Top 5 Wheat Pennies Worth
Imagine turning a single old penny into a life-changing fortune. 😲
Most people spend Wheat Pennies without a second thought, but some rare examples have sold for tens of thousands—and even hundreds of thousands—of dollars at real U.S. auctions.
Below are the Top 5 most valuable Wheat Pennies every collector and beginner should know, plus how to identify them step by step.
🥇 #1 – 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark)
Auction Price: Up to $114,000
Why It’s Valuable
This famous error was created when the die received a double impression, causing bold doubling on:
- Date (1955)
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
The doubling is so strong it can be seen with the naked eye.
How to Spot It
✅ Thick, doubled letters
✅ Blurry shadow effect on date
✅ No mint mark (Philadelphia)
Value Range
- Circulated: $1,500 – $10,000
- High-grade Mint State: $80,000 – $114,000
🥈 #2 – 1941-D Wheat Penny (High Grade / Error Varieties)
Auction Price: $15,600
Why It’s Valuable
Most are common, but a tiny number survived in MS68 Red condition or with repunched mint marks.
What to Look For
✅ Bright red color
✅ Sharp Lincoln details
✅ Doubling on date or mintmark
Value Range
- Typical: $0.10 – $5
- MS68 Red: Up to $15,600
🥉 #3 – 1944 Steel Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark)
Auction Price: $400,000+
Why It’s Valuable
In 1944 pennies were supposed to be copper. A few leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly struck.
Easy Test
🧲 If it sticks to a magnet → Steel
Value Range
- Steel examples: $300,000 – $500,000+
- High-grade 1944 copper MS67+: $40,000 – $57,000+
🏅 #4 – 1939 Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark, Gem Red)
Auction Price: $17,000
Why It’s Valuable
Extremely rare in perfect red condition.
What to Look For
✅ Bright red color
✅ Strong luster
✅ No cleaning
Value Range
- Circulated: $0.10 – $1
- MS68 Red: $17,000+
⭐ #5 – 1917-S Wheat Penny
Auction Price: $36,800
Why It’s Valuable
Low San Francisco mintage and extremely scarce in high-grade red condition.
What to Look For
✅ Small “S” under date
✅ Sharp wheat stalks
✅ Natural red or red-brown color
Value Range
- Circulated: $5 – $50
- MS65 Red: $36,800
🔎 How to Check Your Wheat Pennies (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Use a magnifying glass
2️⃣ Check date & mintmark
3️⃣ Look for doubling
4️⃣ Test suspicious coins with magnet
5️⃣ Never clean the coin
6️⃣ Send rare finds to PCGS or NGC
🚫 Important Rule
Cleaning destroys collector value instantly.
✅ Final Thoughts
A penny worth one cent could be hiding a six-figure payday.
Check your jars, collections, and pocket change—you might already own a hidden treasure. 💎
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