5 Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Up to $685,000: Lincoln Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are among the most beloved coins in American numismatics. Their distinctive reverse design featuring two wheat stalks gave them their nickname. While most Wheat pennies are common and worth only a few cents, certain rare varieties and minting errors have become legendary, fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. The thrill lies in the possibility that one of these treasures could still be hiding in everyday pocket change.
Historical Background
The Wheat penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than allegorical figures. Over the decades, millions were struck, but wartime shortages, minting mistakes, and experimental issues created rare varieties that collectors prize today.
The Five Rare Wheat Pennies
1909-S VDB Penny
- Minted in San Francisco with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials prominently displayed.
- Only 484,000 were struck before the initials were removed due to controversy.
- Value in high grades can exceed $100,000.
1914-D Penny
- Struck in Denver with a low mintage of just over 1 million.
- Scarce in circulation and highly sought after by collectors.
- High-grade examples can reach $150,000.
1922 No D Penny
- Produced in Denver, but some coins were struck with worn dies that failed to leave the “D” mintmark.
- Extremely rare and valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.
- Auction records show values over $75,000.
1943 Bronze Penny
- During World War II, pennies were supposed to be struck in steel to save copper for the war effort.
- A few were mistakenly struck in bronze planchets.
- One example sold for $840,000, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever.
1944 Steel Penny
- After the war, pennies returned to copper, but a few steel planchets were accidentally used.
- These rare coins are highly prized, with values reaching $200,000 or more.
Value Comparison Table
| Coin | Year | Mint | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | San Francisco | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1914-D | 1914 | Denver | $500 – $150,000+ |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | Denver | $500 – $75,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | 1943 | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco | $100,000 – $840,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
Why These Pennies Are So Valuable
- Low Mintage: Coins like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D had limited production runs.
- Minting Errors: The 1922 No D, 1943 Bronze, and 1944 Steel pennies are the result of mistakes at the mint.
- Historical Context: Wartime shortages and production changes created unique circumstances.
- Collector Demand: These coins are essential for completing high-grade Lincoln sets.
Tips for Collectors
- Check Your Change: Rare pennies occasionally surface in circulation.
- Learn to Spot Errors: Familiarize yourself with mintmarks, dates, and unusual features.
- Use Proper Storage: Protect coins from damage with holders or albums.
- Seek Professional Grading: Certification adds credibility and value.
Market Trends
The market for rare Wheat pennies remains strong. Auction houses regularly feature these coins, and prices continue to rise as demand grows. The combination of historical significance and rarity ensures that these pennies will remain valuable for generations.
Conclusion
Lincoln Wheat pennies are more than just small pieces of copper and steel. They are artifacts of American history, symbols of wartime sacrifice, and treasures of numismatic art. While most Wheat pennies are common, the rare varieties—like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1943 Bronze, and 1944 Steel—can transform pocket change into a fortune. For collectors and casual enthusiasts alike, the hunt for these coins is both exciting and potentially rewarding.
