Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, remain one of the most collected U.S. coins. While many people remember them as nearly worthless pocket change, the reality in 2026 is very different. Over the last 10 years, wheat penny values have shifted dramatically—driven by rising collector demand, silver and copper prices, and record-breaking auction sales.
This guide compares what wheat pennies were worth around 2015–2016 versus what they’re worth today, helping collectors understand which coins have truly gained value.
Why Wheat Penny Values Have Changed Over the Last Decade
Several major factors explain the price movement:
- Increased interest in U.S. numismatics
- Rising copper prices
- Growing awareness of rare varieties
- Online auctions and global buyers
- Media attention on six- and seven-figure pennies
Not all wheat pennies rose equally—key dates and error coins saw the biggest gains.
Common Wheat Pennies: Then vs Now
Average Circulated Wheat Pennies (Common Dates)
These include most cents from the 1920s–1950s with no major errors.
| Year Range | Value 10 Years Ago | Value Today (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s–1930s | 3¢ – 5¢ | 5¢ – 15¢ |
| 1940s–1950s | 2¢ – 4¢ | 3¢ – 10¢ |
Trend: Slow but steady increase, mostly tied to copper value and nostalgia.
Key Date Wheat Pennies: Value Growth Over 10 Years
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Condition | Value 10 Years Ago | Value Today |
|---|---|---|
| Fine (F-12) | ~$700 | ~$900–$1,200 |
| Mint State | ~$2,500 | $3,500–$6,000+ |
Growth: Strong, consistent appreciation.
1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Condition | Value 10 Years Ago | Value Today |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | ~$250 | ~$350–$600 |
| Mint State | ~$6,000 | $12,000–$160,000+ |
Growth: Major jump in high grades due to scarcity.
1922 No-D Wheat Penny
| Condition | Value 10 Years Ago | Value Today |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | ~$400 | ~$700–$1,200 |
| Mint State | ~$8,000 | $15,000–$50,000+ |
Error Wheat Pennies: Explosive Price Increases
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
| Period | Auction Prices |
|---|---|
| 10 Years Ago | $200,000 – $1.0M |
| Today (2026) | $250,000 – $1.7M+ |
1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
| Condition | 10 Years Ago | Today |
|---|---|---|
| VF–XF | ~$1,200 | ~$1,800–$3,500 |
| Mint State | ~$15,000 | $40,000–$125,000+ |
Trend: One of the fastest-rising wheat pennies.
Wheat Penny Value Comparison Chart (Then vs Now)
| Coin | Value 10 Years Ago | Value Today |
|---|---|---|
| Common Wheat Penny | 2¢–5¢ | 5¢–15¢ |
| 1909-S VDB | $700–$2,500 | $900–$6,000+ |
| 1914-D | $250–$6,000 | $350–$160,000+ |
| 1922 No-D | $400–$8,000 | $700–$50,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | $200K–$1M | $250K–$1.7M+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,200–$15K | $1,800–$125K+ |
Are Wheat Pennies Still a Good Investment in 2026?
Coins With the Best Growth Potential
- Key dates (1909-S VDB, 1914-D)
- Famous error coins
- High-grade certified examples
- Pennies with documented provenance
Coins With Limited Growth
- Common circulated wheat pennies
- Cleaned or damaged coins
How to Check If Your Wheat Penny Increased in Value
- Check the date and mint mark
- Look for known errors
- Examine condition carefully
- Avoid cleaning
- Use PCGS or NGC price guides
- Consider professional grading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are wheat pennies worth more now than 10 years ago?
Yes. Most key dates and error coins have increased significantly, some dramatically.
Do all wheat pennies increase in value?
No. Common wheat pennies rise slowly, while rare ones grow much faster.
Which wheat penny gained the most value?
The 1943 bronze penny and 1955 doubled die saw the largest gains.
Should I sell now or hold?
High-grade, rare wheat pennies are often best held long-term, while common ones can be sold anytime.
Are wheat pennies still found in circulation?
Rarely, but many are still found in old collections and coin jars.
Final Thoughts
Comparing wheat penny values today versus 10 years ago reveals a clear trend:
rarity and condition matter more than ever. While common wheat pennies saw modest growth, key dates and error coins delivered impressive returns and continue to attract serious collectors in 2026.