The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is one of the most iconic coins in American history. While most of these pennies are common and worth only a few cents, some rare versions have sold for staggering amounts at auctions, with prices reaching up to $1.5 million.
This article will guide you through the fascinating world of Lincoln Wheat Pennies, helping you identify the rare ones that could be hiding in your change jar.
The Legendary 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets in 1943, creating the rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
These error coins are highly prized by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance.
Notable Auction Records for the 1943 Copper Penny:
- $840,000: A 1943-D (Denver Mint) copper penny graded MS64BN sold for this amount in a 2021 auction.
- $504,000: A 1943-S (San Francisco Mint) bronze cent fetched this price, highlighting the coin’s immense value.
These figures show just how valuable these rare pennies can be.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
If you think you might have a 1943 copper penny, here are some steps to help you identify it:
- Check the Date: Make sure the penny is dated 1943.
- Magnet Test: Copper is non-magnetic. If the penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be copper; if it does, it’s likely steel.
- Weight Measurement: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny is lighter, around 2.7 grams.
- Professional Authentication: Due to the prevalence of counterfeits, it’s crucial to have the coin authenticated by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 Copper Penny, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are highly sought after by collectors:
1909-S V.D.B. Penny
- Mintage: 484,000
- Notable Sale: Red 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cents have fetched up to $168,000.
1955 Double Die Obverse Penny
- Error: Notable doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse.
- Value: Depending on the condition, these can range from 1,000 to 15,000.
1944 Steel Penny
- Rarity: Most 1944 pennies were struck in copper; a few steel versions exist due to leftover planchets.
- Auction Record: A 1944-S steel cent sold for $373,750.
1922 No D Penny
- Error: Lack of the ‘D’ mint mark due to a filled die error at the Denver Mint.
- Value: In high grades, these can be worth up to $90,000.
1958 Double Die Obverse Penny
- Rarity: Only a few known examples exist.
- Auction Record: One sold for $336,000.
Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | None, ‘D’, ‘S’ | Struck on copper planchet | Up to $840,000 |
| 1909 | ‘S’ with ‘VDB’ | Low mintage with designer’s initials | Up to $168,000 |
| 1955 | None | Double die obverse error | Up to $15,000 |
| 1944 | ‘S’ | Struck on steel planchet | Up to $373,750 |
| 1922 | None | Missing ‘D’ mint mark | Up to $90,000 |
| 1958 | None | Double die obverse error | Up to $336,000 |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on the coin’s condition and market demand.
The chance of finding a $1.5 million Lincoln Wheat Penny in your change jar is slim, but it’s not impossible. Rare coins like the 1943 Copper Penny and others mentioned above have sold for substantial sums due to their rarity and unique characteristics.
By regularly inspecting your pennies, staying informed about key dates and errors, and seeking professional authentication, you could increase your chances of discovering a valuable coin.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 copper penny is valuable because it was mistakenly struck on copper planchets during a year when pennies were supposed to be made of steel.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is made of copper?
You can perform a magnet test (copper pennies won’t stick to a magnet), check the weight (copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams), and have it authenticated by a professional grading service.
Are there other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies besides the 1943 Copper Penny?
Yes, other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include the 1909-S VDB Penny, the 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny, the 1944 Steel Penny, the 1922 No D Penny, and the 1958 Double Die Obverse Penny.
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