Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are highly prized by collectors for various reasons, including their low mintage figures, minting errors, and historical significance . While most circulated Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents, certain key dates and error coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
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Here are some of the most notable rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies:
- 1909-S VDB: This first-year issue from the San Francisco Mint with the designer’s initials (Victor David Brenner) is highly sought after due to its limited mintage and controversial initials, which were removed shortly after release.
- 1914-D: This Denver Mint issue has a low mintage, making it a key date for collectors seeking a complete set.
- 1931-S: Struck during the Great Depression, this San Francisco Mint coin has a low mintage, but many were hoarded by collectors, making higher grades relatively easier to find than some other key dates.
- 1943 Bronze: Struck on leftover bronze planchets instead of zinc-coated steel during World War II, this is an ultra-rare and valuable error coin. A 1943 Bronze Cent without a mintmark sold for $372,000 in 2021. One from the Denver Mint is the only known example and sold for $840,000 in 2021. One from the San Francisco Mint sold for $504,000 in 2020, according to Heritage Auctions.
- 1944 Steel: Similarly, some 1944 pennies were mistakenly struck on steel planchets instead of copper. These are also quite rare and valuable. One 1944-D steel cent sold for $115,000 in 2007. One 1944 Steel Wheat Cent from the San Francisco Mint sold for between $700,000 – $1,000,000.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: This variety features a striking doubling of the date and lettering, visible without magnification.
- 1922 “No D”: Some Denver-minted pennies from 1922 have a very weak or missing “D” mintmark, which can significantly increase their value, especially those with a strong reverse strike. A 1922 No D Strong Reverse sold for $67,000 in 2014.
- 1909-S Over Horizontal S: This error coin features a “repunched mintmark” where the “S” mintmark was punched into the die in the wrong orientation and then corrected with a second “S”.
- Check the date and mintmark: Look for the key dates mentioned above. The mintmark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia) is located under the date.
- Look for errors and varieties: Examine the coin closely for doubling of the date or lettering, missing mintmarks, or unusual metal composition (especially for 1943 and 1944 pennies).
- Assess the condition: The value of a coin is heavily influenced by its condition or grade. Coins with sharp details and luster will be worth more than worn examples. You can use a 10x loupe to examine the coin for details.
- Test for magnetism: For suspected 1943 Bronze pennies (which are actually copper), check if they are attracted to a magnet. Genuine bronze pennies are not magnetic, while steel cents (intended for that year) are. Similarly, check if suspected 1944 Steel pennies are magnetic; genuine steel pennies are, while the intended copper pennies are not.
Important Note: Counterfeit rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies exist. If you believe you have a valuable coin, it’s recommended to have it authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS to confirm its authenticity and grade.
