For coin collectors, Lincoln Wheat Pennies are some of their favorite American coins. These coins, produced between 1909 and 1958, are well-known for their historical significance and the possibility of the hidden wealth they hold.
Due to mint mistakes, some of these coins are quite valuable. Let’s examine seven Lincoln Wheat Pennies that have a potential enormous value because of uncommon minting faults.
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth a Fortune
1. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The most well-known mistake cent in the United States is perhaps the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat cent. Even in low light, the obverse side’s duplication of the phrase “LIBERTY” and the date “1955” is quite visible.
This mistake happened when the die was hit twice in slightly different places during manufacturing.
- Value: A well-preserved example may fetch $1,000 to $100,000 at auction, depending on condition.
- Rarity: It is a highly sought-after collector’s item, with only 20,000 to 24,000 copies.
2. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny
The U.S. Mint converted from bronze to steel during World War II to preserve copper. Still, a couple of 1943-D Wheat Pennies were struck unintentionally on unused bronze planchets. Because of this inaccuracy, the coin is among the rarest and most valuable in American history.
- Value: The 1943-D Bronze Penny is a treasure, valued at up to $840,000, for example, in MS64 condition.
- Rarity: Only one specimen from the Denver Mint is known to exist.
3. 1922 No D Strong Reverse Penny
The penny made in Denver is unique because it doesn’t have the “D” mintmark on it. Too much polishing of the die caused this mistake, so the mint mark was missing on the front of the coin. But the back of the coin was still clear and defined, so it was called “Strong Reverse.”
- Value: High-quality examples can sell for as much as $82,250, depending on their condition.
- Scarcity: These coins are extremely uncommon, with only a few hundred in mint condition.
4. 1944-D Steel Wheat Penny
The 1944-D Steel Wheat Penny is another coin made wrong because of the wrong materials, like the 1943 bronze penny.
Although the Mint had returned to using copper for pennies by 1944, a few 1943 steel blanks were inadvertently struck using 1944 dies.
- Value: A superior specimen of this coin brought about $115,000 at auction.
- Rarity: There are fewer than ten known instances of this coin.
5. 1909-S VDB Penny
One of the most recognizable U.S. coins is the 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny. Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer, is represented by the initials “VDB,” which first appeared in early 1909 coins.
Shortly after, the initials were eliminated from the design, which makes the San Francisco “S” mint-marked coins with the VDB initials especially uncommon.
- Value: Exquisite specimens may fetch as much as $92,000.
- Rarity: Only 484,000 of these coins were produced.
6. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
The date and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” are doubled on the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny. Although not as noticeable as the 1955 version, collectors find this imperfection desirable.
- Value: This error may fetch up to $120,000 in excellent condition.
- Rarity: There are reportedly fewer than 200 instances in uncirculated condition.
7. 1914-D Wheat Penny
One of the rarest regular-issue Lincoln cents is the Denver Mint’s 1914-D Wheat Penny. In uncirculated conditions, its value soars. Excellent examples are quite uncommon because so many of these coins were used in circulation.
- Value: A perfectly preserved 1914-D penny can get over $83,000 at auction.
- Rarity: Of the 1.1 million coins struck, only a handful are thought to be in excellent condition.
| Coin | Error Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling of date and letters | $1,000 – $100,000 |
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | Struck on bronze instead of steel | Up to $840,000 |
| 1922 No D Strong Reverse | Missing mint mark | Up to $82,250 |
| 1944-D Steel Penny | Struck on steel instead of bronze | Up to $115,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Rare mintmark and initials | Up to $92,000 |
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on date and motto | Up to $120,000 |
| 1914-D Wheat Penny | Low mintage in Denver | Up to $83,000 |
Lincoln Wheat Although pennies have long been a favorite among collectors, ones with uncommon minting mistakes can fetch extremely high prices. These coins can have incredible value, whether a 1943-D Bronze penny or a 1955 Double Die. If you possess a collection of coins, it’s
