The Lincoln Wheat Penny was a significant US currency coin from 1909 to 1958. The coin has a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and two ears of wheat on the reverse side. Victor David Brenner designed the coin and it was the first US coin with the likeness of an actual person.
Even though most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are everyday coins, there are some rare versions that are worth so much money they have sold for millions at auction. If you own the right coin, it could make you a millionaire!
History of Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birthday of US President Abraham Lincoln. Its special feature was that it was the first US coin to feature a picture of a historical figure.
The reverse depicts two ears of wheat to represent national prosperity, and the obverse contains the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and a portrait of Lincoln. There were no significant design changes to the coin until 1958.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny: The Rarest Coin
In World War II in 1943, the US armed forces required high quantities of copper for the war. For this purpose, most of the Lincoln wheat pennies during that year were produced from steel and zinc-plated.
But in error, some coins were struck on remaining bronze planchets from 1942. The 1943 bronze Lincoln wheat pennies produced due to this error are now one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
Auction Prices of These Coins
A number of 1943 bronze Lincoln wheat pennies have been sold at auction for jaw-dropping prices:
- 1943-D Bronze Cent (Philadelphia Mint): Sold for $8,40,000. 2. 1943-S Bronze Cent (San Francisco Mint): Sold for $5,04,000.
- 1943 Bronze Cent (Philadelphia Mint): Sold for approximately $3,72,000.
How to Identify if You Have a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny?
If you believe you have a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, identify it with these tests:
✔ Check for the Year: The coin must obviously have 1943 embossed on it.
✔ Magnetic Test: Steel coins of 1943 are magnetic, but bronze coins are not. If your coin does not stick to a magnet, then it could be the scarce bronze version.
✔ Weight Test: A bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams, whereas a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
Other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 bronze penny, there are a few other Lincoln Wheat Pennies which are rare and costly:
1. 1909-S VDB Penny
- The coin bore designer Victor David Brenner’s initials VDB printed on it.
- The San Francisco Mint produced only 4,84,000 such coins.
- Such a coin in good condition can earn as much as $1,17,500.
2. 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny
- This is a error coin where “1955” and other letters look double printed.
- The value of this coin can reach up to $2,88,000.
3. 1922 No D Strong Reverse Penny
- This coin lacked the “D” mint mark, making it scarce.
- This coin in good condition can be sold for up to $30,000.
How to keep these costly coins safe and get them tested?
If you believe that you possess a scarce Lincoln Wheat Penny, bear in mind:
Handle carefully: Avoid rubbing and cleaning the coin excessively, as this lowers its original shine and worth.
Verify authenticity: Have the coin authenticated by a professional grading service or certified coin dealer.
Have it appraised: Have it appraised by a professional so that you are aware of its true value.
Do you have a rare coin?
If you’re a coin collector, check your pockets or old coins twice. You might have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth millions of dollars!
Not only is it fun to find rare coins, but it can also be a good investment. If you happen to find a special coin, you can make millions if you get it graded and auction it off! ????
FAQs
Q1. How can I tell if my 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check if it’s made of bronze instead of steel. A rare 1943 bronze penny will not stick to a magnet and weighs about 3.11 grams.
Q2. What is the most expensive Lincoln Wheat Penny ever sold?
A 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny was sold at auction for $840,000.
Q3. Are all Lincoln Wheat Pennies valuable?
No, most are common, but rare variants like the 1909-S VDB, 1955 Doubled Die, and 1943 Bronze pennies can be worth thousands or even millions.
Q4. How do I get my Lincoln Wheat Penny authenticated?
Take it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification and appraisal.
Q5. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
You can sell it through coin dealers, online auctions (like eBay or Heritage Auctions), or coin shows for the best price.