The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just an old coin—it’s a piece of American history. Minted between 1909 and 1958, these pennies were once common in everyday transactions. However, among the billions produced, a handful stand out as incredibly rare and valuable. Some of these coins have sold for hundreds of thousands—or even millions—at auction.
Let’s explore five of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies, with a combined value approaching $12 million.
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – Worth Up to $1.7 Million
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to conserve copper for wartime needs. However, a few copper blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used in 1943, creating an extremely rare error coin.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only about 40 of these coins exist, making them one of the most coveted errors in U.S. coinage history. In 2010, a 1943-D Copper Penny sold for an astonishing $1.7 million. Even circulated versions can fetch six-figure sums.
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 Check: Be wary of altered coins—some 1948 pennies are fraudulently modified to look like 1943s.
2. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – Sold for $408,000
By 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to making pennies from copper. However, a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 accidentally got mixed into the production line, resulting in the rare 1944 Steel Wheat Penny.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only about 30 examples are known, making this coin even rarer than the 1943 copper penny. A high-grade 1944-S Steel Penny sold for $408,000 in 2021.
How to Identify It:
- Magnet Test: Unlike regular 1944 copper pennies, the steel version will stick to a magnet.
- Color & Weight: It should have a silvery-gray color and weigh 2.7 grams (compared to 3.11 grams for copper pennies).
- Mint Marks: Exists in three varieties—Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
3. 1955 Double Die Obverse – Sold for $114,000
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 lettering and numbers on the coin appear doubled, making it highly recognizable.
Why It’s Valuable:
Despite the error being noticed, the Mint released the coins into circulation. This created an instant rarity, making it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents. In 2018, a high-grade example sold for $114,000. Even worn versions can bring in thousands of dollars.
How to Identify It:
- Doubling Effect: The date (1955), LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST should show clear doubling.
- Obverse Only: The doubling appears only on the front of the coin, not the back.
- Beware of Fakes: Many counterfeits exist, so professional verification is recommended.
4. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny – Worth Over $117,500
The 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most legendary Lincoln cents. It was part of the first batch of Lincoln pennies and featured the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), on the reverse. However, complaints about the large initials led to their removal after a short production run.
Why It’s Valuable:
Since only 484,000 of these pennies were minted, they are highly sought after. In 2014, a near-perfect example graded MS67 Red sold for $117,500.
How to Identify It:
- Look for “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side.
- Check for the “S” mint mark, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
- Be cautious of fakes, as some no-mint-mark coins have been altered to add an “S.”
5. 1914-D Wheat Penny – Sold for $158,625
Unlike the other coins on this list, 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—far fewer than in other years.
Why It’s Valuable:
Most 1914-D pennies were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples exceptionally rare. In 2018, a pristine MS66+ Red example sold for $158,625.
How to Identify It:
- Look for the “D” mint mark below the date, signifying it was minted in Denver.
- Avoid Altered Coins: Some sellers fake the “D” mint mark by adding it to a regular 1914 penny.
- Check for Wear: Genuine 1914-D pennies often show wear on Lincoln’s cheek and the wheat stalks.
Summary of Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies & Their Values
| Coin | Rarity Type | Highest Auction Price | Key Identification Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | Mint Error | $1.7 Million (2010) | Copper color, non-magnetic |
| 1944 Steel Penny | Mint Error | $408,000 (2021) | Steel color, magnetic |
| 1955 Double Die | Mint Error | $114,000 (2018) | Doubled date & letters |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Low Mintage | $117,500 (2014) | “S” mint mark, “VDB” initials |
| 1914-D Penny | Low Mintage | $158,625 (2018) | “D” mint mark, common wear |
Lincoln Wheat Pennies continue to be one of the most popular collectibles in the numismatic world. Whether it’s a rare error penny or a low-mintage key date, these coins prove that even the smallest change in design or production can lead to life-changing value. If you happen to come across one of these rare pennies, you might just be holding a fortune in your hands.
FAQs
How can I tell if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
Look for key dates, mint marks, and errors. Some of the most valuable ones include the 1943 Copper, 1944 Steel, and 1955 Double Die pennies.
Are all Wheat Pennies worth money?
Not all are valuable, but some rare dates and mint errors can be worth thousands—even millions—of dollars.
