The Lincoln Wheat Penny holds a special place in American numismatics. These small copper coins, minted from 1909 to 1958, have become treasures for collectors, with some specimens reaching staggering values. Imagine finding a penny worth over a million dollars—life-changing, right?
Today, we’re looking into five of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, collectively valued at nearly $12 million. If you’ve got a jar of old pennies lying around, you might want to take a closer look!
Table of Contents
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $1,000,000 – $1,750,000
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 accidentally made their way into the 1943 production, resulting in one of the most famous error coins in history.
Only about 40 of these pennies are known to exist today, and they fetch astronomical prices at auction. In 2010, a 1943-D copper penny sold for $1.7 million.
To identify a 1943 copper penny, use a magnet. If the penny sticks, it’s steel, not copper. Also, look for the distinctive brownish-copper color. Be cautious of counterfeits since some 1948 pennies have been altered to resemble 1943.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $75,000 – $125,000
While 1943 saw a mistake with copper pennies, the reverse happened in 1944. The U.S. Mint returned to using copper, but a few leftover steel planchets from 1943 mistakenly got used. With only about 30 confirmed examples, this is an exceptionally rare find.
One high-grade 1944-S steel cent sold for $408,000 at auction in 2021.
To identify a 1944 steel penny, use a magnet. Genuine steel pennies will be magnetic. Look for a silvery-gray color instead of copper, and weigh the coin—steel cents are lighter than copper at 2.7g versus 3.11g.
1955 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $50,000 – $100,000
This famous minting error occurred when the die used to strike the pennies was misaligned, causing noticeable doubling of the inscriptions. The mistake was observed too late, so the U.S. Mint decided to release the coins into circulation.
A 1955 Double Die penny in mint condition can sell for over $100,000. One example graded MS65 Red by PCGS sold for $114,000 in 2018.
To identify a 1955 Double Die penny, look for clear doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The doubling should be on the front (obverse) of the coin only. Beware of counterfeits since genuine examples show crisp, even doubling.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $50,000 – $100,000
This penny was part of the first batch of Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever minted. Designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) were included on the reverse, but due to controversy over their size, they were quickly removed, making the 1909-S VDB a rare collector’s item.
With only 484,000 minted, this penny is a must-have for serious collectors. One in top condition sold for $117,500 in 2014.
To identify a 1909-S VDB penny, look for “VDB” at the bottom of the reverse side. Check for the “S” mint mark below the date, indicating it was minted in San Francisco. Watch out for altered coins since a fake “S” is sometimes added to common 1909 VDB pennies.
1914-D Wheat Penny
Estimated Value: $50,000 – $100,000
Unlike the previous entries, the 1914-D penny isn’t an error coin. Instead, it’s valuable due to its rarity. Only about 1.1 million were minted, and many of them saw heavy circulation, making well-preserved examples extremely valuable.
In 2018, a 1914-D penny graded MS66+ Red by PCGS sold for $158,625.
To identify a 1914-D penny, look for the “D” mint mark below the date (Denver Mint). Be wary of counterfeits since some Philadelphia-minted 1914 pennies have had a fake “D” added. Most genuine examples show wear on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat stalks.
The Hunt for Hidden Treasure
These five Lincoln Wheat Pennies prove that treasures can still be found in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s an old coin jar, a flea market, or an inherited collection, you never know when you might stumble upon a life-changing finding.
Even if you don’t find one of these ultra-rare pennies, every Lincoln Wheat Penny tells a story—of history, craftsmanship, and the thrill of the hunt. So next time you check your change, take a closer look. You might just be holding a piece of history worth millions!
FAQs
How much is a 1943 copper penny worth?
A genuine 1943 copper penny can be worth $1 million or more.
What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The 1943 copper penny is one of the rarest and most valuable.
How can I tell if my 1944 penny is steel?
Use a magnet; if it sticks, it’s likely a genuine steel penny.
Why is the 1955 Double Die Penny valuable?
The misaligned die created a noticeable doubling effect, making it rare.
Where can I sell a rare Wheat Penny?
You can sell it at coin auctions, online marketplaces, or to coin dealers.