Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $33 Million: The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most iconic and beloved coins in American history. Minted from 1909 to 1958, this penny features the profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse, symbolizing the agricultural roots of the United States. While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only their face value of one cent, a few rare examples can be worth an astonishing amount—one even reaching a staggering $33 million. In this article, we will explore the Lincoln Wheat Penny, what makes certain examples so valuable, and how you can identify a rare coin that might be sitting in your collection or still circulating today.
The Rarity of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner and was first minted in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Over the years, billions of these pennies were struck, and they became a staple in U.S. currency. While the vast majority of Lincoln Wheat Pennies are common and hold little value, certain rare varieties stand out due to errors, low mintage numbers, or historical significance. These rare coins are highly sought after by collectors, and some have sold for millions of dollars.
Among these rare examples, one coin in particular has caught the attention of the numismatic world—the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. While most 1943 pennies were made from zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper shortages, a small number of copper planchets were mistakenly used in the minting process, resulting in a handful of 1943 copper pennies. These pennies are not only rare but visually distinct, and they have sold for millions of dollars in recent years.
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny: The $33 Million Coin
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is undoubtedly the most famous and valuable coin in the entire Wheat Penny series. The error occurred when the U.S. Mint accidentally used copper planchets—blanks meant for pennies of other years—during the production of the 1943 penny. These rare coins were produced in very limited numbers, and only a few remain in existence today. The 1943 copper penny is easily identifiable by its reddish-brown color, unlike the usual steel-colored 1943 pennies, which were struck with a zinc coating.
In 2010, a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny sold for $1.7 million, and in 2021, another example of this rare coin fetched an astonishing $33 million at auction. The high value of the coin can be attributed to its extreme rarity, historical importance, and the error that led to its creation. With only a handful of these coins known to exist, it remains one of the most coveted coins in the world of numismatics.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look For
While the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is the most valuable and famous, there are other rare and valuable Wheat Pennies that collectors actively seek. Here are some of the top examples to keep an eye out for:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous early issues of the series. The “VDB” stands for the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, which were originally placed on the reverse of the coin. After public complaints, the mintmark was removed from later coins. However, a small number of 1909 pennies were minted with the “VDB” initials still visible. These coins are highly sought after, and examples in good condition can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000 or more. - 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted in Denver, is another highly collectible coin. Due to a relatively low mintage number, the 1914-D is rare and often commands a high price in the market. Coins in excellent condition can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with some reaching values upwards of $200,000, making it a key date for serious coin collectors. - 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is an error coin that is highly valuable among collectors. Due to a misstep in the minting process, some 1922 pennies were struck without the “D” mintmark, which indicates they were minted in Denver. These coins are rare and highly collectible, with examples in good condition fetching anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. - 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is another rare coin. This penny is hard to find in good condition, and it is highly prized by collectors. Coins in excellent condition can be worth several thousand dollars, and it remains one of the most important coins for Wheat Penny collectors. - 1924-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1924-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another rare coin, though not as famous as the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D. The 1924-D was minted in relatively low numbers, making it harder to find in good condition. High-grade examples of this coin can be worth anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on their condition.
How to Identify Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The key to finding a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is to know what to look for. Here are some tips for identifying rare Wheat Pennies that could be worth more than their face value:
- Check the Date and Mintmark
The first thing to examine is the date and mintmark on the penny. Some years are known to have rarer mintages or specific errors. For example, the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D pennies are all important key dates to watch for. The mintmark, located on the reverse below the wheat stalks, will also tell you where the coin was minted—Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S). - Look for Minting Errors
Minting errors are highly sought after by collectors, and some errors can significantly increase a coin’s value. Examples of minting errors include double die strikes, missing mintmarks, and off-center strikes. If the details on the coin appear doubled or misaligned, you may have a valuable error coin on your hands. - Assess the Condition
The condition of a coin, also known as its grade, plays a major role in determining its value. Coins in mint condition, free from wear and damage, are worth far more than those that are heavily circulated. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the coin for any signs of wear, scratches, or discoloration. - Use a Coin Grading Guide
If you’re unsure about the value or authenticity of your coin, consider consulting a professional numismatist or using a coin grading guide. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin will be. Coins with grades such as MS-65 or higher are especially prized in the numismatic world.
Where to Find Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While many of the rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are already in private collections or museums, it’s still possible to find them in circulation or among old coin collections. Here are some places to look:
- Coin Shops and Dealers
Local coin shops and reputable dealers are great places to find rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies. Dealers often have access to rare coins and can help you find valuable specimens. - Estate Sales and Auctions
Estate sales, garage sales, and online auctions can sometimes yield rare coins. Keep an eye out for old coin collections, as they may contain valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies. - Coin Roll Hunting
One of the most exciting ways to find rare pennies is by searching through rolls of pennies. Coin roll hunters scour through bank-rolled pennies looking for rare dates, mintmarks, and errors. It’s a time-consuming process, but you might just uncover a rare gem in the process.
Conclusion
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only their face value, some rare examples can be worth millions of dollars. The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, worth $33 million, is a prime example of how a small error can lead to a coin’s astronomical value. Other valuable coins, like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D, are also highly prized by collectors. By carefully examining your coins and knowing what to look for, you could uncover a rare Wheat Penny worth far more than you expect. Happy hunting, and may you find your own hidden treasure!