The Lincoln Wheat Penny, produced between 1909 and 1958, is a completely unique a part of American numismatic records. Although the majority of these pennies are worth their face value, some rare kinds are worth full-size quantities.
Amazingly, some of these treasured cash, even those really worth as much as $600,000, could nevertheless be in movement these days. This article explores the info of those rare pennies, their history, and the way you could inform if you have one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny—additionally known as the “Wheatie”—become first minted in 1909 and endured till 1958. It capabilities:
- Obverse (front): A profile of President Abraham Lincoln.
- Reverse (back): Two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
It became the first U.S. Coin to function a actual character, and its traditional design is loved by creditors.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Inaugurated in 1909 to have fun Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial, the Lincoln Wheat Penny turned into the primary coin bearing the picture of a president of the United States.
Designed with the aid of Victor David Brenner, the obverse consists of Lincoln’s profile, and the opposite two wheat stalks curved around the denomination, representing unity and prosperity. This design existed until 1958, and the reverse then was altered to represent the Lincoln Memorial.
Rare and Valuable Variants
Among the countless Lincoln Wheat Pennies, some of them are notable for their value and rarity:
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
In World War II, to save copper for military purposes, pennies were minted from steel coated with zinc in 1943 by the U.S. Mint. Still, some of them were struck accidentally on remnants of copper planchets in 1942. These special 1943 Copper Wheat Pennies are widely sought after among collectors. One of them was sold at an auction for over $500,000.
2. 1943-D Bronze Cent
Perhaps rarer still is the 1943-D Bronze Cent, issued at Denver. One specimen exists, which recently brought $840,000 at sale.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
The first year of issue for the Lincoln Penny found designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (“VDB“) being added on the back. San Francisco-struck versions ran off in quantity few, but just one like 1909-S VDB Penny remains; they have changed hands for in excess of $300,000.
4. 1955 Double Die Penny
A extraordinary minting mistake resulted inside the 1955 Double Die Penny, in which the date and lettering are doubled. Between 20,000 and 24,000 of these circulated, with highly preserved specimens selling for tens of lots of greenbacks.
Identifying a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
To find out if you have one of these uncommon pennies, follow those steps:
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: Check for vital dates like 1909-S, 1943, and 1955. The mint mark under the date denotes the location of minting:
- No Mark: Philadelphia Mint
- D: Denver Mint
- S: San Francisco Mint
- Examine the Coin’s Composition: The steel 1943 pennies were mostly made of steel. If you happen to have a 1943 penny with a copper appearance, you may have a copper version, a very rare variation. Check with a magnet test: the steel pennies will cling to a magnet but the copper ones won’t.
- Check for Mistakes: For the 1955 Double Die Penny, look for doubled appearance on the date and letters, particularly “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Assess the Condition of the Coin: Coins in mint or uncirculated state are worth more. Check for little wear, sharp details, and original shine.
Key Features of Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Variant | Year | Mint Mark | Distinctive Features | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | None | Copper composition instead of steel | Up to $500,000 |
| 1943-D Bronze Cent | 1943 | D | Bronze composition; only one known | $840,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | S | “VDB” initials on reverse; low mintage | Over $300,000 |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | None | Noticeable doubling of date and lettering | Tens of thousands |
How to Check Your Change Like a Collector
Search all 1943 pennies for a copper color
- Perform a magnet test
- Weigh the coin if possible
- Consult a professional for authentication (NGC, PCGS)
The Chances of Uncommon Pennies Still Circulating
It is fascinating to imagine that these valuable coins could still be hiding in plain sight during everyday transactions. With their close similarity to everyday pennies, these treasures can easily pass undetected. Collectors and enthusiasts commonly share anecdotes about finding valuable coins in pocket change, inheriting collections, or bank coin rolls.
Final Thought
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not only a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Some of the rare variations, as a result of minting mistakes or low production, have become extremely sought-after treasures among numismatists. Since there is a chance that some of these coins are still in circulation, it is worth examining your pennies carefully. That plain-looking coin in your pocket may be worth a lot of money.
FAQ’s
How do I verify a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It is recommended to consult an expert coin grading service or a well-known numismatist.
Why is the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny really worth so much cash?
In 1943, pennies had been particularly composed of metal to keep copper for the struggle. A few were accidentally produced in copper and are therefore scarce and highly coveted by collectors.
