1958 Wheat Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1958 wheat penny represents the final chapter of an iconic era in American coinage, closing out the beloved wheat reverse design first introduced in 1909.

Though many of these pennies remain common—with typical examples trading for just 15 cents in good condition—those in exceptional condition or with distinct features can command great attention. A 1958 DCAM penny reaches $1042.75, demonstrating unique characteristics can significantly increase a coin’s value.

Understanding the factors that drive a 1958 wheat penny’s value—from basic preservation to these premium proof designations—reveals why this unassuming final-year coin continues to capture interest among enthusiasts today.

 

1958 Wheat Penny Value By Variety

The 1958 Wheat Penny comes in several varieties, each with its own collectible value. Coins in higher grades, like MS or PR, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, highlighting the importance of condition for collectors.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1958 Wheat Penny Worth Money

The 1958 wheat penny series showcases remarkable value disparities among collectors, with certain varieties commanding extraordinary prices in today’s market.

Leading this prestigious lineup is the 1958 DDO 64, an exceptional double die obverse error that has reached an astounding $336,000 at auction. This figure reflects the coin’s extreme rarity and the intense demand from serious numismatists.

Following at a considerable distance, the standard 1958 69-grade specimen achieves $50,400, demonstrating how pristine condition dramatically influences market value.

Even the third-ranked 1958 68 variety, valued at $9,300, illustrates the significant premium collectors place on superior preservation and grading. These wheat pennies represent just a fraction of the valuable coins from this historic series.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The 1958 is the final year that the U.S. Mint produced pennies with the wheat reverse design originally created by Victor David Brenner.

In 1959, to celebrate Lincoln’s 150th birthday, the Mint introduced Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial reverse design. When the design change was announced in late 1958, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred—ordinary Americans began consciously saving these final wheat cents.

Banks reported the unusual situation of people specifically requesting pennies, with “Got any shiny ’58s?” becoming a common question that frustrated tellers. Children who had never collected coins suddenly became hoarders, and grandparents filled mason jars labeled as keepsakes for future generations.

So, the U.S. Mint produced over 1.3 billion 1958 wheat pennies—the highest production count in wheat cent history, to meet the huge demand.

On December 31, 1958, the Philadelphia Mint held a small ceremony as the final wheat cent rolled off the press, quietly ending an era that had witnessed two world wars and America’s rise to superpower status.

Ironically, because so many people saved them, 1958 wheat pennies remain relatively common today, yet they represent a significant milestone when history turned the page from one iconic design to another.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1958 Wheat Penny Rare?

To accurately identify and evaluate your 1958 wheat penny’s specific variety and potential value, our CoinValueChecker App provides expert-level analysis at your fingertips.

 

Key Features of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The Lincoln penny’s composition and appearance have changed over 100 years of minting. However, President Lincoln’s profile has always had its place on the obverse, no matter how often these pennies’ design was changed.

The Obverse Of The 1958 Wheat Penny

One of these coins’ design features is its simplicity. The President Abraham Lincoln bust dominates the obverse. His profile facing right is in the coin center and shows Lincoln in the elegant suit characteristic of the time.

You can read the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST on the top rim and above the President’s head. The word LIBERTY is on the left behind his shoulder, while the minting year is on the right near the bottom rim. Below the minting year, you can see the mint mark if it exists.

The Reverse Of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The central part of the penny reverse shows the denomination ONE CENT. Immediately below it, you can see the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while on the upper rim is the Latin motto. On both sides of the central composition, two wheat stalks curl along the side rim.

Other Features Of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The Wheat penny from 1959 has 95% copper in its composition, and the remaining five percent is an alloy of zinc and tin. This coin is round with a plain edge and has a standard diameter of 0.75 inches (19.05 mm). It weighs 0.11 ounces (3.11 g) while its thickness is 0.06 inches (1.52 mm), like in pennies from other years.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1958 Wheat Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1958 wheat penny marks the final chapter of Victor Brenner’s iconic design, standing out for both its scale of production and the distinctions among its varieties.

The Denver Mint struck over 800 million coins with a “D” mint mark, while Philadelphia produced more than 250 million unmarked pieces. Proof coins were made in far smaller numbers—fewer than 900,000 in total—including special CAM and DCAM finishes.

