Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909–1958): Values & Key Dates
In pristine condition, a 1941 Lincoln cent “could be” worth $1,000 or $5,000, but what is a well-worn example from pocket change worth in reality? That’s a different story.
First, The Bad News. . .
The vast majority of Lincoln Wheat pennies are worth less than ten cents each, with well-worn 1943 steel pennies fetching 5 to ten cents in worn condition, and no Lincoln Wheat penny struck after 1933 fetching more than eight cents in worn condition.
Now, The Good News!
There are four major regular-issue key dates in the series, as well as several valuable semi-key dates, varieties, and errors, and many Lincoln Wheat pennies are worth more than ten cents.
Key Date Wheat Pennies
The following are the major Lincoln Wheat cent key dates: 1909-S1909-S VDB1914-D1931-S. Although varieties and errors are not required for completing a set of Lincoln Wheat cents, many collectors pursue them anyway.
What Are These Wheat Pennies Worth?
The values above are for problem-free coins with no signs of damage, such as holes, major gouges, scratches, or cleanings, and are for coins in average circulated (VG8 to VF20) and average uncirculated condition.
Collecting Lincoln Wheat Cents
Many collectors will build sets of Lincoln Wheat pennies using cardboard folders, deluxe albums, or Lucite holders. The Lincoln penny is one of the most widely collected issues among all United States coinage, and the Lincoln Wheat cent is a long-obsolete coin that has been disappearing from circulation.
What years of wheat pennies are valuable?
Most wheat cents (wheat pennies were minted between 1909 and 1956) are worth about 4 to 5 cents, but better examples (especially those in near-perfect condition) can be worth much more. Indian Head pennies from 1859 to 1879 are generally worth more than $10.
What is the rarest wheat penny?
Wheat Pennies with the Highest Value
- The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is valued at $500,000. The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is valued at $100,000. The 1914 D Wheat Penny is valued at $10,000. The 1922 D Wheat Penny is valued at $6,000. The 1926 Wheat Penny is valued at $4,000.
Are wheat pennies from 1944 worth anything?
The 1944 S Wheat Penny is worth an average of 15 cents on CoinTrackers.com, but one in certified mint state (MS ) could be worth $8.
How rare is a 1958 penny?
The 1958 Doubled Die Penny is an extremely rare error coin, with only three known to exist. It’s possible you found the fourth, but it’s highly unlikely.
What is the rarest Kennedy half dollar?
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Snatches A World-Record $108,000! Heritage Auctions held a public auction of rare U.S. coins on Thursday, April 25, 2019, and a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar sold for a world record $108,000, making it the most expensive coin of its type.
Why is 1944 wheat penny rare?
The 1944 Lincoln penny is particularly desirable to collectors, not only because of its design, but also because of its scarcity: because no more 1944 Lincolns are being produced, their scarcity is constantly increasing, making the coins more valuable.
How many 1943 copper pennies have been found?
A total of 27 1943 copper wheat pennies have been confirmed to exist and graded, including six of the 1943-S and the one-of-a-kind 1943-D. PCGS has graded seven of the 27 and NGC has graded 13.
How much is a 1943 penny worth today?
A 1943 Steel Penny is worth around 10 to 13 cents in circulated condition, and up to 50 cents or more in uncirculated condition.
How much is a 1943 D steel penny worth?
The 1943 D Steel Wheat Penny is worth an average of 45 cents on CoinTrackers.com, but one in certified mint state (MS ) could be worth $12 (see details).
How do I know if my 1944 wheat penny is worth anything?
If you have a 1944 penny that is silver in color, appears to be made of steel, is magnetic, and weighs around 2.7 grams, it’s worth having it certified by a third-party coin authentication service to see if it’s a genuine 1944 penny!
How much is a 1944 zinc penny worth?
Depending on its condition, the 1944 steel penny is worth anywhere from $75,000 to $110,000.
Why is the 1944 steel penny so valuable?
Much of its value, however, stems from its association with 1943 steel cents, which have become famous among those who regard 1944 steel cents as coins. A non-gradable 1943 copper with a nasty gash on Lincoln’s head sold for $88,125 at the same Geyer Collection sale.
Are pennies from 1958 worth anything?
Extra Fine 1958 Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth $.12 and are not in high demand by collectors; even uncirculated examples are worth less than $0.50, while MS-60 condition is worth $0.30 and MS-65 condition is worth $8.
How much is a 1958 penny worth in 2020?
As a rough estimate of this coin’s value, you can expect it to be valued at around 15 cents in average condition, with a certified mint state (MS ) condition fetching as much as $4 at auction.
What makes a 1957 D penny rare?
Higher grades are elusive due to the Denver mint’s bulk handling of coins, which resulted in all coins having some minuscule bag marks; problem free circulated examples can be purchased for about 10 to 15 cents.