1958 Wheat Penny Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1958 wheat penny holds a unique place in American coinage history. It is the final year the U.S. Mint ever produced a penny bearing the iconic wheat reverse design, which had been in circulation since 1909.

Most common circulated examples are worth just 15 cents. But the right variety, condition, or error can push that number into the tens of thousands—or even over one million dollars.

 

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 (Mint State) or PR (Proof), 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.

The undisputed leader is the 1958 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse), a stunning minting error where only three examples are known to exist. The finest known example—graded PCGS MS65 RD—sold at GreatCollections in January 2023 as part of the Stewart Blay Collection for $1,136,250, making it the first Lincoln cent ever to break the one-million-dollar barrier at auction.

An earlier MS64 RD example from the ESM Collection sold at Stack’s Bowers in March 2018 for $336,000. Even a standard 1958 penny graded MS69 has achieved $50,400, showing how pristine preservation transforms a common coin into a prized rarity.

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 sculptor Victor David Brenner.

Brenner’s original design was inspired by a plaque he created in 1907 for the Gorham Manufacturing Company, featuring Abraham Lincoln’s profile. In 1959, to celebrate Lincoln’s 150th birthday, the Mint introduced Frank Gasparro’s Lincoln Memorial reverse design, replacing Brenner’s wheat stalks after a remarkable 50-year run.

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. 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?

The short answer is: most 1958 pennies are not rare. Over one billion were made, and many were saved by the public.

However, certain specific varieties—like the DDO error, DCAM proofs, and top-grade Red specimens—are genuinely scarce. Understanding which category your coin falls into is essential before assigning it a value.

To accurately identify and evaluate your 1958 wheat penny’s specific variety and potential value, our Coin Value Checker 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

The President Abraham Lincoln bust dominates the obverse. His profile facing right sits at the center, showing Lincoln in the elegant suit characteristic of the era.

You can read the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST along the top rim, above the President’s head. The word LIBERTY appears on the left behind his shoulder. The minting year is on the right near the bottom rim, and the mint mark (if one exists) sits directly below the date.

The Reverse Of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The central part of the reverse shows the denomination ONE CENT. Immediately below it, you can see UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, while the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM arches along the upper rim.

On both sides of the central text, two wheat stalks curl along the side rim. These stalks give the coin its famous nickname and are the first thing to show wear.

Other Features Of The 1958 Wheat Penny

The 1958 Wheat Penny contains 95% copper in its composition, with the remaining 5% being an alloy of zinc and tin. It has a standard diameter of 19.05 mm (0.75 inches) and weighs 3.11 grams (0.11 ounces).

The coin has a plain (smooth) edge and a thickness of 1.52 mm. These physical specifications have been consistent throughout the Lincoln Wheat cent series.

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 bearing the “D” mint mark, while Philadelphia produced more than 252 million without a mint mark. Proof coins—specially made for collectors—were struck in far smaller numbers, with only 875,652 produced in total, including special CAM and DCAM finishes.

Despite the large circulation numbers, most regular strikes have not survived in collectible condition. Only a tiny fraction remain in good shape: just 0.0032% of Philadelphia issues and 0.0025% of Denver coins. Proof varieties fared much better because collectors stored them carefully. Standard proofs have a 37.1% survival rate, while CAM proofs sit at 31.4%. DCAM proofs are the rarest of all, with less than 1% surviving.

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 starts with a few key inspections. First, check for a mint mark beneath the date—a “D” means Denver, no mark means Philadelphia.

Next, examine the wheat stalks on the reverse. Lines at the ends should remain separate and sharp, not merged. On the obverse, look at Lincoln’s cheek and jaw, where wear first appears.

Surface quality matters too—scratches or contact marks reduce grade and value. Finally, assess the coin’s original copper color. Red (RD) examples are the most valuable, followed by Red-Brown (RB), and then Brown (BN).

For a quick, reliable estimate of condition and potential value, the Coin Value Checker 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 at the Philadelphia Mint.

