7 Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth a Fortune Due to Rare Errors

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is a cornerstone of American coinage and a favorite among collectors. While many of these pennies are common, certain errors have transformed some into highly valuable treasures. Identifying these rare errors can turn an ordinary penny into a coin worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Below, we explore seven notable Lincoln Wheat Penny errors, detailing their unique characteristics and potential values.

1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny

During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets in 1943, creating one of the most sought-after errors in coin collecting.​

• Distinguishing Features: Unlike the common 1943 steel pennies, these rare errors are not magnetic and have a distinctive copper appearance.​
• Approximate Value: Depending on condition, these pennies can fetch between $100,000 and $500,000.

2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse

The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny is renowned for its prominent doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse side, resulting from a misalignment during the minting process.​

• Distinguishing Features: Noticeable doubling of the date “1955” and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse side.​
• Approximate Value: Values range from $4,000 to $16,000, depending on the coin’s condition.

3. 1922 No D Plain Penny

In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted exclusively at the Denver Mint, indicated by a “D” mint mark. However, due to excessive die polishing, some coins were produced without the “D” mint mark, leading to the rare 1922 No D Plain Penny.​

• Distinguishing Features: Absence of the “D” mint mark below the date, with a strong reverse design.​
• Approximate Value: In mint state condition, these coins can be worth between $12,000 and $30,000.

4. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny

After reverting to copper planchets in 1944, a few steel planchets from the previous year were mistakenly used, resulting in the rare 1944 Steel Wheat Penny.​

• Distinguishing Features: Similar to the 1943 steel pennies but with the date “1944.” These coins are magnetic, unlike their copper counterparts.​
• Approximate Value: These rare coins can exceed $50,000 in value. ​

5. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse

The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse penny is an exceptionally rare error, with only a few known specimens displaying significant doubling on the obverse inscriptions.​

• Distinguishing Features: Pronounced doubling of the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” on the obverse side.​
• Approximate Value: Values range from $100,000 to $200,000, depending on the coin’s condition.

6. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny

Similar to the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, the Denver Mint also produced a few bronze pennies in 1943 due to leftover copper planchets, resulting in the rare 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny.​

• Distinguishing Features: Non-magnetic bronze composition with a “D” mint mark below the date “1943.”​
• Approximate Value: These coins have fetched prices between $800,000 and $2,000,000 at auctions. ​

7. 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny

The 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny is another rare error resulting from leftover steel planchets being used at the San Francisco Mint in 1944.​

• Distinguishing Features: Magnetic steel composition with an “S” mint mark below the date “1944.”​
• Approximate Value: These coins are valued between $700,000 and $1,000,000, depending on their condition.

7 Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny Errors

Error Type	Year	Mint Mark	Distinguishing Features	Approximate Value
Copper Wheat Penny	1943	None	Copper composition; non-magnetic	$100,000 – $500,000
Doubled Die Obverse	1955	None	Doubling of date and inscriptions on obverse	$4,000 – $16,000
No D Plain Penny	1922	None	Absence of “D” mint mark; strong reverse design	$12,000 – $30,000
Steel Wheat Penny	1944	None	Steel composition; magnetic	$50,000+
Doubled Die Obverse	1958	None	Doubling of obverse inscriptions	$100,000 – $200,000
D Bronze Wheat Penny	1943	D	Bronze composition; non-magnetic	$800,000 – $2,000,000
S Steel Wheat Penny	1944	S	Steel composition; magnetic	$700,000 – $1,000,000

FAQs

Q1: How do I know if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable?

A1: The value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on errors, mint marks, and condition. Look for signs of doubling, missing mint marks, or composition differences (such as copper in 1943 or steel in 1944). Having the coin professionally graded can confirm its authenticity and worth.

Q2: Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?

A2: Rare pennies can be sold through coin dealers, numismatic auctions, online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or at coin shows. Make sure to have your coin authenticated by services like PCGS or NGC before selling.

Q3: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?

A3: No, most 1943 pennies are made of steel and are worth only a few cents to a few dollars. However, if you find a 1943 penny made of copper, it could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Q4: What does a “Doubled Die” error mean?

A4: A Doubled Die error occurs when a coin is struck twice by the die in a misaligned manner, causing a doubling effect on letters, numbers, or designs. This is one of the most common and valuable errors in numismatics.

Q5: How should I store my valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?

A5: Store your coin in a protective holder, such as a coin flip, plastic capsule, or slabbed case from a grading service. Avoid touching the coin’s surface with bare hands, as fingerprints and dirt can reduce its value over time.

Final Thoughts

The Lincoln Wheat Penny series is filled with rare and valuable errors that can turn an ordinary one-cent piece into a six- or even seven-figure treasure. Whether it’s the legendary 1943 Copper Penny, the 1955 Doubled Die, or the 1944 Steel Penny, collectors are always on the lookout for these numismatic gems.

If you come across an old Lincoln Wheat Penny, examine it carefully—you could be holding a small fortune in your hands!