If you’ve ever come across an old Lincoln Wheat penny, you might want to take a closer look before spending it. Some rare editions of these coins are worth a fortune, with a few fetching over $677,777 at auctions! Coin collectors and numismatists are always on the lookout for these valuable pennies, and you could be holding one without even realizing it.
In this article, we’ll explore which Lincoln Wheat pennies are worth the most, how to identify them, and what makes them so valuable.
What Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
The Lincoln Wheat penny was minted between 1909 and 1958, featuring President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. These pennies were made of 95% copper (except for the 1943 steel penny) and were designed by Victor D. Brenner.
While most Wheat pennies are common and worth only a few cents, certain rare editions and errors can be worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Here are some of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln Wheat pennies:
1. 1943 Copper Penny – Worth Over $1 Million
- Why It’s Valuable: In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a few were mistakenly struck in copper.
- Estimated Value: Some of these pennies have sold for over $1 million at auctions.
- How to Identify: A 1943 penny that looks copper instead of steel is extremely rare. Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel; if not, it could be the valuable copper version.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – Worth Up to $677,777
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1909-S VDB penny was the first year of the Lincoln Wheat cent, and only 484,000 were minted with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse.
- Estimated Value: A high-grade version can sell for over $677,777.
- How to Identify: Look for “S” mintmark below the date and “VDB” initials on the reverse.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth Over $150,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The Denver Mint produced fewer pennies in 1914, making this coin rare.
- Estimated Value: In top condition, it can be worth over $150,000.
- How to Identify: Look for the “D” mintmark below the year 1914.
4. 1922 No-D Penny – Worth Up to $50,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Some 1922 pennies were struck without the “D” mintmark due to a minting error.
- Estimated Value: A well-preserved version can be worth $50,000 or more.
- How to Identify: Check if there is no mintmark below the date (where a “D” should be).
5. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth Up to $125,000
- Why It’s Valuable: A minting error caused the design to be doubled, creating a rare and highly sought-after coin.
- Estimated Value: Some have sold for up to $125,000.
- How to Identify: Look for double lettering on “LIBERTY” and the date “1955.”
How to Check If Your Penny Is Valuable
1. Look at the Year and Mintmark
- Check if the date and mintmark match any of the valuable pennies listed above.
- Mintmarks are found below the date and include:
- No mintmark (Philadelphia Mint)
- “D” (Denver Mint)
- “S” (San Francisco Mint)
2. Check for Errors and Unique Features
- Look for doubled lettering, missing mintmarks, or off-center strikes.
- Use a magnifying glass for a closer inspection.
3. Test the Metal Composition
- If you find a 1943 copper penny, use a magnet to see if it sticks (if it doesn’t, it could be valuable).
4. Get a Professional Coin Appraisal
- If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat penny, take it to a professional coin dealer or have it graded by organizations like PCGS or NGC.
Conclusion
Lincoln Wheat pennies have fascinated collectors for decades, and some of them are worth a life-changing amount of money. From the 1943 copper penny worth over $1 million to the 1909-S VDB penny valued at $677,777, checking your pocket change could lead to an incredible discovery.
If you own old pennies, take the time to inspect them closely—you might just be holding onto a hidden treasure.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my 1943 penny is valuable?
If your 1943 penny is copper (not steel), it could be worth over $1 million. Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel; if not, it might be a rare copper version.
2. Where can I sell a valuable Lincoln Wheat penny?
You can sell rare pennies at coin shops, online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or through professional coin dealers.
3. Are all Wheat pennies valuable?
No, most Wheat pennies are worth only a few cents to a couple of dollars. However, rare dates, mintmarks, and errors can make some worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
4. How can I protect my valuable coins?
Store them in protective coin holders and keep them in a dry, cool place to prevent damage. Never clean them, as it can reduce their value.
5. What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat penny?
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable, with some selling for over $1 million at auctions.
