If any one coin is considered the most popular in the world of coin collecting, it would be the Lincoln Wheat Penny. This is America’s one-cent coin, which was first minted in 1909. This coin not only has historical importance, but due to its rare varieties, it is still sold at high prices.
How was the Lincoln Wheat Penny made?
In 1908, the US Mint assigned the task of designing new cents to the famous sculptor Victor D. Brenner. The coin featured a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, honoring the centenary of his birth anniversary.
This was the first American coin to feature the image of a president. Prior to this, there was no face of any historical person on American coins.
Coin Metal and Rare Variants
The Journey from Copper to Steel (1943 Steel Penny)
From 1909 to 1942, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. But during World War II, copper became scarce as it was being used in war materials. For this reason, in 1943, this coin was made of zinc-coated steel.
However, in 1944, some pennies were accidentally made of steel, and they are considered extremely rare today. If you have a 1944 steel penny, you could be worth millions of dollars!
Design Change in 1959: From Wheat to Memorial
The design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny was changed in 1959. The reverse featured the Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro, thus ending the era of the Wheat Penny.
Rare and Expensive Wheat Pennies
There are some special dates and versions of the Lincoln Wheat Penny that can sell for millions of dollars today. Let’s take a look at some of the rarest and most expensive Wheat Pennies.
Rarest and Expensive Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year & Type | Estimated Value (MS60 or Better) |
|---|---|
| 1917 Doubled Die | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 1955-P Doubled Die | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| 1922-D No “D” (Strong Reverse) | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 1944-P Steel Penny | $50,000+ |
| 1944-D Steel Penny | $60,000+ |
| 1958-P Doubled Die | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| 1943 Bronze (Copper) | $300,000+ |
| 1943-S Bronze (Copper) | $500,000+ |
| 1944-S Steel Penny | $700,000 – $1,000,000 |
| 1943-D Bronze (Copper) | $800,000 – $2,000,000 |
If you have one of these rare coins, it could be worth millions of dollars to you!
1958 Wheat Penny: The Last Year Coin
The 1958 Wheat Penny was the last year the coin was minted, so it is very popular among collectors. However, the rarest and most expensive variety is the “1958 Double Die Obverse (DDO).” This coin has sold for up to $336,000 at auction!
Victor D. Brenner’s Design Legacy
This coin, designed by Brenner, was inspired by a desk plaque of Abraham Lincoln he created in 1907.
The obverse of the coin shows Abraham Lincoln’s face facing right, and the reverse shows two wheat stalks with “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” written between them. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is written across the top.
The 1909-S VDB Penny: Controversial But Valuable Coin
When the Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909, some coins bore the initials of designer Victor D. Brenner (VDB). This was controversial as it was seen as self-promotion by the designer. VDB was removed from subsequent coins.
However, the VDB was brought back in 1918, but this time it was made much smaller and engraved near Abraham Lincoln’s shoulder.
The 1909-S VDB Penny is one of the rarest and most expensive Wheat Pennies today and can be worth thousands of dollars!
Key Dates of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you are interested in coin collecting, keep an eye out for Wheat Pennies with these key dates:
- 1909 S
- 1909 S VDB
- 1914 D
- 1922 Plain (No D)
- 1931 S
Wheat Pennies from these rare years are in high demand and sell for high prices.
Conclusion: Do You Have a Rare Wheat Penny?
If you are a coin collector or have an interest in collecting old things, check out your old coins! You may have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that could be worth millions of dollars.
If you have a rare penny, get it authenticated and consult professional collectors to find out its real value. Who knows, your little coin could make you rich!
FAQs
Q. What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958, featuring wheat stalks on the reverse.
Q. Why are some Wheat Pennies valuable?
A. Certain Wheat Pennies are rare due to mint errors, low mintage, or unique compositions, making them highly collectible.
Q. How can I tell if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
A. Check the date, mintmark, condition, and any errors like doubled dies or wrong metal compositions to determine its value.
Q. What is the most valuable Wheat Penny?
A. The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable, worth up to $2 million in top condition.
Q. Where can I sell my Wheat Penny?
A. You can sell valuable Wheat Pennies at coin shops, online marketplaces, or through professional coin grading services.