Philadelphia struck exactly 252,525,000 pieces without mint marks, making this the smaller of the two regular circulation issues from 1958. According to CoinWeek and PCGS CoinFacts, the typical certified 1958 Philadelphia cent grades MS66 RD, with PCGS reporting 11 grading events for coins at MS67+ RD—the highest certified grade for this variety.

The auction record for a 1958 Philadelphia wheat penny was set in October 2019 when an MS67+ example sold for $9,000. An MS67+ example graded by PCGS sold at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in June 2019 for $6,756.25. Circulated examples in average condition fetch around 5 to 15 cents, while higher-grade MS67 Red specimens approach $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. It generally features improved overall craftsmanship with sharp strikes, excellent coloring, and enhanced detail quality compared to earlier years in the series.

As of June 2025, PCGS reports 38 coins graded MS67+ RD, making this one of the better-documented top populations in the wheat cent series. NGC has certified 4 examples at the even higher MS68 RD grade. The finest NGC-graded MS68 RD example sold at Heritage Auctions in May 2023 for $1,920. A PCGS MS67+ RD CAC example from the Whispering Pines Collection sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2025 for $3,600.

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 (abbreviated as “PR” on grade labels) was reintroduced by the U.S. Mint in 1936 after a hiatus. These coins are produced from highly polished dies struck onto polished planchets, giving them a distinctive reflective finish that sets them apart from regular circulation strikes.

An example graded PR65 Red realized $5,759 at auction in 2006, showing 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. Proof coins in this series do not carry a mint mark even though they were struck in Philadelphia.

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 (Cameo) wheat penny is a proof coin with a beautiful contrast between frosted, raised design elements and mirror-like fields (the flat background areas of the coin).

This visual contrast happened by accident during the early 1950s proof production. It occurred only during the very first strikes from a fresh proof die, before repeated use wore away the delicate frosting. The U.S. Mint in 1958 was not deliberately trying to create cameo coins—the effect was purely a byproduct of die condition at the moment of striking.

Because so few coins were struck before the frosting disappeared, cameo examples are far less common than standard proofs. The scarcity is reflected in auction records—a PR-68 CAM specimen realized $432 in 2018, with documentation indicating approximately 28 known examples at that specific grade. CAM proofs have a survival rate of about 31.4%, meaning they fared well due to careful collector handling.

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 stands as the rarest finish in the entire 1958 wheat penny series. DCAM means the frosted devices (raised design elements) contrast intensely against deeply mirrored fields—a more dramatic effect than the standard CAM.

This effect came from a specialized acid treatment process, where dies were bathed in a solution of 95% alcohol and 5% nitric acid to create a delicate frost on the raised design. The fields were then carefully polished to a mirror finish. Because this frosting eroded after only a few dozen strikes, true DCAM pieces could only come from the very beginning of a die’s life.

The rarity of surviving DCAM examples is extreme—less than 1% of the original proof mintage survives in this designation. Auction results confirm the premium: a PR69 DCAM example brought $50,400, while one NGC-graded coin that sold in 2022 fetched $5,750. Only one coin has been certified at the PR69 DCAM level by PCGS, and one at the same level by NGC, according to available population data.

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.

1. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error occurs during the die-making process when the hub strikes the working die more than once with a slight misalignment. Every coin struck from that flawed die then carries a doubled image on it.

The 1958 DDO is one of the rarest coin varieties of the entire 20th century. Only three examples are known to exist, and all three have been certified exclusively by PCGS. According to the 2009 Fifth Edition of the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, the known specimens came directly or indirectly from a Philadelphia Mint employee, and no examples have ever been found in circulation, coin bags, or BU rolls. The variety was first identified in 1983 or 1984, when Lincoln cent specialist John Wexler included it in his book The Lincoln Cent Doubled Die.