Despite the large circulation numbers, most regular strikes have not survived the decades—only a tiny fraction remain collectible, with just 0.0032% of Philadelphia issues and 0.0025% of Denver coins still in good condition.

Proof varieties, by contrast, have fared much better: standard proofs boast a survival rate of 37.1%, while CAM proofs retain 31.4%, reflecting careful handling by collectors. DCAM proofs are the rarest of all, with less than 1% surviving, underscoring their extreme scarcity in today’s market.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1958 Wheat Penny Value

Knowing your 1958 penny’s value can be simple if you focus on key features. Check the wheat stalks—lines at the ends should remain separate and sharp—and Lincoln’s cheek and jaw, where wear first appears. Surface quality, including scratches or marks, and the coin’s original copper color—Red, Red-Brown, or Brown—also affect worth, with Red examples usually more valuable.

For a quick, reliable estimate of condition and potential value, the CoinValueChecker App provides instant assessment and highlights possible errors.

 

1958 Wheat Penny Value Guides

The 1958 wheat penny encompasses several distinct categories, each representing different levels of rarity and collector appeal. Regular circulation strikes include both Philadelphia and Denver mint varieties, while proof strikes feature enhanced quality with special finishing techniques.

1958 Wheat Penny Categories:

• 1958 No Mint Mark – Philadelphia circulation strike
• 1958-D – Denver circulation strike
• 1958 Proof – Standard proof finish
• 1958 CAM – Cameo proof with frosted design elements
• 1958 DCAM – Deep Cameo proof with maximum contrast

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1958 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

The 1958 no mint mark wheat penny carries unique historical significance as the last unmarked wheat design ever struck.

Philadelphia struck exactly 252,525,000 pieces without mint marks, making this variety the smaller of the two regular circulation issues that year. With the design change announced for the following year, these “old” design cents were actively preserved from circulation, forming the foundation of countless wheat penny collections across America.

And higher grade pieces command increased premiums, with MS 67 red examples approaching $450.

Its auction records reveal significant price variations across different preservation levels and special characteristics.

At the same time, numismatic demand for this type is also constantly evolving.

 

1958-D Wheat Penny Value

The 1958-D wheat penny is distinguished by its substantial mintage of 800,953,300 pieces—representing approximately 80% of the total 1958 wheat penny production.

This variety holds unique appeal as the last wheat penny struck at the Denver facility, featuring improved overall craftsmanship with sharp strikes, excellent coloring, and enhanced detail quality compared to earlier years.

The “D” mint mark positioned beneath the date on the obverse serves as the identifying feature, while the coin maintains the classic 95% copper composition weighing 3.11 grams.

Auction records show one brown PCGS genuine achieved $1,599 in 2020, while the red variety reached $3,600 in MS67+ condition in 2025.

Auction data shows that lower grades remain relatively stable, while top-tier specimens command good premiums.

So, what is the actual market appeal of the 1958-D wheat penny today? See the chart below.

 

1958 Proof Wheat Penny Value

The 1958 proof wheat penny had a mintage of exactly 875,652 pieces, each specially struck with mirror-like surfaces and sharp detail. Proof coinage, reintroduced in 1936, was produced from highly polished dies, giving these coins their distinctive reflective finish and setting them apart from regular circulation strikes.

An example graded PR65 Red realized $5,759 in 2006, highlighting the collector demand for well-preserved pieces.

As the final proof issue of Victor Brenner’s wheat design, the 1958 proofs carry both historical significance and enduring appeal. Market activity since the mid-20th century reflects a steady growth in recognition of their place within the Lincoln cent series.

Trading momentum from specialized auctions reveals how this proof variety performs across different market segments.

The market activity indicates shifting demand patterns within the numismatic community.

 

1958 CAM Wheat Penny Value

The 1958 CAM wheat penny represents a fortuitous byproduct of 1950s proof production methods—cameo contrast occurred only during the early strikes from fresh proof dies before wear eliminated the frosting effect.

The Mint’s approach to proof striking in this era was relatively straightforward, without deliberate focus on cameo production, making the distinctive frosted-to-mirror contrast purely dependent on die condition at the moment of striking. This created what numismatists describe as a “hit-or-miss proposition” where cameo appearance was essentially accidental.

