5 Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Worth $200K Million USD – Are They Still in Circulation?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, struck from 1909 to 1958, is a crucial piece in American coin collecting. While most Wheat cents are exchanged at regular prices, there are rare types which are so pricey that you may be surprised to hear their price tag.

Here, we shall get to know five of the rarest and costliest Wheat cents, whose history and value today can prove surprising.

The 1943 Bronze Cent: Wartime Anomaly and Million-Dollar Mistake

The 1943 Bronze Cent is the world king of Lincoln Wheat cents. The coin was made by a special error, when the US Mint attempted to produce coins from zinc coated steel rather than the traditional copper in World War II.

Still, a few old bronze planchets had been left behind in the machinery by mistake, and coins were produced with the date of 1943 on them as well. Because of this error, just 20-25 actual bronze cents were produced, which turned up at all three mints – Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

These coins are extremely rare and can be anywhere from $175,000 to $1.7 million depending on its scarcity and condition. The 1943-S bronze cent is the most rarest one, because only 6 certified specimens are known to exist. It is crucial that this coin be authenticated as original since several reproductions have been created.

The original coin has a weight of 3.11 grams, while the steel version is 2.7 grams. It must be graded by organizations such as PCGS and NGC to ascertain its real authenticity. A 1943 Philadelphia bronze cent with an MS-64 rating sold for $1.7 million in 2010.

The 1944 Steel Cent: The Reverse Transition Error

As a reversal of the 1943 error, the U.S. Mint went back to bronze in 1944, but some steel planchets were left in the printing press by mistake and stamped with the 1944 date. This produced the 1944 Steel Cent, which is currently the second most valuable coin in the world next to the Lincoln Wheat Cents.

There are only 30 certified specimens of this coin, and they are located at all three mints. Its value can be anywhere from $75,000 to $400,000. The 1944-S steel cent is the most rare, and a graded MS-66 coin sold for $373,750 in 2008.

The coin can be identified by placing it near a magnet, as it is magnetic. It weighs 2.7 grams and has a silvery gray color.

The 1909-S VDB Cent: Birth of an American Classic

When the Lincoln Wheat Cent was initially minted in 1909, its designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), had his initials engraved on the back. But because of public outcry, the Mint immediately eliminated this mark, leaving the 1909-S VDB Cent a very rare and valuable coin.

Read More :- 5 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth $8,888 Million – Are They Still in Circulation?

A total of 484,000 of this coin were produced, which is relatively low in comparison to other Wheat Cents. This coin is worth $700 to $2,500 in normal condition, but if it is in good condition, it can be worth $3,500 to $50,000.

The 1922 “No D” Cent: Unintended Plain Variety

Only the Denver Mint produced cents in 1922, but some of the coins lack the ‘D’ mint mark, and these coins are very rare. This was caused by dirt and lack of maintenance in the machines at the mint.

The market value of this coin varies with its condition. If the “D” is entirely absent, it can be sold for $5,000 to $40,000. Coins graded MS-63 have been sold for $25,000-$35,000.

The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: The Modern Classic

A double image in the print in 1955, due to an error in coining, made the letters ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ and ‘LIBERTY’ double. One can easily observe the error without the aid of a microscope.

A minimum of 20,000-24,000 coins of this money were mistakenly offered to the public, which then made it expensive and scarce. It is graded between $1,500-$2,000 in fine. Those that are higher graded (MS-65) can command between $25,000 to $50,000.

Market Dynamics and Investment Considerations

These five Viet cents are of great interest to coin investors and collectors. Prices increase dramatically according to condition and rarity. You should ensure they are genuine before investing by certifying the coins.

The 1909-S VDB and 1955 Doubled Die are possibly more suitable for general investors, whereas the 1943 Bronze and 1944 Steel coins are only fit for sophisticated collectors and investors because of their extraordinary rarity.

Lincoln Wheat Penny Value

Some of the Lincoln Wheat Cents are very rare and valuable, and these coins are not only a piece of history but also a good investment. Their historical value, printing mistakes, and huge demand from collectors drive their prices to new levels. If you too love coin collecting, then try to include these rare Wheat Cents in your collection.

FAQs:-