Lincoln Wheat pennies are some of the most beloved coins among collectors, and certain ones are worth much more than their face value. While many people have a handful of these pennies in their coin jars, not all of them are worth a lot. However, some Lincoln Wheat pennies are rare and have minting errors that make them highly valuable. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these error coins, it could fetch a small fortune. In this article, we’ll explore seven rare Lincoln Wheat pennies with errors that could be worth a lot more than you think.
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in American history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save copper for military use. However, a small number of 1943 copper pennies were accidentally minted with the wrong metal. These pennies are extremely rare and can fetch a fortune at auctions.
Why the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Minting Error: The penny was supposed to be made of steel, but a few were accidentally struck in copper, making them highly rare.
- Collector Demand: Because so few exist, collectors are willing to pay up to $1.7 million for one in excellent condition.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is a sought-after coin among collectors. While it’s not an error coin in the traditional sense, its rarity and limited production make it one of the most valuable pennies. The 1914-D is known for its high demand and limited supply, especially in higher grades.
Why the 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 1.2 million were minted, making it one of the rarest pennies in circulation.
- Value: A 1914-D penny in excellent condition can sell for $1,000 to $10,000, depending on its grade.
3. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous error coins. The double die occurs when the die used to strike the coin is misaligned, creating a doubled image on the obverse (front) of the coin. This penny features noticeable doubling on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Why the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Minting Error: The double die error makes this coin highly desirable among collectors.
- Value: Depending on its condition, a 1955 Double Die penny can sell for anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is a rare coin that was struck without a mintmark. Typically, the D on the penny’s reverse indicates that it was minted in Denver, but a small number of these pennies were made without the “D” mintmark, making them highly valuable.
Why the 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Minting Error: The lack of the D mintmark is a rare error.
- Value: A 1922 No D penny can be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on its condition.
5. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
While most pennies from 1944 were made of copper, a small number of steel pennies were accidentally struck due to leftover steel planchets from the previous year. These 1944 Steel Wheat Pennies are incredibly rare and sought after by collectors.
Why the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Minting Error: The steel planchets used by mistake in 1944 make these coins rare.
- Value: A 1944 Steel Wheat penny can be worth between $100,000 and $500,000, depending on its condition.
6. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is another rare coin that is highly valued due to its low mintage. While not an error coin, its scarcity makes it a highly sought-after coin for collectors. The 1931-S was one of the lowest-mintage coins in the entire series.
Why the 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 866,000 were minted, making it incredibly rare.
- Value: Depending on the coin’s condition, it can be worth anywhere from $50 to $3,000.
7. 1947-D Lincoln Wheat Penny with a Large “D”
The 1947-D Lincoln Wheat Penny with a large D is another example of a minting error. The “D” mintmark on some of these pennies was struck in a larger-than-usual size, which makes them stand out. This error makes these pennies worth more than a typical 1947-D penny.
Why the 1947-D Lincoln Wheat Penny with a Large “D” is Valuable:
- Minting Error: The oversized mintmark is a rare feature that makes these pennies valuable.
- Value: A 1947-D Large D penny can be worth up to $1,000 or more in excellent condition.
Table of Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies with Errors
| Year and Type | Features | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Struck in copper instead of steel | $1.7 million |
| 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny | Low mintage, rare coin | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny | Double die error on obverse | $1,000 – $25,000+ |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny | No mintmark error | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
| 1944 Steel Wheat Penny | Struck on steel planchets | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny | Low mintage | $50 – $3,000+ |
| 1947-D Lincoln Wheat Penny (Large D) | Oversized mintmark | Up to $1,000+ |
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat pennies from various years are valuable coins, especially those with minting errors. From the 1943 Copper Penny to the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, these coins can fetch staggering prices, with some valued at millions of dollars. If you happen to own any of these rare error pennies, be sure to get them evaluated by a professional. Even if they are not in perfect condition, they could still be worth a small fortune. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these rare coins might just be hidden in your pocket change.
FAQs
1. How can I identify a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny?
A 1943 Copper Wheat penny will have the usual copper appearance, unlike the typical 1943 steel pennies. These coins are extremely rare and valuable.
2. What makes the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny valuable?
The doubling of the letters “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse makes this penny a sought-after error coin.
3. Why is the 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The missing D mintmark on this penny makes it a rare find. It was mistakenly struck without the mintmark, making it highly valuable to collectors.
4. How much is a 1944 Steel Wheat Penny worth?
The 1944 Steel Wheat penny, struck mistakenly on steel planchets, can be worth between $100,000 and $500,000 depending on its condition.
5. What is the value of a 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Due to its low mintage, the 1914-D Lincoln Wheat penny can be worth between $1,000 to $10,000 or more depending on its condition.