One Cent or One Thousand? Top 7 Lincoln Wheat Pennies That Made Collectors Rich
The rare Lincoln Wheat penny value proves that even small coins can have serious money. Between 1909 and 1958, the U.S. Mint made billions of Wheat Cents, but only a few turned into legends. Their worth depends on mint marks, condition, and rare mistakes made during production.
To most people, a penny is just a penny but some collectors know that a few of them can be extremely worthy. Below are seven examples that built reputation — real sales, real facts, and small details that made huge differences.
1909-S VDB — The First Great Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB shows the beginning of the Lincoln cent series and remains one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. Designer Victor David Brenner placed his initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse. Coins with initials failed to catch on, so after a short time the Mint removed them from circulation. Only 484,000 were struck in San Francisco.
How to recognize it:
The small “S” mint mark sits below the date on the obverse.
The initials “V.D.B.” are at the bottom of the reverse.
Sharp Wheat lines and strong color increase the value.
Auction record: A 1909-S VDB graded MS66BN was sold for $10,000 on December 7, 2022, at eBay auctions. Even lower grades can bring several hundred dollars if well preserved.
Collector tip: Please be careful, as many fakes exist with an added “S.” Real ones have perfectly shaped serifs and natural wear on both sides, not just around the mint mark.
1914-D — The Denver Key Date
The 1914-D is one of the hardest Lincoln cents to find in high grades. Only 1.2 million were minted, and most went into circulation. Because copper wears fast, clean and sharp examples are rare.
Important signs to check:
Look for a small, sharp “D” below the date.
Lettering and beard detail should be visible.
Avoid pieces with uneven color or added mint marks.
Auction record: A 1914-D MS66 Brown was sold for $16,100 at Stack’s on July 10, 2008, while another MS66+ Red brought $158,625 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions on May 17, 2018. These are record sales that confirm its elite status among early Wheat Cents.
Real “D” mint marks on genuine pieces have a distinct tilt. Added ones usually look thicker or sit slightly higher than normal.
1922 “No D” — The Missing Mark Error
All 1922 cents were produced in Denver, so each should have a “D” mint mark. But one overused die lost the mint mark completely, creating the 1922 No D error. It’s a true Mint mistake, not a removed letter.
You can identify it by:
Weak “LIBERTY” inscription on the left side.
Faded or missing “D”.
Soft overall strike, especially near Lincoln’s face.
Auction record: A 1922 No D MS64 Brown was sold for $57,500 by Bowers & Merena on April 1, 2008. Mid-grade coins still also sell for thousands if the surfaces are original, bright color and not cleaned.
Always check coins under magnification. Real examples show even wear, while altered ones often have tool marks near the date.
1943 Copper Penny — The Wartime Mistake
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel in 1943. But a few forgotten copper planchets were left in the die, creating the famous 1943 Copper Penny.
Quick ways to tell:
Weight: copper 3.11 g; steel 2.7 g.
Copper is non-magnetic; steel sticks to a magnet.
Color: copper shows warm red-brown tones; steel is gray-silver.
Auction record: A 1943 Copper Cent MS62BN was sold for $372,000 at Heritage Auctions on February 25, 2021. That makes it one of the most valuable U.S. cents ever found.
Tip: Always test suspicious 1943 pennies with a magnet. Genuine copper versions never react.
1944 Steel Penny — The Reverse Error
When copper returned in 1944, a few steel blanks from 1943 were also reused by mistake, resulting in the rare 1944 Steel Cent. It’s the opposite of the 1943 copper error — light silver color instead of red.
Main signs:
Strongly magnetic.
Slightly thinner than copper cents.
Chrome-like surface under light.
Auction record: A 1944 Steel Cent MS64 was sold for $180,000 at Heritage Auctions on June 20, 2021. Only about thirty are confirmed.
Fact: Most fake “steel” 1944 coins are simply copper pieces plated in silver. Real ones have the right weight (2.7 g) and a sharp rim.
1955 Double Die — The Famous Doubled Words
The 1955 double die obverse variety is one of the most popular error coins. Strong doubling appears on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. It happened when the working die shifted slightly during stamping, creating two images.
How to check for the real one:
Letters look doubled and raised, not flat.
Doubling covers the entire motto and date.
The reverse side appears normal.
Auction record: A 1955 Double Die MS65+ Red was sold for $114,000 at Stack’s Bowers on March 21, 2018. Circulated examples still reach hundreds.
Collector note: Don’t confuse the real error with minor machine doubling. Machine doubling looks flat and reflects light differently.
1972 Double Die — The Modern Classic
The 1972 double die also shows clear doubling on the date, “LIBERTY”, and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. This is visible even without a magnifier, which makes the coin one of the most accessible and valuable cents for new collectors.
Signs of a true 1972 DDO:
Bold raised outlines around numbers and letters.
Sharp doubling at the top of “2” and “T” in TRUST.
Clean fields with no mechanical blur.
Auction record: A 1972 Double Die MS67+ Red was sold for $14,400 at Heritage Auctions on June 9, 2019. Lower grades sell for less, but the variety stays popular because of its clear, strong design.
Fact: Over ten minor doubled-die varieties exist for 1972, but only the major and the most visible one has this dramatic look.
FAQ
What makes Wheat Pennies valuable?
Coins' worth depends on rarity, preservation, and specific mint details. Low-mintage coins, visible mint errors, and bright natural color attract the highest interest. The rarer the mix of these factors, the higher the price.
What does RD, RB, and BN mean?
These letters describe color:
RD — bright red copper, highest value.
RB — red-brown mix.
BN — fully brown tone, more common.
How can I avoid buying fakes?
Counterfeits are common for rare dates like 1909-S VDB or 1914-D. So, always buy from trusted dealers, check the coin’s weight and diameter, and compare fonts and mint marks with official PCGS or NGC references. And if something looks suspicious or too good to be true, then it probably is. In this case it is better to consult with experts.
Can Wheat Pennies still be found in circulation?
Practically no. They’ve been out of circulation for decades and only appear by mistake when old collections are mixed with regular change. So, finding one today is extremely rare, but not entirely impossible.
Should I clean my coins?
Never. Cleaning removes natural patina, scratches the surface, and instantly lowers value. Handle coins by the edges, store them in safe holders, and let their original color and texture stay safe — that’s what collectors look for.
Rare, but Not Out of Reach
Finding these Wheat Pennies today is nearly impossible, yet they remind collectors why attention to detail matters. Unusual lettering, misplaced mint marks, or subtle die flaws can change everything. And if you’re unsure about a coin’s type or value, tools like Coin ID Scanner app can help verify basic details and keep your collection organized.