The DDO is classified as FS-101 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide and belongs to the Class I Rotated Hub type—the same class as the famous 1955 and 1972 doubled dies. Look for clear, raised doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” True doubled die doubling is raised and rounded; machine doubling is flat and shelf-like and adds no value.

The three known examples are: an MS65 RD (sold for $1,136,250 at GreatCollections in January 2023 as the finest known), and two MS64 RD examples (one sold for $336,000 at Stack’s Bowers in March 2018). All three are pedigreed to specific collections.

2. 1958-D Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Cuban Centavo Planchet)

One of the more unusual 1958 errors involves a Denver-minted penny struck on a Cuban one centavo coin planchet instead of a standard U.S. cent planchet. The Cuban planchet is slightly smaller and lighter, weighing approximately 2.45 grams versus the normal 3.11 grams, and much of the lettering near the rim is missing due to the size difference.

One documented example was struck on a defective Cuban planchet that had been improperly annealed (a process of controlled heating and cooling). The result was patches of gray on the coin’s surface. This coin was graded MS63 by NGC and sold for over $1,700. Heritage Auctions has recorded at least nine such examples, with values depending on condition and certification.

If you suspect you have one of these, weigh your coin first—anything significantly lighter than 3.11 grams deserves a closer look and professional authentication.

3. 1958 Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes occur when the coin planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking. The result is a coin where part of the design is shifted or missing, with a blank crescent of unstruck metal visible on the opposite side.

A documented 1958 Philadelphia penny with the design struck approximately 20% off-center has been recorded. The value of these errors depends heavily on two factors: how far off-center the strike is, and whether the date is still clearly visible.

Off-center strikes of 10–25% with a full, visible date sell for $20 to $75. Dramatic examples of 50% or more off-center with a visible date can exceed $150. Coins missing the date are significantly less valuable to collectors.

4. 1958 DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) Error

While the obverse DDO gets all the attention, a 1958 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety also exists. On these coins, the doubling appears on the back of the coin—specifically on the wheat stalks, and on text like “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

DDR pennies from 1958 typically sell between $25 and $150 depending on the strength of the doubling and the coin’s grade. Premium examples in Mint State condition can command higher prices. Use a 10× magnifying glass to examine the wheat stalk details and the denomination closely.

5. 1958 BIE Die Break Error

The BIE error is a fun and collectible variety unique to Lincoln cents. A vertical die crack develops between the “B” and “E” in “LIBERTY,” creating the appearance of an extra letter “I” — hence the name “BIE.”

This error results from natural die deterioration during the coin production process. The crack fills with metal during striking, leaving a small raised line that mimics an extra letter. BIE errors from 1958 sell for $5 to $25 for circulated examples. Strong, well-defined examples in higher grades can bring $40 or more.

6. 1958 Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Error

On 1958-D pennies, you may find examples where the “D” mint mark was punched into the working die more than once at slightly different positions. This happened because mint marks were hand-punched into each die individually during this era.

The result is a secondary “ghost” image of the D visible slightly offset from the main mint mark—sometimes north, south, east, or west. RPM errors are among the most accessible varieties for beginning collectors. Minor examples from 1958 typically sell for $5 to $50, while strong, dramatic varieties can bring $100 to $500.

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 Value

1. What is a 1958 wheat penny worth today?

Most circulated 1958 wheat pennies are worth between 5 and 25 cents. A coin in Good (G-4) condition typically sells for around 5 to 10 cents.

As condition improves, so does value. An Extra Fine (EF-45) example brings about 14 cents, while an uncirculated MS-60 penny is worth around $0.34. Top-grade MS-67 Red examples can sell for $450 or more, and proof coins graded PR65 have sold for over $5,000.

2. How do I know if my 1958 penny is from Philadelphia or Denver?

Look directly beneath the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. If you see a small “D,” your penny was struck at the Denver Mint and is called a 1958-D.

If there is no letter at all, it was made in Philadelphia—Philadelphia Mint cents never carried a mint mark during the wheat cent era. No 1958 wheat pennies were struck in San Francisco, so only two varieties exist for regular business strikes.

