Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies. If you have an old coin, it may not be just a simple copper coin but a priceless treasure! The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most sought-after collectible coins in the coin world. Some of these rare coins have sold for more than $677,777 at auction.
These coins are also of no less historical importance. These coins, minted between 1909 and 1958, are not just currency but also a priceless heritage of American history. If you also have an old wheat penny, then you need to know whether you also have a rare coin!
In this article, we will know in detail which Lincoln Wheat Pennies are the most valuable, how to identify them, and why these coins are so valuable.
The Rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies and Their Prices
| Coin | Value |
|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Cent | $840,000 |
| 1943-S Bronze Cent | $504,000 |
| 1944 Steel Cent | $373,750 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | $100,000+ |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | $26,000 |
| 1999 Wide AM Penny | $2,300 |
Some of these coins are so rare that only a few people have them. If you find one of these coins, you’ve found a gold mine!
Why are Lincoln Wheat Pennies so valuable?
Rarity created by mistakes – Some coins are unique due to mistakes made during the minting process, such as the 1943 Bronze Cent.
Limited Mintage – Such as the 1909-S VDB Penny, which was only made in 484,000 numbers.
Historical significance – These coins are associated with special events in American history, such as the creation of steel cents during World War II.
Design and artistry – These coins have an image of Abraham Lincoln and ears of wheat, which symbolize both prosperity and hardships.
5 rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies and their features
1. 1943 Bronze Cent
Reason for rarity:
In 1943, there was a shortage of copper in America due to World War II, so most of the steel coins were made that year. But by mistake some coins were also made in bronze (copper). This is why these coins sell for millions of dollars today.
👉 How to identify?
- ✅ A genuine bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- ✅ Steel coins are magnetic, but bronze coins are not magnetic.
- ✅ To avoid fake coins, always get it verified from authentic institutions like NGC or PCGS.
2. 1944 Steel Cent
Feature:
In 1944, America resumed the process of making coins from copper. But some old steel planchets were accidentally used and became 1944 steel cents.
👉 How to identify?
- ✅ Genuine steel cents are silver-gray in color.
- ✅ Due to rarity, their price can be up to $373,750.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
Why is it rare?
When Victor David Brenner (VDB) designed this coin in 1909, his VDB seal was placed on the back of the coin. But the government disputed it and removed it.
👉 How to identify?
- ✅ Only 484,000 coins of the 1909-S VDB penny were made.
- ✅ They can be worth more than $100,000.
4. 1992 Close AM Penny
What is special?
The specialty of the 1992 Close AM Penny is that the “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” are very close.
👉 How to identify?
- ✅ Examine the word “AMERICA” with a magnifying glass.
- ✅ If the “A” and “M” appear close, it may be a rare coin, worth up to $26,000.
5. 1999 Wide AM Penny
Feature:
This coin is exactly the opposite of the 1992 Close AM Penny, i.e. there is a greater distance between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”.
👉 How to identify?
- ✅ There will be a clear gap between the A and M in “AMERICA”.
- ✅ This coin may be worth up to $2,300.
How to know if you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
- 🔎 1. Check the coin’s date and mint mark
- ✅ Check coins of rare years like 1943, 1944, and 1909.
- ✅ Identify coins with a D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and no mark (Philadelphia).
- 🔎 2. Look for mistakes in the design
✅ If the coin’s design looks a little odd, like double letters or an off-center strike, it could be very valuable. - 🔎 3. Measure the coin’s weight
✅ If the coin is different from the normal weight, it could be rare. - 🔎 4. Get certification
✅ Have the coin appraised by a professional institution (NGC or PCGS).
Conclusion
If you have old Lincoln Wheat Penny coins, you may have a valuable treasure hidden inside! These rare coins can be worth thousands to millions of dollars. So, if you find an old coin, identify it carefully and keep it safe.
FAQs
Q1: Why is the 1943 copper penny so expensive?
A: In 1943, some coins were accidentally made in copper instead of steel. Due to its rarity, it can be worth millions of dollars.
Q2: Which Lincoln Wheat penny is the rarest?
A: The 1943 Bronze Cent and the 1909-S VDB Penny are among the rarest coins.
Q3: How to keep rare coins safe?
A: Keep coins in a coin holder, do not clean them, and store in a dry place.