The world of coin collecting is full of stories of seemingly ordinary coins being of extraordinary value.
While it may attract attention when we read reports of “$246 million” coins, the reality is that some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies can sell for literally hundreds of thousands of dollars or more at auction.
These unique coins’ historical significance, manufacturing mistakes, and extreme rarity make them priceless possessions that coin collectors dream of owning at some point.
This detailed guide will explain the five most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever issued. It will assist you in understanding what makes those coins unique and the way you may discover those capability treasures that may be hiding in your pocket, coin bottle, or a collection passed down from grandma.
These coins have features like wartime mistakes, doubled dies, and rare mintages that make them some of the most valuable coins in the one-cent coin category.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny: The Holy Grail of Coin Collecting
No U.S. coin perhaps attracts attention the way the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent does.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint issued zinc-lined metallic pennies with the intention of saving copper for the conflict effort.
But due to an extraordinary mistake, approximately 20 bronze planchets (steel discs intended to turn out to be cash) have been by chance left in the presses at the start of production.
Finding a 1943 bronze penny is like finding a unicorn, says coin historian Margaret Thornton.
1943 bronze pennies are extremely rare, with only less than 25 certified examples known. The rarest of these is the 1943-D (Denver) bronze penny, the sole example of which sold at auction for $840,000 in 2021.
What makes these coins special is their historical context. When the US was preparing for war, the change in the composition of this coin made it a living proof of that transitional time in American history.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny: Upside Down Mistake
An inverted version of the 1943 mistake in coin history took place in 1944.
When the Mint started out using copper again in 1944, some 1943 metal planchets accidentally were blended into the click, growing extremely uncommon metallic pennies.
This precise mistake is even rarer due to the fact that only 7 coins of this type have been determined in 1944. The most steeply priced 1944-S (San Francisco) steel penny was bought for $408,000 at auction in 2021.
The mistake in these coins is identified only by checking the date. If you find a 1944 steel penny, check for a magnet, as it will stick to steel, whereas other 1944 pennies are copper.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny: The Most Famous Mistake
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny is probably the most famous Lincoln cent. This coin features a spectacular double die on the date and the “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
This mistake became so famous that it was quickly recognized by collectors and began to rise in value.
The easiest way to identify these types of coins is by their obvious doubling, which can be seen with the naked eye.
Some high-quality coins sell for over $100,000. And this coin is one of those special historical examples that has made people interested in coin collecting more and more.
4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny: Classic Rarity
The Lincoln cent was introduced in 1909, and that first coin had the dressmaker’s letters “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) revealed on it.
People criticized the letters, which led the Mint to cast them off that same year, but some cash struck at the San Francisco Mint did have the letters.
Only 484,000 coins had been revealed, making this a historical and rare coin.
This coin is worth lots of money, not just due to its rarity, but also because of its significance in American history.
5. 1922 No-D Lincoln Wheat Penny: Phantom Mint Mark
Only the Denver Mint released Lincoln cents in 1922, so every penny in 1922 should have been a “D” coin mark.
But on some coins, this coin mark disappeared or greatly reduced, making it an extraordinary and precious coin.
If you detect the type of coin, it is important to check the authenticity, as it may be worth thousands of dollars.
How to Find These Rare Treasures Among Your Coins?
If you find those rare coins hiding in your converting coins or antique coin jar, here are some ways you could identify them:
- Check the Year—Pay specific interest to coins from 1909, 1922, 1943, 1944, and 1955.
- Look for Obvious Visual Differences—The 1943 penny is metallic-colored, so any copper-colored 1943 penny can be worth finding out.
- Look for Mint Marks—Look for “D” or “S” mint marks.
- Check the weight—the 1943 bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the normal steel cent weighs 2.7 grams.
Curiosity, patience, and a piece of good fortune can help you in amassing these coins, and you may discover those high-quality coins that can be hidden from your hands.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is extremely rare, with only around 25 known examples, making it valuable due to its historical significance and mistake during World War II.
Why is the 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny considered rare?
The 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny is rare due to a mistake where 1943 steel planchets were accidentally used, with only seven known examples, making it highly valuable among collectors.
What is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny mistake?
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny features obvious doubling on the date and inscriptions, making it one of the most famous and valuable error coins, often selling for over $100,000.