The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is a popular coin among collectors. Known for its unique design and rich history, these pennies can be worth much more than their face value. Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are highly sought after by collectors, with values that can reach thousands of dollars. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies you should be on the lookout for. Whether you’re a new collector or a seasoned numismatist, these rare coins might be hiding in your spare change.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
One of the most famous and valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies is the 1909-S VDB. This penny was minted in San Francisco, and the “VDB” initials stand for the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner. In 1909, the U.S. Mint released this coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. However, due to controversy over the designer’s initials being placed on the coin, the mint stopped minting these pennies after only a small number were produced. Today, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on its condition.
Year | Mint Mark | Value (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
1909 | S VDB | $1,500 – $100,000+ |
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another highly valued coin. It was minted in Denver, and while it wasn’t as rare as some others, its low mintage makes it a popular find among collectors. This penny features a well-known mistake in which the “D” mintmark was not properly struck, leading to a slight variation in the design. If you come across a 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny in good condition, it can be worth a lot, especially in higher grades.
Year | Mint Mark | Value (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
1914 | D | $100 – $8,000+ |
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is considered one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in the collection. This coin was minted in Denver, but due to a mistake during production, the mintmark “D” was left off some of the pennies. As a result, the 1922 No D penny became a rare find, and collectors highly prize it. A 1922 No D penny in great condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
Year | Mint Mark | Value (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
1922 | No D | $10,000 – $500,000+ |
4. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is another rare coin that is sought after by collectors. This penny was minted in San Francisco, and it is particularly valuable because of its low mintage. While it wasn’t as rare as some other coins, its scarcity and high demand in good condition have made it valuable in the numismatic community. The 1931-S penny can be worth several hundred dollars, depending on its condition.
Year | Mint Mark | Value (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
1931 | S | $20 – $2,500+ |
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous errors in U.S. coinage history. During World War II, the U.S. government switched to using steel for pennies due to copper shortages. However, a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly minted in 1943, making them extremely rare and highly valuable. The 1943 Copper Penny can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and authenticity.
Year | Mint Mark | Value (Approx.) |
---|---|---|
1943 | Copper | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
Conclusion
Collecting Lincoln Wheat Pennies can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, especially when you find rare and valuable coins. The 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1931-S, and 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies are among the most sought-after coins for collectors. If you find one of these rare pennies, make sure to check its condition and get it appraised. You might be holding a coin worth thousands of dollars!
FAQ’s
1. Why are the 1909-S VDB pennies so valuable?
The 1909-S VDB penny is rare because only a small number were minted, and the “VDB” initials were removed after a public outcry, making this coin highly sought after by collectors.
2. How can I tell if I have a 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Check the mintmark area on the reverse side of the coin. If there is no “D” mintmark present, you might have the rare 1922 No D penny, which is highly valuable.
3. What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny so rare?
The 1943 Copper Penny is rare because it was minted during a time when most pennies were made of steel due to a copper shortage, and a few copper pennies were accidentally produced.
4. How can I determine the value of my Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The value of your Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on factors such as its year, mintmark, and condition. Rare pennies in good condition can be worth significantly more than common ones.