Introduction
Collecting coins is a hobby enjoyed by many. It is a way to learn about history, traditions and, in some cases, to make some money. Wheat pennies are one of the most popular coins to collect due to their accessibility, history, and value. They were minted by the United States from 1909 to 1958 and, even though they are no longer in circulation, they continue to fascinate collectors all over the world.
Top 5 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies You May Have in Your Collection
If you are lucky enough to have wheat pennies in your collection, there are five valuable ones to look out for. These wheat pennies are worth more than their face value and include:
- 1909-S VDB – This penny was only minted in San Francisco and is one of the most valuable wheat pennies. The VDB stands for Victor D. Brenner, the designer of the penny.
- 1914-D – This penny was only made in Denver and its scarcity makes it highly valuable. If you have a well-preserved 1914-D wheat penny, it can be worth a fortune.
- 1922 No “D” Strong Reverse – This penny has no mint mark and can be worth up to $4,500 if it is in good condition. Although this penny was minted in Denver, there is no “D” on the coin itself.
- 1931-S – This penny is one of the rarest wheat pennies, with only 866,000 minted in San Francisco. A penny like this in good condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
- 1943-D Bronze – During World War II, pennies were made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies slipped through. If you find a 1943-D penny that is made of bronze, it can be worth a fortune. Only a few are still in circulation.
The Beginner’s Guide to Identifying Wheat Pennies That Are Worth a Fortune
There are several factors that determine the value of wheat pennies, such as rarity, mint, and condition. The key to identifying a wheat penny that is worth a fortune is to know what to look for. Most wheat pennies have the likeness of Lincoln on the front and two stalks of wheat on the back. In order to identify a wheat penny that is worth more than its face value, you should check for the following:
- The date – Certain dates are more valuable than others. For example, the 1909-S VDB penny is the most valuable wheat penny because it was only minted in San Francisco.
- The mint – Similar to the date, the mint where the penny was struck can impact its value.
- The condition – Wheat pennies that are in good condition are worth more than those that are damaged or worn from circulation. Look for pennies that have no scratches, blemishes or visible wear and tear.
- The rarity – Wheat pennies that are rare or uncommon are more valuable than ones that were minted in large numbers. In general, pennies that were minted during the Depression years, World War II, and post-war periods tend to be more valuable because there were fewer coins produced.
How I Made $5000 from a Single Wheat Penny and How You Can Too
Some people have had the good fortune of finding a valuable wheat penny and making a considerable profit. One collector found a rare 1943 bronze penny and sold it for $10,000. Another person found a 1955 double die penny and sold it for $12,000. If you have a valuable wheat penny, you may be wondering how to sell it for a decent price. You can sell your coins at a local coin dealer, online auction sites, or to private collectors.
Expert Tips on How to Determine the Value of Your Wheat Penny Collection
There are several factors that determine the value of a wheat penny collection. The factors include rarity, demand, condition, and mint marks among others. To get an accurate appraisal of your collection, consider an expert. Experts can help by identifying the key coins in your collection, pointing out errors and variations, and giving you an idea of the condition of each penny. They also take into account the current market value, making them the best source to determine the value of your collection.
The History of Wheat Pennies and the Most Valuable Ones to Look Out For
Wheat pennies were first minted in 1909 and were produced until 1958. They are known for their simple, yet elegant design of the beloved President Lincoln on the front and two stalks of wheat on the back. The reverse design was created by James B. Longacre, but the designer of the obverse is Victor D. Brenner. The wheat penny has a fascinating history, from its inception to the present day. It has gone through many changes and has become one of the most well-known, and beloved, pennies of all time.
While all wheat pennies have value to coin collectors, there are a few that are more valuable than others. The top five most valuable wheat pennies listed above are ones to look out for.
Conclusion
Wheat pennies are a fascinating type of coin to collect. They offer a glimpse into the past, and provide an opportunity to make a profit. If you are looking to start or add to your collection, be on the lookout for the valuable wheat pennies listed above. If you already have a collection, consider an expert appraisal to ensure that you are getting the best value. Regardless of whether you want to build or sell your collection, the value of wheat pennies can provide a captivating adventure for any coin collector.
