6 Rare Wheat Pennies That Could Fetch You Over $50,000

Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, remain great favorite collector’s items and investment pieces. The specialty of these coins is that they call for some serious moolah because they are scarce, historically important, and even unique in some respects. While many of these coins are common, rare ones have fetched prices from thousands to millions.

Here, we give you a look at the six most expensive vetch pennies, and some features that distinguish them.

Top 6 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies

1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny

The United States Mint began making zinc-coated steel pennies in 1943 as the country was facing shortages of copper during World War II However, the Denver Mint accidentally did not use all of the bronze planchets (round metal plates), creating the extremely rare 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny.

The specialty of this coin is that only one known example is there, and it has become one of the most sought after coins among the collectors. This coin sold at an auction in January 2021 for a price of $840,000 and broke all records for a Lincoln Wheat Penny.

1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny

Similarly, the San Francisco Mint made a mistake in the coinage process, resulting in the creation of the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny. These extremely rare bronze pennies are believed to be around six in number.

One of these coins, famous not only for its rarity but also for its unique story, sold for $504,000 at auction in November 2020. This sale places it in a notable place in the history of coin collecting. This example of the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny shows how even mistakes can create extraordinary and valuable collector items.

1944-S Steel Wheat Penny

The United States Mint resumed production of copper coins in 1944, having previously produced steel coins in 1943. However, an extraordinary 1944-S steel wheat penny was struck at the San Francisco Mint by mistake. This mistake was caused by the use of some steel planchets that were left over from the 1943 production.

There are only two examples of this rare coin. These two coins were sold at an auction held in August 2021 for a total of 8,000. This coin is historically and collectibly valuable not only because it is rare but also because of the value added to its collection.

1943 Bronze Wheat Penny (Philadelphia Mint)

The Philadelphia Mint produced a limited number of 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies during 1943 due to some leftover bronze planchets. It is estimated that only about twenty of these rare coins are in existence. Due to this mistake the price of these coins has increased a lot.

The biggest example of this was seen when in February 2021, a coin, which was in excellent condition, sold at auction for $372,000. This not only reflects its rarity, but also highlights its historical and financial importance among collectors.

1958 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny

The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny is considered one of the most famous error coins among collectors due to the doubling error on its obverse. This coin is also special because the number of such doubled die pennies is very less.

Its rarity can be gauged from the fact that in March 2018 a coin, graded MS64RD, sold at auction for $336,000. This shows how unusual errors found in coins can fetch high prices in the numismatic market. Such coins are not only historically important, but also have high economic and collectible value.

1909-S VDB Wheat Penny

The VDB Wheat Penny, issued in 1909, is a special coin, as it was one of the earliest Lincoln Wheat Pennies. The initials of its designer Victor David Brenner (VDB) are engraved on this coin, which makes it even more special. Only 484,000 copies were made, making it very much in demand.

The historical and collectible value of this coin can be gauged from the fact that in April 2022 a coin graded MS67RD sold at auction for $168,000. It is an invaluable piece of American numismatic history, and its rarity makes it extremely special for collectors.

Year	Mint Mark	Composition	Notable Feature	Auction Record	Date of Sale
1943	D	Bronze	Minting error	$840,000	Jan 2021
1943	S	Bronze	Minting error	$504,000	Nov 2020
1944	S	Steel	Minting error	$408,000	Aug 2021
1943	None	Bronze	Minting error	$372,000	Feb 2021
1958	None	Copper	Doubled die error	$336,000	Mar 2018
1909	S	Copper	VDB initials	$168,000	Apr 2022

Key Factors Driving Wheat Penny Values

Some of the most important factors that make these wheat coins valuable are as follows:

• Rarity: A few manufacturing defects or mint errors such as the 1943-D and 1944-S pennies make this coin extremely rare and desirable.
• Historical value: That coin struck during famous historical events, like World War II, will be of more currency, for it is special to American history.
• Grade: Those which are either uncirculated or have near-mint preservation have got more money at auctions. Professionally graded coins can raise more money at the market price also.
• Popular Collectibles: Collections of coinage, especially those that are historically interesting or visually unique, can appreciate in value astronomically.

Investing in Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Wheat coins not only provide collectors with an opportunity to engage with American history, but they can also provide economic benefits. Rare coins such as the 1943-D Bronze and 1958 Doubled Die Obverses have always fetched high prices when sold at auction.

It’s possible that common wheat coins may not be as profitable as other coins, but accidentally minted coins or coins that have been well preserved have a greater potential for achieving higher values ​​over time.

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