One of the most well-known coins in American history is the Lincoln Wheat Penny, because its more than just a penny; some extremely rare and valuable versions have sold for millions of dollars. This coin is a genuine treasure in the world of coin collecting because of its rare design and the minor errors that gave it its value.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny
In 1909, in the honor of the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was released. It was the first coin in the United States to show a real person rather than a symbolic person, such as Lady Liberty.
The penny, which was designed by Victor David Brenner, shows two wheat stalks on the reverse, indicating success, and Lincoln’s profile on the front. Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” were originally placed where the coin was minted, but they were quickly removed after some controversy, which makes the 1909-S VDB penny a rare coin.
Lincoln’s Wheat Penny Overview
| Department | United States Mint |
| Coin Name | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Release Year | 1909 |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
| Rarest Version | 1909-S VDB (with Brenner’s initials) |
| Beneficiaries | Coin collectors, investors, and history enthusiasts |
| Category | Rare Bicentennial |
| Official Website | https://www.usmint.gov/ |
The 1943 Bronze Penny
In 1943, the US Mint started using zinc-coated steel for pennies because copper was in great demand during World War II for the production of military equipment. However, some 1943 coins were accidentally made from a few leftover 1942 bronze blanks.
Today, these bronze pennies are some of the rarest and highest-value coins in American history. There are only 20 or so known to exist, and one of them has been sold for $2.8 million.
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
There are a few easy tests you may perform to determine if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny. The year 1943 is crucial for bronze pennies, so start by looking up the date. The majority of 1943 pennies seem silver and are made up of steel, but if it is made up of copper, you may have something unique.
The magnet test is another option; bronze pennies will not stick to a magnet, but steel ones will. The 1909-S VDB, the 1914-D, the 1922 plain (no mint mark), the 1931-S, and the 1955 doubled die penny are further significant Wheat Pennies.
How to Verify and Protect Your Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you think you have found a valuable penny, it’s important to get it checked by a professional. Fake coins are common, especially those containing valuable dates like 1943.
The authenticity of your coin may be verified by expert grading agencies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
To maintain a Lincoln Wheat Penny in excellent shape, handle it carefully by the edges and put it in a safe container.
FAQs
What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny rare?
Victor David Brenner’s initials were swiftly removed after criticism, making the minted versions of the 1909-S VDB penny rare.
Why are 1943 bronze pennies valuable?
1943 bronze pennies are valuable because they were mistakenly minted on leftover 1942 bronze blanks.
Which other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are considered valuable?
The 1914-D, 1922 plain (no mint mark), 1931-S, and 1955 doubled die penny are also valuable.
Peter Robinson is a news writer with 6 years of experience, specializing in Government Aid and the latest news. He focuses on explaining government programs and current events in an easy-to-understand way. Peter is dedicated to keeping readers informed with reliable and up-to-date information.