3. What makes the 1958 DDO penny worth over $1 million?

The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) penny is worth so much because only three examples are known to exist in the entire world. All three have been certified by PCGS.

The doubling occurred during die production when the hub stamped the working die with a slight misalignment. This created clearly visible doubled lettering on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” Because no examples have ever been found in circulation, experts believe all three came from inside the Philadelphia Mint—adding a layer of mystery and historical significance to their rarity.

4. What does RD, RB, or BN mean on a 1958 wheat penny?

These letters describe the copper color of the coin, which is a major factor in its value. RD (Red) means the coin retains 95% or more of its original bright copper color and is the most valuable designation.

RB (Red-Brown) means between 5% and 95% of the red color remains, giving the coin a mixed look. BN (Brown) means the coin has fully toned and shows almost no original red. An MS65 RD example can be worth 3 to 5 times more than the exact same coin graded MS65 BN.

5. What is the difference between a CAM and DCAM proof 1958 penny?

Both CAM (Cameo) and DCAM (Deep Cameo) are special designations for proof coins. CAM describes a proof with a noticeable contrast between frosted raised design elements and mirror-like fields.

DCAM (Deep Cameo) describes an even more dramatic contrast—where the frosted devices are brilliantly white and the fields look like a black mirror. DCAM examples are much rarer because the frosting wore off dies after only a few dozen strikes. Less than 1% of 1958 proof coins survive as true DCAM examples, making them far more valuable than standard proofs.

6. Are 1958 wheat pennies still found in circulation?

It is extremely rare to find one in everyday circulation today, though not impossible. Most were pulled from circulation by collectors and the public back in 1958 and 1959 when news of the design change spread.

Your best chances of finding one are in old coin jars, estate sales, or antique shops. Coin roll hunting—searching through bank-wrapped rolls of pennies—occasionally still turns up wheat cents, including 1958 examples, though it happens less and less frequently.

7. How can I tell if my 1958 penny has a doubled die error?

Use a 10× magnifying loupe and look closely at the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” on the obverse. A genuine doubled die will show raised, rounded doubling across the entire letters—like seeing each inscription twice in slightly different positions.

Be careful not to confuse it with machine doubling, which creates a flat, shelf-like appearance on the letters and adds no extra value. If you think you have a true DDO, have it professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC before drawing any conclusions—fakes and misidentified coins are common for this variety.

8. What other errors exist on the 1958-D wheat penny besides the DDO?

The 1958-D has several interesting error varieties beyond the famous DDO. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) errors are the most accessible—look for a ghost “D” slightly offset from the main mint mark, which can add $5 to $500 to a coin’s value.

Wrong planchet errors also exist, including examples struck on Cuban one centavo planchets. These coins weigh approximately 2.45 grams instead of the standard 3.11 grams, and typically show missing or weak lettering near the rim. At least nine Heritage Auctions-recorded examples have sold for over $1,700 each in higher grades.

9. Should I clean my 1958 wheat penny to make it look better?

Never clean a coin—this is one of the most important rules in coin collecting. Cleaning permanently damages the surface of a coin, removing the natural patina that forms over decades and leaving telltale hairline scratches.

Even light polishing with a cloth destroys the microscopic luster that makes a coin valuable. Grading services like PCGS and NGC will identify cleaned coins and label them “details” grades, which dramatically reduces resale value. A naturally brown 1958 penny is worth far more than a “shiny” one that has been cleaned.

10. What is the most expensive wheat penny ever sold?

The most expensive wheat penny ever sold is not a 1958 coin but a 1943-D penny struck in bronze (copper) instead of the wartime steel. This coin sold for $840,000 in 2021, graded MS64 Brown.

Within the 1958 series, the record belongs to the DDO error. The finest known example—graded PCGS MS65 RD—sold on January 22, 2023, at GreatCollections for $1,136,250, making it the first Lincoln cent ever to crack the one-million-dollar mark at auction.