Imagine finding a dusty jar of old pennies and discovering one coin worth thousands. That’s the magic of the early Lincoln wheat penny series minted from 1909 to 1940. These iconic cents, with Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the reverse, remain some of the most collected U.S. coins ever made. Whether you have a single 1909-S VDB or a roll of common dates, this wheat penny value 1909-1940 guide reveals exactly what collectors are paying today.
Why Early Wheat Pennies Are Still Hot in 2025
The wheat cent series kicked off in 1909 to honor Lincoln’s 100th birthday and instantly became a collector favorite. Early dates boast low mintages, beautiful designs by Victor David Brenner, and legendary rarities that routinely sell for five and six figures. Condition is everything—circulated coins fetch pocket change while high-grade examples command premiums that keep climbing year after year.
Quick Wheat Penny Value Chart 1909–1940 (Average Retail Prices 2025)
| Year | Mint | Good-VG | Fine-VF | XF-AU | MS63 | MS65+ | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909 | Philly | $3 | $8 | $25 | $90 | $400+ | — |
| 1909-S | San Fran | $250 | $550 | $950 | $1800 | $6000+ | $150,000+ (MS68) |
| 1909-S VDB | San Fran | $750 | $1200 | $1800 | $3000 | $10,000+ | $258,500 (MS68) |
| 1910-S | San Fran | $12 | $30 | $90 | $350 | $2000+ | — |
| 1914-D | Denver | $150 | $350 | $1200 | $4500 | $35,000+ | $150,000+ (MS67) |
| 1922 No D | Denver | $600 | $1500 | $4500 | $18,000 | $90,000+ | $168,000 (MS66) |
| 1931-S | San Fran | $60 | $90 | $150 | $300 | $1500+ | $18,000+ (MS67) |
*Prices reflect average eBay completed sales, Heritage Auctions, and PCGS CoinFacts data for 2025.
The Absolute Key Dates You Must Know
1909-S VDB – The undisputed king of wheat pennies with only 484,000 minted. Even heavily worn examples start at $700. 1914-D – Denver’s rarest regular issue; counterfeit alert—always buy certified. 1922 No D – Famous die-abrasion error that erased the mintmark; strong examples cross $100,000. 1931-S – The sleeper semi-key with just 866,000 struck; red MS65+ coins are skyrocketing.
High-Value Errors and Varieties
Look twice at these money-makers: 1936 Doubled Die Obverse – Bold doubling on “LIBERTY” and date; worth $500–$5000+. 1943 Bronze (wrong planchet) – Maybe one in every million jars; record $1.7 million. 1944 Steel (off-metal) – Another million-dollar mistake if authenticated. Any repunched mintmark (RPM) or doubled die in high grade adds 5–50× premium.
Grading Tips That Turn $1 into $1000
Circulated coins (Good to VF) make great album fillers but rarely exceed $100 except on keys. AU50–MS63 red examples are where most profit lives for common dates. Full red gems (MS65RD+) have doubled or tripled in value since 2020 on scarce issues. Always buy PCGS or NGC certified for anything over $500—raw coins are risky.
Where Collectors Are Cashing In Today
Heritage and GreatCollections auctions set new records monthly for top-grade early wheats. eBay “sold” listings show 1909-S VDB in MS65 jumping 25% in the last year alone. Local coin shops still undervalue circulated key dates—your jar might hold hidden treasure.
FAQs – Early Wheat Penny Values
- What is a 1909-S VDB wheat penny worth right now? From $750 worn to over $200,000 in gem condition.
- Are all 1922 pennies missing the D mintmark valuable? Only strong examples without any trace of “D”—weak strikes are common and worth $20.
- How much has the wheat penny value 1909-1940 risen lately? Red MS65+ coins on key dates up 40–200% since 2020.
- Should I clean my old wheat pennies? Never—cleaning destroys value instantly.
- Where can I sell my rare wheat cents fast? Reputable dealers, Heritage Auctions, or GreatCollections for maximum return.
Conclusion
The Lincoln wheat penny series from 1909–1940 remains one of the most rewarding pursuits in numismatics. From everyday pocket change to six-figure rarities, every roll you crack open could hold life-changing money. Keep this wheat penny price chart 1909-1940 handy, learn the key dates and errors, and always check condition first. Your next cherrypick might be sitting in that old coffee can right now—happy hunting!