The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a classic piece of American coin history, minted from 1909 to 1958. While most of these pennies are worth just one cent, some rare ones can be worth up to $350,000 or even more. Could you have one of these valuable coins in your pocket? Let’s find out which pennies are worth a fortune and how to spot them.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. It has a picture of President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. Over the years, some rare versions of this penny have become extremely valuable, often because of mistakes during minting or low production numbers.
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look For
Here are some of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies:
- 1943 Copper Wheat Penny: During World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to save metal for the war. Instead, they used steel to make pennies. But a few copper pennies from 1942 were accidentally used in 1943, creating the rare 1943 Copper Wheat Penny. Only about 30 of these are known to exist, and one sold for $840,000 in 2021.
- 1909-S VDB Penny: This penny was made in San Francisco and has the designer’s initials, “VDB,” on the back. These initials were later removed, making this version rare. Only 484,000 were made, so it’s highly sought after by collectors.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: This penny has a noticeable doubling effect on the date and lettering, caused by a minting error. It’s a rare find and can be worth up to $1,200, depending on its condition.
How to Identify Valuable Pennies
If you want to check if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Look for pennies from the years mentioned above. The mint mark, which shows where the coin was made, is located below the date.
- Check for doubling on the date or lettering, off-center strikes, or other unusual features.
- Coins in excellent or uncirculated condition are more valuable.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what you should do:
- Get It Checked by a Professional: Take the coin to a trusted coin dealer or expert for an evaluation.
- Make Sure It’s Real: Ensure the coin is genuine and not a fake.
- Consider Selling It: If the coin is real and valuable, you can sell it through auctions or private sales.
While finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $350,000 is rare, it’s not impossible. By carefully checking your spare change and knowing what to look for, you might just discover a hidden treasure. Always consult a professional to confirm the value and authenticity of any rare coin you find.