NO MINT, THAT IS A WHEATIE ON BOTH SIDES. I CALLED A COIN SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS JUT A JOKE
COIN. SIZE AND COLOR ARE THE SAME AS ANY OTHER PENNY. WAS THE DEALER CORRECT?
Chase,
As a rule of thumb, most worn wheat cents in typical grades are worth at least 3-5 cents each. HOWEVER, there are several dates in the Lincoln Wheat cent series (1909-1958) which are worth some significant money. These scarce and rare Lincoln cents are definitely hard to come by, but some collectors find them every now and then, especially in old hoards such as those found in estates.
Please check out "7 Rare Wheat Pennies and What They're Worth" ( http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/07/rare_wheat_pennies.php ) and "Lincoln Semi-Key Coins" ( http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/12/lincoln_semi_key_coins.php ) for much more information about the values of the rarer Lincoln cents.
Good luck!
i have a ton of wheat backs.can anyone tell me give me a price guide? plz R.P.
I have a california twenty dollars coin.It is an 1849.In the front of the coin and on top of the head it says cincinnati mining&tracing company;I read in a book that this coin is a spurious specimen cast in base metal with word TRACING in place of TRADING.I am still wandering if this coin still worth any money
50,000 dollars rite now
i got 1950 1c coin on the back say "syates"
no states,
is "y" not "t"
and D930 not 1930 d the "D" is on top of 1
what about
i have a 1956 wheat penny, i'll take beween $15-$20 anybody want
Namein, what did you find out? Are you interested in my coin . I have them rolled and they were done by my late MoM. I have no ideal what their are in the rolls. Could be some worth money, some not. Since she died I can't bring myself to open the rolls and see.
ThankYou.
Alice Brubaker
I WILL LIKE TO KNOW WHAT DO A 1940D WHEAT PENNY IS WORTH
Shane,
Even in uncirculated grades, the 1957 cent is worth less than 25 cents.
While holding onto one for the future is not at all a bad idea, it is hard to say if you will really see any substantial value increase for the coin even years down the road -- even in the more-than 50 years since the coin was released, it is still valued at less than 25 cents for a typcial uncirculated example.
I hope this helps!
i hav a 1957 wheat pennie would it be of any value 2 sell now or hold on 2 for future time?
Hi, Joey:
Is there any evidence of the missing letters?
Thanks for any more information you could provide.
I have a 1956 D Wheat Penny. It has no border and is clearly an error. The words "IN GOD WE TRUST" are cut off almost completely. The word "LIBERTY" is cut off and it just says "BERTY" The two pieces of wheat on the reverse side are also partially cut off. Any ideas on how much this error coin is worth? I bought it for 15 cents at a swap mart.
i have a 1956 wheat penny, i'll take between $50-$100. anyone want it?
i got 1950 1c coin on the back say "syates"
no states,
is "y" not "t"
and D930 not 1930 d the "D" is on top of 1
what about
i got 1950 1c coin on the back say "syates"
no states,
is "y" not "t"
and D930 not 1930 d the "D" is on top of 1
what about
thanx so much for your answer. hopefully i can find a buyer that will see the uniqueness to my penny.
Hi Melanie,
This is a novelty coin of some type--perhaps it is a coin that a cancer organization (like the American Cancer Society) produced and sold to raise funds. Keep in mind that it is a real 1923 wheat cent, but somebody etched or stamped the ribbon onto the coin.
While the coin will not have any value in the mainstream collecting and investing channels, it may have some value in the novelty coin market.
I have a 1923 wheat penny that appears to have a ribbon stamped at the bottom of the wheat stems. the ribbon looks like a "cure for cancer" type ribbon. everyone i have asked about this has never heard of it..does anyone know or have info on where else i can search because i'm totaly stumped...thanx
I want to know what a penny that was made witout a date on it worth?
I have a1957 d wheat penny i take any price over 20$
I have a similar penny. They're not an error at all, as most likely a reproduction by a bad machine by someone trying to reproduce them. I'd buy yours to have two or sell you mine. Thanks
i have a 1949 wheat coin,but it has no vdb or d or s or nothing only like a normal wheat coin but it says e pluribus unum can someone tell me how much this is worth? mysterio_6-1-9@hotmail.com
I have a 1979D that is almost gold in
color. I have never seen another penny like it.Can anyone help with this?
