Lincoln Wheat Penny : For most people, a penny is just pocket change — something tossed in a jar or ignored on the sidewalk. But for savvy coin collectors, one particular version of the humble Lincoln Wheat penny is quietly turning ordinary folks into the next big winners in the world of numismatics. Some of these seemingly insignificant coins are worth thousands — even hundreds of thousands — of dollars.
So, which Lincoln Wheat penny is the hidden goldmine? Let’s dive into the mystery.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat penny, also known as the “Wheatie” or “Wheat Back,” was minted from 1909 to 1958. The obverse (front) features the familiar image of President Abraham Lincoln, while the reverse (back) depicts two stalks of wheat flanking the words “ONE CENT.”
While many Wheat pennies are common, some rare years and minting errors are worth a fortune.
The Star of the Show: The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
During World War II, copper was a critical wartime material. In 1943, the U.S. Mint shifted to zinc-coated steel pennies to conserve copper. However, by mistake, a small number of 1943 Lincoln pennies were struck using leftover bronze (copper-based) planchets from 1942.
These 1943 bronze pennies are extremely rare — and extremely valuable.
One 1943 bronze penny sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.
Why Are These Pennies So Valuable?
Several reasons make the 1943 bronze Wheat penny so sought after:
- Rarity: Only a few dozen are known to exist across all mints.
- Historical Significance: A wartime minting error at the height of WWII.
- Collector Demand: Every serious coin collector dreams of owning one.
- Authentication: They’re easy to fake — so real, certified examples are priceless.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
Even if you don’t strike gold with a 1943 bronze penny, several other Wheat cents can fetch hundreds or thousands:
1909-S VDB
- First year of issue, San Francisco mint, designer initials on reverse.
- Value: Up to $3,000–$12,000+
1914-D
- A key date with a low mintage from Denver.
- Value: $200–$5,000+
1922 “No D”
- Denver was the only mint that year, but some coins were struck with no visible mint mark.
- Value: $500–$12,000
1955 Double Die Obverse
- A popular error with visible doubling of the date and lettering.
- Value: $1,000–$15,000+
How to Spot a Valuable Wheat Penny
Here’s what to check:
- Date and Mint Mark: Look below the date for “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver).
- Weight: A genuine 1943 bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while the steel version is around 2.7 grams.
- Color and Magnetism:
- Copper pennies are reddish-brown and non-magnetic.
- Steel pennies are gray-silver and magnetic.
- Errors and Variants: Check for doubling, missing details, or off-center strikes.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
- Handle Carefully – Use gloves and avoid cleaning.
- Do a Magnet Test – If your 1943 penny isn’t magnetic, it may be bronze.
- Weigh the Coin – A digital scale can help identify planchet types.
- Get It Authenticated – Submit it to PCGS or NGC for expert verification.
- Contact a Reputable Dealer or Auction House – They can assist in appraisal and sale.
Final Thoughts: The Penny That Could Change Your Life
That rusty old coin at the bottom of your drawer or hiding in your grandfather’s jar might be far more valuable than its face value. The Lincoln Wheat penny — especially the elusive 1943 bronze error — continues to make headlines and quietly build wealth for lucky finders and seasoned collectors alike.
So the next time you see a Wheat penny, don’t overlook it. Examine it closely. Because that tiny cent just might be worth a fortune.
Would you like a printable guide or checklist to help identify valuable Wheat pennies? I’d be happy to create one!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: The Lincoln Wheat penny is a U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. These pennies are often referred to as “Wheaties” or “Wheat Backs” and are popular among coin collectors.
Q2: Why are some Lincoln Wheat pennies so valuable?
A: While most Wheat pennies are common, some are worth thousands due to:
- Low mintages
- Minting errors
- Historical significance
- High demand from collectors
The most valuable are often rare date/mint mark combinations or coins struck in error during transitional years.
Q3: Which Lincoln Wheat penny is making collectors rich?
A: The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is the standout. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for WWII. A few were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze (copper) planchets, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
One sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.