Lincoln Wheat Coin – In the world of coin collecting, a single penny could change your life. That’s the case with a specific type of Lincoln Wheat Penny, which has recently made headlines for being worth a staggering $33,000 — despite still being in circulation. These seemingly ordinary coins are not just relics of the past but hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in your pocket, wallet, or old coin jar. Collectors and numismatists across the United States are now urging the public to carefully examine their change for these rare finds. First minted in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birth year, the Lincoln Wheat Penny (or Wheat Cent) was produced until 1958. Some variants of these coins, especially those with minting errors or unique historical traits, are now fetching thousands of dollars in auctions and private sales. What makes these pennies so valuable? It’s a combination of rarity, historical significance, and minting anomalies that elevate their market value. Whether it’s a 1943 copper penny or a 1955 doubled die, each type of high-value Lincoln Wheat Penny has a unique story — and could be lying unnoticed in your possession. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this rare coin: what it looks like, how to identify it, and why it might be worth more than your car.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Coin?
First introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s face — that of President Abraham Lincoln.
- Issued from: 1909 to 1958
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Reverse side: Two stalks of wheat
- Mint marks: D (Denver), S (San Francisco), No Mark (Philadelphia)
- Material: Primarily 95% copper
- Weight: 3.11 grams (pre-1982 issues)
- Diameter: 19.05 mm
Key Historical Highlights of Lincoln Wheat Coin
- 1909 marked Lincoln’s 100th birthday and the debut of the penny.
- The Wheat design remained until 1959, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
- Some early versions and error coins are now collector goldmines.
Rare Lincoln Wheat Coins Worth Big Money
Many Wheat Pennies are common and only worth face value, but a select few are extremely valuable due to errors, mintage, or material.
| Year | Mint Mark | Error Type | Approximate Value | Total Known |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | None | Struck in Copper | $33,000+ | < 20 |
| 1955 | None | Doubled Die Obverse | $2,000 – $15,000 | 20,000+ |
| 1922 | No D | Missing Mint Mark | $500 – $5,000 | 15,000+ |
| 1909 | S VDB | Rare Initials | $700 – $4,000 | 500,000 |
| 1944 | Steel | Wrong Metal Type | $10,000 – $20,000 | < 30 |
| 1931 | S | Low Mintage | $75 – $150 | 866,000 |
| 1914 | D | Key Date | $150 – $2,000 | N/A |
Most Sought-After Lincoln Wheat Coin: 1943 Copper
The most valuable and rarest Wheat Penny is the 1943 copper cent. It was supposed to be made from steel to save copper for WWII, but a few were accidentally struck in copper.
- Only about 20 known to exist
- Often faked — expert authentication required
- One sold for over $1 million in a private sale
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Coin
You don’t need to be a professional to spot a rare penny — just a keen eye and basic knowledge.
Look for These Features
- Minting Year: 1909, 1914, 1922, 1931, 1943, 1944, 1955
- Mint Mark: Look below the date (D, S, or none)
- Metal: 1943 copper pennies should not stick to a magnet
- Design Flaws: Doubling on letters/numbers, off-center strikes, or missing features
| Feature Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Double Die | Duplicated images or letters on the coin |
| Off-Center Strike | Misaligned design due to minting error |
| Wrong Planchet | Coin struck on wrong metal |
| Repunched Mintmark | Mintmark appears stamped more than once |
| Die Cracks | Lines on coin caused by damaged mint die |
How to Check If Your Penny Is Valuable
Checking for value involves inspection and sometimes expert grading.
Easy Steps to Get Started
- Sort by Year: Focus on coins minted before 1959.
- Check Mint Marks: Identify where the coin was made.
- Use a Magnet: Especially for 1943 pennies — copper is non-magnetic.
- Look for Doubling: A magnifying glass can help.
- Weigh the Coin: A 1943 copper penny should weigh ~3.11g.
- Consult Online Resources: Use numismatic guides or apps.
- Get It Graded: Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Tools You Can Use
- Magnifier (10x or better)
- Digital scale (0.01g accuracy)
- Online coin value checker
- Red Book (Guide Book of U.S. Coins)
- Professional coin dealer
Where to Sell Rare Wheat Pennies
Once you believe you have a valuable coin, you’ll want to know where to sell it safely and for the best price.
Best Selling Platforms
- eBay: Ideal for auctions and broader exposure
- Heritage Auctions: Trusted for high-value numismatics
- Local Coin Shops: In-person evaluation
- Online Coin Forums: Collectors willing to pay premiums
- Certified Auction Houses: For authenticated coins only
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | High traffic, wide reach | Fees, possible scams |
| Coin Dealers | Quick sales, expert knowledge | Lower offers |
| Auctions | Competitive pricing | May take longer to finalize sale |
| Coin Shows | Collector-rich environment | Limited audience |
Fake or Real? How to Spot Counterfeits
Counterfeit Lincoln Wheat Pennies are common, especially for high-value coins like the 1943 copper.
Warning Signs
- Wrong Weight: Use a digital scale
- Magnetic Test: Real 1943 copper coins don’t stick
- Too Shiny or New-Looking: May be altered
- Unusual Font or Spacing: Inspect closely with magnifier
- Certification: Always ask for PCGS or NGC grading
Tips for Collecting Lincoln Pennies
Even if you don’t strike gold, collecting Lincoln Wheat Pennies is a rewarding hobby.
Beginner Tips
- Start with sorting all your spare change.
- Buy a coin folder or collector album.
- Focus on filling in all years and mint marks.
- Join a local coin club or online collector group.
- Stay updated with auctions and market trends.
Best Years to Look For
| Year | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | First year, rare initials |
| 1914-D | Low mintage, key date |
| 1922 No D | Mint error, valuable |
| 1931-S | Scarce due to Great Depression |
| 1943 Copper | Most valuable rarity |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Famous error coin |
While the odds of finding a $33,000 penny are slim, the thrill of the hunt — and the potential reward — makes it worthwhile to check your change. Who knows? The next time you empty your pockets, you might just uncover a small copper coin worth a life-changing fortune.
FAQs of Lincoln Wheat Coin
Q1: Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
No, most are worth only 1-5 cents unless they have errors or are from rare mint years.
Q2: How can I tell if I have a 1943 copper penny?
Use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and weighs around 3.11g, it may be copper — get it authenticated.
Q3: Where should I sell a rare penny?
Use trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions, eBay, or certified coin dealers.
Q4: What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The 1943 copper penny is the rarest, valued up to $1 million in pristine condition.
Q5: Do I need a license to sell rare coins?
No license is needed for personal coin sales, but use proper documentation and trusted platforms.