I have a 1940s. The Lincoln side is very
nice, but the reverse has only a slight E Pluribus Unum and very faint wheat and only
a slight outer ridge. However, the penny is
the same thickness as a normal wheat. Can
anyone help?
I have a 1914 penny that is not a wheat penny. Looks like a normal penny but there is no letter under the date. Any info would be appreciated.
Kevin,
1940-S Lincoln wheat pennies are worth 5-15 cents in typical, worn condition.
Hi, Billy,
I think this one is a bit out of the scope of my knowledge...I have never heard of an error like this either. My only thoughts on this is that it (A) may be some type of novelty coin, or (B) it is theoretically possible it could be some kind of reverse impression from the die (stamp) which makes the image on the coin---I've heard about errors like that being possible.
However, I do not know much about those types of error coins. You may want to bring your penny by a local dealer and see if he or she can tell you anything more about the coin than I can say here.
Good luck!
I have a 1940 S WHEAT Penny does anyone no what it is worth??????????????
These pennies are @ least 50 yrs. old or older. Thank You. Alice Brubaker
i've wrote before about a wheat penny i found in my collection. It's a 1946 wheat penny. After it says in God we trust the word trust is stamped again but the letters are all stamped backwards. on the neck of the head the word liberty was partially stamped again. I have searched everywhere but i can't find any information on it. Can someone please help me? I can't get any responses to my comments or emails i've sent out. this is no joke. i really have a penny like this. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Billy Fox
I have a 1941 no mint wheat penny in fair condition any thoughts on the value?
I found a 1946 wheat penny that has in God we trust, then trust is stamped again backwards. the head looks to be doubled stamped too. where it says liberty part of the word liberty was stamp again on the neck of the head. i can't find any references to this penny. can anyone give me any info on it?
thanks
Rhonda,
I don't know if anyone responded to your question. However if you have a 1909-s with the VDB on the back-you have the prize catch in the Lincoln penny set. Depending on the condition of the penny-it is worth 600.00 and up.
I hope that this helps you.
Jim
Beth:
Yes, your nickel is worth something. You actually have a silver "war nickel." From 1942 through 1945, the U.S. Mint struck the five cent coin with a composition of copper, silver, and manganese to help save nickel for the war effort.
War nickels can easily be distinguished from "regular" nickels because of the very large mint marks (your nickel's mintmark is the "S") located over Monticello on the reverse ("tails" side) of the coin.
War nickels are generally worth between $1 and $3 in common, worn condition.
what is a 1947 with D under worth?
I have a 1917 S wheat penny and wanted to know how much it is worth? Thank you.
if you have the 1909s with the vdb on the back its worth 650 to 2000$.....as it says at this sight
the s is under the date, the VDB is on the back bottom edge
I have found a 1910 penny where does it show D or S. I dont see it?
I found a 1909wheat penny with a vdb on the back and and s under the date? Can you help me?
I have a 1913 wheat penny but it doesnt have a s or d under the date.
What is a 1956 penny with a D under the date worth?
Hey, I have a 1923 wheat-back, that appears to have no markings. It's well circulated, and I was given it as change.
Any value, and how much?
I have a nickel dated 1942 and it has an "S" at the top on the back. Is this worth anything.
Thank you.
Juan:
A 1923-S penny, if free from damage, should bring you at least $1.50 to $2 if you brought it to a coin dealer. The less wear the penny has, the more it will be worth. It should bring you at least $150 if it is uncirculated (no wear at all).
M.M.W.:
1952 and 1956 pennies really have to be uncirculated (no wear) for them to be worth any more than 2 or 3 cents each. If uncirculated, they are worth closer to 20-30 cents or more each (more if in really well-preserved unciculated condition without spots, nicks, or other imperfections).
Great site and Thank-You for the free info...
Stay Blessed, Lisa
can someone please tell me what the value of a 1907 indian head wheat pennie is worth.
i have a 1923 wheat penny minted with an S under the date does it have any value
how much is a 1935. 1940. 1944. 1954. 1950 ive seen an large quanity show very valuble
How much are 1956 and 1952 wheat pennies worth?
what are known errors for wheat pennies besides 1955 double and 1946 S/D 1944 D/S? are very weakly struck(are they called die trials? die adjustments?) wheats worth much? Also does a very red or very dark brown almost black color add any value? thank you!
have alot of pennies the 1943 i have was tested and is really silver what do i do now its not steel or zinc?
