The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just an old coin; it’s a window into America’s past and, for some collectors, a life-changing treasure. Minted between 1909 and 1958, these pennies were once everyday currency, passing through countless hands. But among the millions produced, a few rare specimens stand out—each worth thousands, even millions, of dollars.
Let’s take a closer look at five Lincoln Wheat Pennies that are worth a combined total of nearly $12 million.
Table of Contents
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies in 1943 to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used to strike pennies in 1943. This error resulted in the extremely rare 1943 Copper Wheat Penny.
Only about 40 of these coins are known to exist, making them one of the most sought-after errors in numismatics. In 2010, a 1943-D Copper Penny sold for a staggering $1.7 million. Even a circulated example can easily fetch six figures.
How to Identify It
- Magnet Test: Unlike regular 1943 steel pennies, a genuine 1943 copper penny will not stick to a magnet.
- Color: It should have the reddish-brown hue of copper, not the silvery look of steel.
- Authenticity: Be cautious of altered coins, as some 1948 pennies are fraudulently modified to appear as 1943s.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to using copper for pennies, but a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 accidentally slipped into production. As a result, a small number of 1944 pennies were struck in steel instead of copper.
Only about 30 examples are known, making this error even rarer than the 1943 copper penny. In 2021, a high-grade 1944-S Steel Penny sold for an incredible $408,000.
How to Identify It
- Magnet Test: Unlike regular 1944 copper pennies, the steel version will stick to a magnet.
- Color & Weight: It should be silvery-gray and weigh 2.7g (compared to the 3.11g of copper pennies).
- Mint Marks: These coins exist for all three mints—Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
1955 Double Die Obverse
The 1955 Double Die Wheat Penny is one of the most famous mint errors in U.S. coin history. Due to a misalignment in the die hubbing process, the coin’s design was doubled, resulting in noticeably overlapping letters and numbers.
Despite the error being detected, the U.S. Mint decided to release the coins into circulation rather than destroy them. This created an instant rarity, making it one of the most well-known and valuable Lincoln cents.
In 2018, a high-grade 1955 Double Die Penny sold for $114,000 at auction. Even worn examples can still fetch thousands.
How to Identify It
- Look for Doubling: The date (1955), “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” should show obvious doubling.
- Obverse Only: The doubling appears only on the front of the coin, not the back.
- Beware of Fakes: Many counterfeit versions exist, so professional verification is recommended.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most legendary Lincoln cents ever minted. It was part of the very first batch of Lincoln pennies and included the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), on the reverse. However, complaints arose about the prominence of these initials, leading to their removal after only a short production run.
This resulted in only 484,000 1909-S VDB pennies being minted, making it a key rarity in the series. In 2014, a near-perfect example graded MS67 Red sold for $117,500.
How to Identify It
- Look for the “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side.
- Check for the “S” mint mark, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
- Watch out for fakes, as some Philadelphia (no mint mark) coins have been altered to add an “S”.
1914-D Wheat Penny
Unlike the previous coins, the 1914-D Wheat Penny is not an error but a low-mintage rarity. The Denver Mint produced only 1.1 million of these pennies, a small number compared to other years. Since most of these coins were heavily circulated, high-grade examples are especially valuable.
In 2018, a pristine 1914-D penny graded MS66+ Red sold for $158,625, proving its enduring value to collectors.
How to Identify It
- Look for the “D” mint mark below the date, signifying it was minted in Denver.
- Avoid Altered Coins: Some dishonest sellers add a fake “D” mint mark to a regular 1914 penny.
- Check for Wear: Genuine 1914-D pennies often show wear on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat stalks.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies remain one of the most popular collectibles in the numismatic world. If you happen to find one of these rare coins, you could be holding onto a small fortune.
Whether it’s an error penny or a key date rarity, these coins prove that even the smallest change can make a huge difference.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Check the date, mint mark, weight, and look for errors like doubling or incorrect metal.
Are 1943 steel pennies valuable?
Most are common and worth a few cents, but the rare 1943 copper penny is worth over $1 million.
What is the most expensive Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The 1943-D Copper Penny sold for $1.7 million, making it the most valuable.
Why are 1955 Double Die Pennies valuable?
The doubling error was noticeable and released into circulation, creating a collector’s rarity.
Can I sell my old pennies for cash?
Yes! If you have a rare penny, coin dealers and auctions can help you sell it for top value.
