The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is a favorite among coin collectors. While many of these pennies are common, certain errors have transformed some into highly valuable treasures.
This article highlights seven rare Lincoln Wheat Penny errors that have fetched significant sums at auctions.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using zinc-coated steel to conserve copper. However, a few were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets. These rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cents are highly sought after by collectors.
Approximate Value: Up to $336,000
2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny features a prominent doubling effect on the obverse, especially noticeable on the date and inscriptions. This error occurred due to misalignment during the minting process.
Approximate Value: Between $4,000 and $16,000
3. 1922 No D Plain
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted in Denver and should bear a “D” mint mark. Some coins, however, were struck without this mark, known as the 1922 No D Plain error.
Approximate Value: Between $12,000 and $30,000
4. 1909-S VDB
The inaugural year of the Lincoln cent saw the inclusion of designer Victor David Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse. The 1909-S VDB penny, minted in San Francisco, had a limited mintage, making it a prized find.
Approximate Value: Up to $50,400 in mint condition
5. 1944 Steel Cent
Post-World War II, the mint reverted to copper for penny production. However, a few 1944 Steel Cents were mistakenly struck using leftover steel planchets from 1943.
Approximate Value: Over $50,000
6. 1936 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1936 Doubled Die Obverse penny exhibits noticeable doubling on the obverse inscriptions and date, resulting from a die misalignment.
Approximate Value: Up to $5,000 in mint state
7. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse
Similar to the 1936 error, the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse penny shows clear doubling on the obverse text and date.
Approximate Value: Between $3,000 and $6,000
| Penny Error | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | Up to $336,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| 1922 No D Plain | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | Up to $50,400 |
| 1944 Steel Cent | Over $50,000 |
| 1936 Doubled Die Obverse | Up to $5,000 |
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on the coin’s condition and the current market demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What makes the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent so valuable?
- Its rarity, resulting from a minting error during World War II, makes it highly sought after by collectors.
- How can I identify a 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny?
- Look for a clear doubling effect on the date and inscriptions on the obverse side.
- Why does the 1922 No D Plain penny lack a mint mark?
- A minting anomaly in Denver led to some pennies being struck without the “D” mint mark.
- What is the significance of the “VDB” on the 1909-S VDB penny?
- “VDB” are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer, initially included on the reverse.
- How were the 1944 Steel Cents mistakenly produced?
- Leftover steel planchets from 1943 were inadvertently used in 1944, leading to this rare error.
Collecting Lincoln Wheat Pennies can be both a rewarding hobby and a potential investment, especially when rare errors are involved. Always consult with a reputable coin appraiser to determine the exact value of your coins.