Hi Ray,
Yes, that 1943 S penny you have is really meant to be "silver" in color. In fact, all but a rare few 1943 U.S. pennies were made from zinc-plated steel. While these so-called "steel cents" are not rare, they are unique (a one-year only issue), and usually are worth between 40 cents to a dollar in avergae circulated grades and $7-10 in lower uncirculated grades.
I have a wheat penny that looks like it is made out of silver? It is 1943 S is there such a critter or is it just discollered?
they're not zink, they are steel. Try a magnet on them ;o)
HEY JAY I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION REGARDING A 1944 PENNY I HAVE 2 1944 WHEAT PENNIES AND I WAS WATCHING ON THE NEWS THE OTHER DAY AND I SAW A REPORT ABOUT PENNIES THAT WERE COLLECTABLES. SO I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD EMAIL ME SOME INFORMATION ABOUT PENNIES FROM 1944 INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR VALUES JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY. THANK YOU I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON
I have 10,000 wheat pennies, a good mix of dates going back to the teens; inlcudes 340 1943 zinc. $500. Rochester NY
do you live in michigan? where are you located so i can come and look at those flea markets and local store i buy mine at the hillsdale action from this one dude
i am only 11 years old and have a coin collection i have over three hundred wheat pennies, a 1910 wheat penny is worth a fair amount as long as it is in fair condition. i also have a fair amount of pure gold dollars that i got for christmas they were a fair price only 15,000.
i am only 11 years old and have a coin collection i have over three hundred wheat pennies, a 1910 wheat penny is worth a fair amount as long as it is in fair condition.
Yes, it has most likely come in contact with some type of chemical, or is missing some of it's plating. The rolls of wheaties I find just about everywhere. You can find them at local junk auctions, flea market are a good place, antique malls, and local coin shops will usually have millions of them where you can buy them by the pound.
I AM A BEGINING COIN COLLECTOR AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I COULD GET SOME OF THOSE ROLLS OF COINS FOR $2.00-$3.00 SO THAT MY COLLECTION CAN BE COME LARGER. I ALSO HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A PENNY. IT IS NOT A WHEAT PENNY INFACT IT IS KINDA RECENT. THE PENNY IS FROM 1983 AND PART OF ONE OF ITS SIDES IS A SILVER COLOR AND THE REST OF IT IS COPPER COLOR (ZINC WHAT EVER). I WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU HAD HEARED ABOUT ANY THING LIKE THAT AND WHAT KINDA PRICE IT WOULD HAVE. I ALSO REALISE THAT IT COULD HAVE BENN MADE BY SOME SORT OF ACID OR SOMTHING.IF YOU COULD HELP, THANKS.
Alana - Not necessarily, some wheat cents are worth several dollars to several hundred dollars. It depends on which dates and what condition you are speaking of. But yes alot of them, such as most of the 40's wheat cents, are pretty common and I generally pick up rolls of them for only $2-$3.00 a roll.(50 coins per roll)
Frieda - No, only a small fraction were doubled. That's what makes the doubles worth so much more.
So 13 wheatie pennies are only worth $.52 ???????????
are all 1955 wheat pennnies double die
Those of you wondering about the mintmarks, the one's you are describing do not have a mint mark because they were minted in Philidelphia. This is not an error and they aren't worth any more or less for not having a mark. Philidelphia never used to use a mint mark on thier coins with a few exceptions like war nickels. -Jay
I have a 1943 D wheat penny. Any value?
Hello! I have a 1919 wheat penny and there isn't a mint on it. It also has a smothe feel to it. Is it worth anything? Please let me know. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Jamie Boyd
janicelynn_stegriy@yahoo.com
I have wheat pennies in the years 1951 and 1958. I didn't see any amount for these years, so I assume there is no pay out for them. But just in case, I thought that I would ask. Thanks.
I found a wheat penny with no date & no in god we trust or anything on the face - is this a valuable penny?
i have a 1951 and I really want to now its value!!!
i have a question about the 1909 wheat penny s V.B.D. are they always a red brown?
i have a wheat penny minted D but there is no year on it... it looks like a "swirl" moved all the numbers around and on the back has the same swirl but not interfering with any writing
I have a 1916 wheat penny with no mint stamp on it. I carefully observed through a magnifying glass and I can't see or feel any signs of one ever being on it and the date and lincoln are still clearly visible. Is this rare and what's the approx. value on it. Thanks.
