Minted between 1909 and 1958, the Lincoln Wheat Penny is considered a classic work of American coinage and is a favorite among collectors. The vast majority of these pennies are very common, but certain errors have made some into highly collectible treasures. Detecting these rare errors can turn an unassuming penny into one worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Below, we look at seven top Lincoln Wheat Penny errors and discuss their characteristics and possible values.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
During World War II, penny production at the U.S. Mint was changed from copper to zinc-coated steel so that copper could be conserved for the war effort. However, a few pennies were struck mistakenly on copper planchets in 1943; hence, making it one of the most prominent errors in coin collecting
- Distinguishing Features: Unlike the common 1943 steel penny, these rare errors are non-magnetic and have an unmistakable copper look.
- Approximate Value: These coins will trade for amounts ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on their condition.
Doubled Die Obverse of 1955
Whenever it comes to a penny, the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is of great fame because of the significant doubling of the date and inscriptions on its obverse as a result of misalignment during the minting operation.
- Common Features: Noticeable doubling of date “1955” and “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions on the obverse side.
- Value: A wide range of value, between $4,000 and $16,000, depending on the state of the coin.
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1922 No D Plain Penny
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were produced with a “D” mint mark, indicating that they had been minted in Denver. However, because of extreme die polishing, some coins were able to leave the Denver mint without the mint mark, making the rare 1922 No D Plain Penny a reality.
Distinguishing marks: “D” mint mark not present under the date, with a bold reverse design.
Value: In mint condition, the coins are worth approximately $12,000 and up to $30,000.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
The rare 1944 Steel Wheat Penny originated from a case wherein a number of steel planchets were used by accident after switching back to copper planchets in 1944.
- Characteristics: Just like the 1943 steel pennies, but with the date “1944.” Unlike their copper cousins, these coins are magnetic.
- Value estimate: These coins are known to go for over $50,000.
Doubled Die Obverse of 1958
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse penny stands out as a rarity among errors, with a handful of examples that show prominent doubling in the obverse inscriptions.
- Identification Marks: Amazing doubling of the inscriptions on the obverse side, “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
- Expected Value: The range for valuation is between $100,000-$200,000, depending on the condition of the coin.
Wheat Penny from 1943 D Bronze
Much like the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, the Denver Mint too produced a few bronze pennies in the year 1943 due to leftover copper planchets, thus making it the very rare 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny.
- Identification Features: Non-magnetic bronze composition with a “D” mintmark really under the date “1943.”
- Estimated Price: Between $800,000 and $2,000,000 at auction, these coins have gotten bids.
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny
The 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny stands out, being yet another rare mistake since it was made using leftover steel planchets minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1944.
- Distinguishing Features: The coin has a magnetic steel composition with an “S” mint mark below the date “1944.”
- Approximate Value: Depending on condition, these coins can be worth between $700,000 and $1,000,000.
7 Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny Errors
| Error Type | Year | Mint Mark | Distinguishing Features | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Wheat Penny | 1943 | None | Copper composition; non-magnetic | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | 1955 | None | Doubling of date and inscriptions on obverse | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| No D Plain Penny | 1922 | None | Absence of “D” mint mark; strong reverse design | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Steel Wheat Penny | 1944 | None | Steel composition; magnetic | $50,000+ |
| Doubled Die Obverse | 1958 | None | Doubling of obverse inscriptions | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| D Bronze Wheat Penny | 1943 | D | Bronze composition; non-magnetic | $800,000 – $2,000,000 |
| S Steel Wheat Penny | 1944 | S | Steel composition; magnetic | $700,000 – $1,000,000 |
Final Thoughts
A myriad of rare and valuable errors exists in the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, each capable of turning an unassuming one-cent piece into a treasure worth anywhere from six to even seven figures. Whether it is the famous 1943 Copper Penny, the 1955 Doubled Die, or the 1944 Steel Penny, collectors have many eyes open looking for these numismatic gems.
FAQS:
How do I know if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth anything?
The value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on the presence of errors, mint marks, or its condition. For example, look if there is a sign of double stuck, missing mint mark, or could be difference in the composition like copper in 1943 or steel in 1944. Having that coin graded by experts will determine and confer that it is authentic and valuable.
Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Rare pennies can be sold through coin dealers, really into the maestro numismatic auction, sell it off to online marketplaces, e.g. eBay, Heritage Auctions, or at coin shows. Have that coin first authenticated with such services like PCGS or NGC before selling it.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, most of the 1943 pennies are made of steel and worth only pennies to a few dollars; but “if” you could find a penny made from copper in the year 1943, you could possibly have hundreds of thousands of dollars.