Lincoln Wheat Pennies have become increasingly valuable, especially those with rare errors. These error coins are highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching thousands of dollars at auction. Here, we dive into seven of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies with unique errors and why they’re so valuable.
1. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die is one of the most famous error pennies in history. This error occurred due to misalignment during the minting process, causing a doubling effect on the date and the word “LIBERTY.” Only around 24,000 of these coins were made, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
- Value Range: $1,000 – $17,000, depending on condition
2. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
In 1943, most pennies were made of steel due to copper shortages during WWII. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used, creating the rare 1943 bronze penny. This coin is among the most sought-after error pennies, with only around 20 known to exist.
- Value Range: $100,000 – $250,000, depending on grade and condition
3. 1922 No D Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is unique due to the absence of the “D” mintmark for Denver. This error resulted from worn dies at the Denver Mint, leading to a weak or missing mintmark. It’s one of the most famous errors from this period and highly prized by collectors.
- Value Range: $500 – $10,000, depending on grade
4. 1944 Steel Penny
While most 1944 pennies were made from copper, a few steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used in 1944, resulting in the rare 1944 steel penny. This error is extremely rare and highly valuable to collectors.
- Value Range: $50,000 – $100,000
5. 1936 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
Another well-known error penny, the 1936 Doubled Die, has noticeable doubling on the obverse side, especially around the date and the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error is less dramatic than the 1955 version but still desirable among collectors.
- Value Range: $75 – $3,000, depending on condition
6. 1917 Doubled Die Penny
The 1917 Doubled Die is another significant error penny with noticeable doubling on the obverse. The doubling is mainly visible on the date and the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This penny has become a favorite among collectors due to its age and rarity.
- Value Range: $100 – $5,000, depending on grade
7. 1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is not an error in the traditional sense but has a unique backstory. The coin features the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. Due to controversy over these initials, only a small number of these coins were produced, making them incredibly valuable.
- Value Range: $700 – $2,500, depending on condition
| Year | Error Type | Estimated Count | Condition Range | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Doubled Die | ~24,000 | Good to Uncirculated | $1,000 – $17,000 |
| 1943 | Bronze Penny | ~20 | Good to Uncirculated | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| 1922 | No D Mintmark | Limited | Fine to Mint State | $500 – $10,000 |
| 1944 | Steel Penny | Very Rare | Good to Mint State | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| 1936 | Doubled Die Obverse | Limited | Fine to Uncirculated | $75 – $3,000 |
Conclusion
For coin collectors, Lincoln Wheat Pennies with errors present an exciting opportunity to own a piece of American history that’s also a valuable investment. From the iconic 1955 Doubled Die to the elusive 1944 Steel Penny, these coins offer both rarity and rich historical value.
FAQs
What makes Lincoln Wheat Pennies with errors so valuable?
Error coins are unique due to production mistakes, making them rare and highly sought after by collectors.
How do I know if I have a rare error penny?
Look for misprints, unusual markings, and distinct features like doubling or missing mint marks, or consult a coin expert.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Bronze Penny is rare because most pennies that year were made of steel due to copper shortages, making bronze ones unique.
Can error pennies be worth more over time?
Yes, error pennies often increase in value due to rarity, especially if they’re well-preserved.
Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Rare pennies can be sold at auctions, online marketplaces, or through reputable coin dealers specializing in collectibles.
