Lincoln Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are among the most sought-after collectible coins. While most of these pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare varieties can fetch up to $840,000 at auction! The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, for example, has reached record-breaking values due to its historical rarity. If you’re lucky, you might have one of these rare coins in your pocket change.
To help you understand whether you own one of these valuable coins, this article provides an expert breakdown of rare Lincoln Wheat pennies, their values, key identification markers, and professional tips on coin appraisal.
Lincoln Wheat Rare Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Valuable Lincoln Penny | 1943 Copper Wheat Penny ($840,000) |
| Other Notable Pennies | 1909-S VDB Penny, 1955 Double Die Penny |
| Mintage Years | 1909-1958 |
| Current Market Value | $1 – $840,000 (depending on rarity and condition) |
| How to Identify | Errors, mint marks, weight, material |
| Where to Sell | Auction houses, coin dealers, eBay |
| Official Reference | U.S. Mint Website |
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fascinated collectors for generations. Some, like the 1943 Copper Penny ($840,000) and 1909-S VDB Penny ($300,000+), can turn an ordinary penny collection into a fortune. If you think you own one, use the identification tips above, verify your coin with an expert, and consider selling it at an auction or online marketplace.
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The Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Rare Penny
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $840,000
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for military supplies. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper and released into circulation. These pennies are extremely rare and can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.
How to Identify:
- Material: If your 1943 penny is not magnetic, it could be copper (since steel pennies stick to magnets).
- Color: Genuine 1943 copper pennies have a reddish tone rather than a silvery steel appearance.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams, whereas steel pennies weigh 2.7 grams.
Recent Auction Price: A 1943 Copper Wheat Penny sold for $840,000 at auction in 2021.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – Worth Over $300,000
The first Lincoln pennies were minted in 1909, featuring the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse side. The San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of these pennies, making them one of the rarest and most desirable among collectors.
How to Identify:
- Look for “VDB” on the reverse side (bottom of the coin).
- Check the mint mark: “S” below the date indicates it was minted in San Francisco.
Recent Auction Price: A high-grade 1909-S VDB Penny sold for over $300,000.
3. 1955 Double Die Penny – Worth Tens of Thousands
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is famous for its significant doubling in the date and lettering, caused by a misalignment during minting.
How to Identify:
- The “1955” date and inscriptions appear doubled.
- The error is visible without magnification.
- Only 20,000 to 24,000 were released into circulation.
Recent Auction Price: A well-preserved 1955 Double Die Penny can fetch between $10,000 – $50,000.
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How to Check If You Own a Lincoln Wheat Rare Penny
If you want to find out if you own a valuable Lincoln Wheat penny, follow these steps:
1. Examine the Date & Mint Mark
- Check for rare years like 1909-S, 1943, and 1955.
- Look for mint marks: S (San Francisco), D (Denver), or No Mark (Philadelphia).
2. Check for Errors or Odd Features
- Double-die errors (1955, 1972).
- Off-center strikes or clipped planchets.
- Unusual colors or non-magnetic properties (1943 Copper Penny).
3. Weigh Your Penny
- A standard copper Lincoln penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
4. Use a Magnet
- A genuine 1943 Copper Penny will NOT stick to a magnet.
5. Consult an Expert: Visit a professional numismatist or coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification.
Where to Sell Your Lincoln Wheat Rare Penny
If you own a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, you can sell it through various channels:
1. Auction Houses
- Heritage Auctions (ha.com)
- Stack’s Bowers (stacksbowers.com)
2. Online Marketplaces
- eBay (Ensure proper authentication before listing)
- Etsy (For collectors looking for historical coins)
3. Local Coin Dealers
- Visit a certified coin dealer to get an appraisal.
4. Numismatic Organizations
- American Numismatic Association (ANA) (money.org) offers professional guidance.
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FAQs
How do I know if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, and errors. Rare pennies like the 1943 Copper Penny, 1909-S VDB, and 1955 Double Die can be worth thousands.
Can I find a valuable Lincoln Penny in circulation today?
Yes, while rare, some of these pennies still turn up in coin rolls, estate sales, and old piggy banks.
How much is a 1944 steel penny worth?
The 1944 Steel Penny is another rare variety, worth up to $100,000, depending on its condition.
Are all Lincoln Wheat Pennies valuable?
No, most are worth only a few cents, but specific rare varieties are worth significant amounts.