Danielle - About 15 cents.
George - I don't have an answer for you at this time. I'd need to see the coin and do some research on it.
- Jay
I HAVE A 1930 WHEAT PENNY FROM THE DENVER MINT AND THE D LOOKS MORE LIKE A FOOTBALL THAN THE LETTER D. I HAVE HEARD IT MAY BE VERY VALUABLE----DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
GEORGE
I have a question what about a 1935 with no marks on them how much re they worth
Sure I'll take a look at it if you want to send a picture to xxmr.azzyxx@hotmail.com . It's more likely to be a mint error if you're talking about an uncirculated roll. If it's just a circulated roll you got from the bank it was likely cut and squished post mint by somebody else.
- Jay
I just got a roll of pennies and inside was a "misprinted" 1957 Wheat Penny. On the Back (the wheat side) it looks like it was stamped, then cut and squished a little. I can send you a picture of it if it helps.
Please let me know if you know anything about these coins. (The reason I think it was an origional error, is because the writing above the wheat is distorted "squished".)
Thank you very much!
Crystal Sissons
Dave - Sounds like a partially worn/altered 1946 or 1949.
Nita - If your roll is uncirculated it could sell for around $30.00 or so.
- Jay
This May come to a shock to most, but for generations, my family has possesed the 4th penny ever made. It is now in my hands with great honor and pleasure. I will never sell this valuable coin.
Hello, I have an uncirculated roll of 1955 pennies, they have the S stamp under the year. What are these worth if anything?
Many years ago I found a 1941 penny that the "1" in "41" looks like a forward slash on a keyboard. Similar to this 194/. Ever heard of it?
Thanks
Nathan - If it's a 1910 with no mint mark it's worth about 50 cents, if it's a 1910S it's worth about $10.00.
Rhonda - I'm not sure what you're telling me here. If your mom gave you a bunch of WHEAT pennies then none of them will be dated in the 80's or even the 60's. They stopped making wheat cents in 1958 when the lincoln memorial reverse took over. It sounds to me like she just gave you a bunch of pocket pennies she didn't want..LOL Better go get onto her about that.
- Jay
I just received a bunch of wheat pennies from my mom from when I was born in the 60's. Should I buy a book to check to see if these are rare? I have several of the 1983 ones that I read about on your site.
SHould I take those to a dealer for an appraisal. This is very new to me.
Thanks
What about a 1910 penny?
That wheatie doesn't have a D because it was minted at Philidelphia. Some 1922 cents don't have a D because it was a die error and that's what makes it worth so much. Philidelphia didn't mint any cents in 1922 or else the error might never have been noticed.
- Jay
i have a weat pennie that is 1924 and it dosent have a (D) on it so how much is it worth?
Lily - About 30 cents in fine condition.
Leah - Yes, about 10-$15 so long as it does not carry the S mint mark on it. That would make it worth quite a bit.
Hank - Good question. For the most part you won't be able to find an online price guide since they want you to pay for the info. I recommend the "Red Book" which you can pick up at your local coin shop or online. The average going price for rolls of circulated wheat cents on E-bay is 3-$4. I currently have several rolls myself, 3/4 of them are 40's and 50's and I would be interested in buying some of your teens and 20's rolls if you're looking to sell some of these coins. My e-mail is xxmr.azzyxx@hotmail.com .
- Jay
I have all of the following wheat (and other cents) and I would like to know where I can get the values you say these pennies are worth.
Average circulated mostly very old wheat cents:
1909-23, 1910-38, 1911-12, 1912-16, 1913-13, 1914-16, 1915-6, 1919s-22, 1921-21, 1940D-15, 1943D-10
1943-68, 1943D-10, 1943S-1, Various S-mint cents-13
Ave circulated rolls:
1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1945D, 1946D, 1954, 1955
Uncirculated Lincoln Memorial Rolls:
1975, 1976(2 rolls), 1977(2 rolls), 1979(2 rolls)
1955 Last 5 Doubled Roll
Circulated S Rolls 1969s, 1970s Large 7
Unc Roll 1970s Small 7
wait so a 1909 vdb penny is only worth like 10 bucks?
what about a 1925 wheat penny?
About 30 cents.
what about a 1919 with an s