The $1.9 Billion Lincoln Wheat Penny Still Circulating—Could: From 1909 to 1958 the Lincoln Wheat Penny held a central position in US coin collecting history. Although most coins from this collection remain everyday finds select rare prints sell for thousands at market auctions. It is surprising that special edition coins deliver these values while remaining part of everyday transactions.
Understanding the Lincoln Wheat Penny
In 1909 the Lincoln Wheat Penny appeared to honor the United States’ 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. On one side Lincoln’s portrait appears with wheat stalks representing national prosperity on the other side. Victor David Brenner designed our first U.S. coin to show a famous person on the surface.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Numismatic Rarity
During World War II, copper was being used in war production, which led to the 1943 U.S. ban on the production of copper coins. The Mint made pennies from zinc-coated steel. However, some bronze pennies were accidentally used from 1942, creating the rare 1943 bronze pennies. These error coins are considered very valuable among collectors.
Major Auction Sales
Several 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat pennies have fetched huge prices at auction:
- 1943-D Bronze Cent: This coin, produced by the Denver Mint, was auctioned for $840,000.
- 1943-S Bronze Cent: A coin from the San Francisco Mint sold for $504,000.
- 1943 Bronze Cent (Philadelphia): One of approximately 20 known coins from the Philadelphia Mint auctioned for $372,000.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you have one of these rare coins, perform the following checks to identify it:
- Date: The coin should have the date 1943 on it.
- Magnetic test: Steel pennies are magnetic, while bronze pennies are not. If a 1943 penny does not stick to a magnet, it may be bronze.
- Weight: The bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while the steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
In addition to the 1943 bronze penny, other Lincoln wheat pennies are also very popular among collectors:
- 1909-S VDB: This coin bore the designer’s initials “VDB,” and only 484,000 coins were made by the San Francisco Mint. This coin in excellent condition can sell for up to $117,500.
- 1955 Double Die Obverse: This error coin has a double impression of the date and letters. This coin has sold for up to $288,000 in good condition.
- 1922 No D Strong Reverse: Some 1922 coins do not have the “D” mint mark. These coins can be worth up to $30,000.
Important Lincoln Wheat Pennies and Their Auction Prices
| Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | D | Bronze composition | $840,000 |
| 1943 | S | Bronze composition | $504,000 |
| 1943 | None | Bronze composition | $372,000 |
| 1909 | S VDB | Designer’s initials | $117,500 |
| 1955 | None | Doubled Die Obverse | $288,000 |
| 1922 | None | No “D” mint mark | $30,000 |
Preserving and Authenticating Your Coin
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Handle with care: Do not clean the coin, as this can decrease its value.
- Certification: Have a trusted coin dealer or professional grading service authenticate it.
- Appraisal: Get a professional appraisal to determine the coin’s market value.
Although it’s unlikely that you’ll find a million-dollar penny in your pocket, there’s still the thrill of the possibility. Checking your coins regularly may help you find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, which could be a hidden treasure.
FAQs On The $1.9 Billion Lincoln Wheat Penny Still Circulating—Could
Q. How much is a Lincoln Wheat Pennyworth?
A. The price of a Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on its rarity and condition. Some rare coins can sell for thousands of dollars, like the 1943 Bronze Penny.
Q. How to identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. A 1943 penny should be bronze, and it does not stick to a magnet. It weighs around 3.11 grams.
Q. Should I clean my coin?
A. No, cleaning the coin can decrease its value. Try to keep it as natural as possible.
