What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and continued until 1958. These coins were made from copper and feature a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front, with two wheat ears on the back. While they were once a common part of everyday life in the US, today they are treasured by coin collectors all over the world.
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How to Know your Rare Coins & Wheat Pennies Value: Simplest Guide Ever
What makes a few of these pennies worth so much money is their rarity. Some versions, especially those with minting errors or made in very small numbers, have become extremely valuable over time. For example, a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made from copper instead of steel is considered one of the rarest in the world. Most 1943 pennies were made from steel due to wartime copper shortages, so any copper ones that slipped through are now worth a lot of money.
Complete List of Top-Selling Coins in 2024 Year
The full list of 2024’s highest-priced coins shows how often PCGS comes up. Here are a few more highlights:
| Rank | Coin Description | Grade | Price (USD) | Auction Month | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undated (1652) NE Threepence | PCGS XF45 | $2,520,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $1,440,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-3 | 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 | PCGS MS63+ | $1,260,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-3 | 1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $1,260,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 5 | 1860 $5 Large Planchet Half Eagle | PCGS PR64+DCAM | $1,140,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 6 | 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | PCGS PR62 | $1,080,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 7 | 1851 $5 Schultz & Co. Five Dollar | PCGS MS62 | $1,020,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 8 | 1868 $10 Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS PR66CAM | $930,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 9 | 1779 (1789) John Stewart at Stony Point Medal | PCGS MS62 | $900,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-10 | 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Flowing Hair | PCGS PR67DCAM | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-10 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU50 | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 12 | 1863 $10 Liberty Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $810,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| 13 | 1876-CC 20C | PCGS MS65 | $690,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
| 14 | 1881-O Morgan Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $660,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 15 | 1795 $10 (13 Leaves) | PCGS MS64+ | $600,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| 16 | 1907 Indian Gold Eagle Rolled Edge | PCGS MS65+ | $589,500 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 17 | 1794 1C Head of 1794, Double Struck | NGC MS66BN | $588,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
| 18 | 1878 Pattern Half Eagle | PCGS PR65+CAM | $576,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 19 | 1887 Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS PR65+DCAM | $528,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 20 | 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | PCGS MS65+ | $511,875 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 21 | 1975 Roosevelt Dime No S | PCGS PR67 | $506,250 | October 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 22 | 1804 DT$10 Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $504,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 23 | 1893-S $1 | PCGS MS63 | $444,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 24 | 1794 Cent (Head of 1793, Edge of 1794) | PCGS MS64BN | $432,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 25 | 1892 Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS67 | $429,750 | April 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 26 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $420,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-27 | 1893 $20 | PCGS PR65DCAM | $408,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| T-27 | 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | NGC AU50 | $408,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-27 | 1877 $50 Half Union | PCGS PR67BN | $408,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 30 | 1871-CC Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS61 | $395,438 | August 2024 | GreatCollections |
How to Spot This Rare Penny?
The idea that such a valuable coin could still be in circulation is exciting. You might have one in your wallet, coin jar, or even tucked away in an old drawer at home.
To check if your Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rare ones, here are some things to look for:
Check the date: Coins from 1909 to 1958 are all considered Lincoln Wheat Pennies. But the rarest ones include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 (no D), and 1943 copper.
Look for errors: Some of the most valuable coins have minting mistakes like double dates or missing mint marks.
Inspect the metal: If you find a 1943 penny that looks like copper instead of steel, get it checked. It could be worth thousands or even millions.
Why Is It Still Circulating?
You might wonder how such an expensive coin is still out there being used. The truth is, many people don’t realize the value of old coins. A lot of these rare pennies were never removed from circulation, especially when their value wasn’t known at the time. Some might have been stored away and later returned to the bank, or simply handed over in change during everyday purchases.
With millions of coins minted over the years, it’s entirely possible that a few valuable ones are still mixed into general circulation. That’s why collectors and treasure hunters are always on the lookout.
Should You Start Checking Your Change?
Yes, absolutely. It doesn’t cost anything to look at your coins more carefully. While most pennies are only worth their face value, that one rare coin could change your life. It’s like finding treasure hidden in plain sight.
Many coin collectors started their journey simply by checking coins at home or in their pockets. With a little knowledge and some patience, you might be lucky enough to spot a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth a fortune.
Also See:
5 Tips: How to Clean your Copper or Zinc Pennies without loosing its Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $9990K reminds us that history and value often go hand in hand. A simple coin, once used for buying candy or newspapers, can now be worth a fortune because of its rarity and historical importance. So next time you get change at a store, don’t be so quick to spend your pennies. Take a closer look—you might just be holding a piece of history that’s worth a small fortune.
FAQs
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back, making it popular among collectors.
Why is the 1943 copper Lincoln Penny so valuable?
In 1943, most pennies were made of steel due to copper being used for World War II. A few copper versions were accidentally minted, making them extremely rare and worth up to millions.
How do I know if I have a valuable Wheat Penny?
Look for key dates like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or a 1943 copper version. Also check for minting errors like missing letters or double dates, which can add to the coin’s value.
Are these rare pennies really still in circulation?
Yes, many people are unaware of their value and spend them as normal change. Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still found in pockets, jars, and old collections.
Where can I get my penny checked for value?
You can visit a local coin dealer, check online marketplaces like eBay for similar listings, or consult professional coin grading services to find out your penny’s value.
