Wheat pennies, produced by the US Mint from 1909 to 1958, are named for the two ears of wheat that appear on their reverse. Despite their small face value, some of these pennies are highly sought after by collectors, especially those with mint errors.
These error coins are rare, and their scarcity makes them particularly valuable. In this article, we will explore the top 11 most valuable Wheat penny error coins and what makes them so special.
1. 1943 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1943 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny is one of the most pronounced examples of a double die error on any Lincoln cent. This error occurs during the die-making process, where a slight movement between strikes creates a double image. The doubling is most visible on the letters in the word “Liberty” and the lower parts of the digits 9 and 3 in the date.
- Value: A circulated example in low grade can be worth around $30. Higher-grade coins, such as AU55, are valued at around $100, while an uncirculated MS65 example can fetch approximately $1,500.
2. 1943-D Repunched Mintmark
In 1943, some Wheat pennies minted in Denver featured a repunched mintmark (RPM). This error occurred when the D mintmark was struck more than once, resulting in a visible second mintmark beneath the primary one.
- Value: Coins in fine condition (F12) are valued around $75, with about uncirculated examples going for around $200. Mint state coins can range from $1,000 to as much as $15,000.
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3. 1944 D/S Wheat Penny
The 1944 D/S Wheat Penny features a D mintmark for Denver stamped over an S mintmark for San Francisco. This error occurred when a die with the S mintmark was mistakenly used in Denver, and the S was later buffed out and replaced with a D.
- Value: Circulated examples in fine condition are worth about $75, while about uncirculated coins are valued at around $260. Mint state coins can command prices between $4,000 and $20,000, depending on their condition.
4. 1936 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1936 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny, struck in Philadelphia, features noticeable doubling on the motto “In God We Trust,” the word “Liberty,” and the digits of the date.
- Value: Circulated coins can fetch around $100, while about uncirculated examples are worth about $200. Mint state coins in gem quality (MS65) can be valued at around $600, with the finest examples reaching up to $5,000.
5. 1909-S Over Horizontal S Wheat Penny
The 1909-S Over Horizontal S Wheat Penny is a rare error coin where the mintmark S was punched twice, with the first mintmark positioned horizontally beneath the second.
- Value: Circulated examples start at around $100, with about uncirculated coins valued at around $250. Mint state coins vary significantly, with brown MS60 examples worth around $330 and the finest MS67 examples fetching as much as $32,900.
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6. 1917 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1917 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny is another example of a double die error, with the doubling most apparent on “In God We Trust” and the date.
- Value: Circulated coins can be worth around $200, with about uncirculated examples valued at around $1,500. Mint state coins start at $3,750, with the finest known example, a red MS67+, valued at $135,000.
7. 1922 No D Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Wheat Penny is a unique error coin where the D mintmark for Denver is missing entirely. This error resulted from over-polishing of the die, leading to the absence of the mintmark.
- Value: Circulated examples start at around $500. Coins with a strong reverse are more valuable, with AU55 examples valued at $6,350 and MS65 examples fetching up to $90,000. The finest red coin with a strong reverse is valued at $275,000.
8. 1955 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny, struck in Philadelphia, is one of the most famous error coins, with prominent doubling visible in the date, the word “Liberty,” and “In God We Trust.”
- Value: Circulated examples start at $1,200, while mint state coins begin at $2,850 for brown examples. The finest red MS65+ examples are valued at $288,000 each.
9. 1958 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
The 1958 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny is one of the rarest error coins, with only three known examples. The doubling is clear throughout the lettering of “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.”
- Value: The two MS64 examples are valued at $340,000 each, while the single MS65 example is valued at a staggering $1.14 million.
10. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is a rare error coin struck on a bronze planchet instead of the steel planchets used that year due to wartime copper shortages.
- Value: Values vary depending on color and condition, with the lowest graded XF45 example valued at $215,000. The only known red MS63 example is valued at $1 million.
These error coins are a fascinating aspect of numismatics, offering collectors the chance to own a piece of history that is as rare as it is valuable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these Wheat penny errors are worth keeping an eye out for.
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