Can you believe a penny in your pocket could be worth millions? It sounds crazy, but some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are super valuable because they have cool mistakes.
About the Lincoln Wheat Penny
These pennies were made from 1909 to 1958. They’re a big deal because they were the first US coins with a president on them—Abraham Lincoln! Victor David Brenner, a famous designer, made it to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday.
One side has Lincoln’s face, and the other has two wheat stalks instead of Lady Liberty. That’s why people call it the Wheat Penny.
A Penny Sold for Big Bucks!
A 1943-D bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny just sold for $840,000 at an auction! It was in great condition, which made it even more rare and valuable.
Experts say this 1943 penny is special since it was accidentally made with the wrong metal. During World War II, they made pennies out of steel to save copper. Somehow, some pennies ended up being made on copper plates by accident.
What makes them so valuable?
- Wrong Planchet Error – Most 1943 pennies are steel, but a few got made with copper by mistake. That little slip-up makes them super rare and valuable.
- Low availability – Experts estimate that only about 30 such coins are in existence.
- Denver Mint Coin Rarest – These rare 1943 coins were also issued by the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, but the Denver Mint version is the rarest.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
In addition to the 1943 copper coin, two other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also highly valued:
- 1909-S V.D.B. Penny
- This was the first Lincoln Penny, issued in 1909.
- It was mired in controversy and later removed due to the large lettering of designer Victor David Brenner (VDB).
- Only a few coins were issued from the San Francisco Mint, making them extremely rare.
- This coin has been valued at up to $300,000!
- 1955 Double-Die Penny
- This coin is characterized by a double die error in which the letters “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” appear double.
- Only 20,000 to 24,000 coins of this 1955 penny were minted in circulation, making it extremely rare.
- It could be worth thousands of dollars!
How to Identify if You Have a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
If you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny, pay attention to these things:
- ✅ Year and Mint Mark – The 1943 Copper Penny, 1909-S VDB, and 1955 Double-Die Penny are the rarest.
- ✅ Check the Metal – If your 1943 Penny is made of copper instead of steel, it could be very valuable.
- ✅ Coin Condition – Coins in mint condition are worth more.
- ✅ Minting Errors – Printing errors, such as a double die or incorrect plate material, can make a coin rare.
Could you own a rare coin?
Every year millions of people examine their coins to see if they have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny. If you own a 1943 Copper Penny, a 1909-S VDB, or a 1955 Double-Die Penny, you could be worth millions of dollars!
So the next time you look at the coins in your pocket, pay attention – you might have a priceless treasure hidden inside!
FAQs
Q. How much is a 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny worth?
A. A 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny can be worth up to $840,000, depending on its condition and mint mark.
Q. Why are some Lincoln wheat pennies so valuable?
A. Certain Lincoln wheat pennies are rare due to minting errors, low mintage, and historical significance, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Q. How can I tell if I have a rare Lincoln wheat penny?
A. Check for the year (1909-S VDB, 1943 copper, 1955 double die), mint mark, material (copper vs. steel), and any doubling errors in lettering.
Q. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln wheat penny?
A. You can sell rare coins through auction houses (like Heritage Auctions), coin dealers, or online marketplaces such as eBay and PCGS.
Q. How many 1943 copper pennies exist today?
A. Experts estimate that only about 30 genuine 1943 copper pennies exist, making them extremely rare and valuable.