From the 1950-1958 period, most examples displaying cameo surfaces have been removed from original proof sets and submitted for professional grading, reflecting their premium status among collectors.

The scarcity becomes evident in auction records—a PR-68 CAM specimen realized $432 in 2018, with documentation indicating approximately 28 known examples at that specific grade.

Here are auction records which can help you have a better understanding of this variety’s value.

The chart below shows the latest market activity over the year.

 

1958 DCAM Wheat Penny Value

The 1958 Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof Lincoln cent stands as a highlight of Philadelphia’s final wheat cent production. Out of 875,652 proofs, only a small fraction reveal the dramatic DCAM contrast, with frosted devices set against mirror-like fields.

This effect came from a specialized acid “pickling” process, where dies were treated with a 95% alcohol and 5% nitric acid solution to create a delicate frost.

The fields were then carefully polished to a mirror finish, leaving the raised design with its frosted texture. Because the frosting eroded after only a few dozen strikes, true DCAM pieces could only be produced at the very start of a die’s life.

Its rarity is reflected in major sales, including a PR69 DCAM specimen that brought $50,400, underscoring both the technical challenge of its production and its lasting appeal to collectors.

Auction results provide concrete benchmarks for understanding this coin’s performance in the competitive market.

For collectors and investors alike, the chart below highlights how demand for the 1958 DCAM wheat penny has played out in the market over the past year.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1958 Wheat Penny Error List

Minting imperfections from 1958 have created some of the most coveted varieties in numismatic history. These extraordinary errors showcase the intersection of mechanical precision and human fallibility during the final year of America’s beloved wheat cent production.

1958 Doubled Die Obverse Errors

The doubled die error occurs when the hub imprints an additional, misaligned image onto a working die during the hubbing process. During die creation, if the hub is not perfectly aligned when transferring the design, the misaligned die produces coins with doubled design elements.

This manufacturing defect creates highly distinctive visual characteristics. The 1958 DDO is best identified by very clear doubling of “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY,” with the 1958 date showing slight but less prominent doubling.

The doubled die obverse portion is classified as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide and represents a Class I Rotated Hub Doubled Die, the same class as the major 1955 and 1972 doubled dies. Unlike machine doubling which appears flat, true doubled die errors exhibit strong, raised design elements.

Only three known examples exist, making it one of the rarest varieties of the 20th century. In January 2023, the finest known example graded PCGS MS65 RD sold for $1,136,250, becoming the first Lincoln cent to break $1 million at auction.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1958 Wheat Penny?

Whether you’re looking to liquidate a common circulated specimen or authenticate a potential rarity, choosing the right selling venue can significantly impact your final return on this historic wheat penny.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1958 Wheat Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1958 Wheat Penny

1. What makes a 1958 wheat penny rare?

The Wheat penny had a mintage of over a billion coins in 1958. Therefore, these specimens are not rare nowadays, and you can still find them in circulation. On the other hand, the 1958 DDO Wheat penny belongs to scarce coins because only three exist.

2. Which 1958 wheat penny are the most expensive?

• The red DDO 1958 MS 64 penny cost $336,000 in 2018
• The red 1958 MS 67+ RD penny cost $9,000 in 2019
• The red 1958 PR 65 penny cost $5,759 in 2006
• The red 1958 D MS 67+ penny cost $3,360 in 2019
• The brown 1958 MS 64 penny cost $2,990 in 2007
• The brown 1958 D Genuine penny cost $1,599 in 2020
• The red-brown 1958 D MS 67+ penny cost $660 in 2021
• The red-brown 1958 MS 65 penny cost $200 in 2018

3. How much are the 1958 wheat penny from Philadelphia worth?

Circulated pennies from 1958 in average condition can be found for $0.06, while a specimen in Extra Fine grade is $0.14. However, you can expect pieces in the mint state to cost from $0.34 to $1.16.

4. What is the priciest coin with wheat stalks?

Pennies are over 100 years old coins, so they arouse great interest among collectors. As you might expect, those with earlier dates can fetch incredibly high amounts. The most expensive coin is the 1943 D MS 64 brown penny sold for $840,000 in 2021.