The Lincoln cent made its debut in 1909, with initial coins known as “wheat pennies.” These pennies feature single wheat stalks flanking the words “One Cent” on their reverse sides and have not been manufactured since 1958. If you think you have a valuable wheat penny, here's what you should know about these unique coins before taking the piece to a jewelry store for an appraisal. 

What Are the Origins of Wheat Pennies? 

As the U.S. entered the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt became aware of a bronze Lincoln plaque created by artist Victor David Brenner. The president decided that Lincoln would be the first person whose likeness would appear on American coinage, as no living or deceased individual had been depicted on money at that time. 

Brenner began working with U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber to design the new penny, which included several tries before a final decision was made. The result blended Brenner’s desire for a complex design with Barber’s demand for a functional coin with features that would not protrude excessively and subsequently wear out prematurely. 

Is Your Wheat Penny Valuable? 

Whether you own a valuable wheat penny depends on the coin’s wear level, as any intact coin is worth more than one with damage. However, you should not clean the penny before taking it to a jewelry store or coin dealer, as cleaning can cause etching from using abrasive products and can also result in discoloration. 

Coins produced in 1909 that feature “VDB,” or Victor David Brenner’s initials, on the bottom reverse side are typically worth the most. Brenner was not supposed to add his initials since Mint designers thought they would clutter the final product. As a result, only 484,000 VDB pennies were ever created. 

Other examples of valuable wheat pennies include “S” engravings under the coin’s year. The “S” appears horizontally instead of vertically under the 1909, a mistake that makes the pennies valuable. 

If you require assistance determining the value of your wheat penny, take it to Young’s Jewelry & Coins. The Rochester, PA-based jewelry store has proudly served the Tri-State area since 1974. They buy and sell bullion, wheat pennies, and wartime nickels, among other rare coins. Call (724) 728-1202 today to make an appraisal appointment, or visit the jewelry store on Facebook for the latest shop arrivals and accessory tips.