A Quick History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909–1958)
The Lincoln Wheat Penny debuted in 1909 for the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The reverse shows two wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT,” which inspired the “Wheat Penny” nickname. In 1959, the wheat reverse gave way to the Lincoln Memorial design.
About the “$5.25 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny” Claim
Headlines often reference a $5.25 million valuation tied to a 1943 bronze error cent. Authentic 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies are ultra-rare (a tiny handful exist) and have sold for six figures in public venues, with price potential depending on grade, provenance, and market demand. While sensational claims circulate, the core truth stands: a verified 1943 bronze Wheat Penny is one of America’s most coveted small-denomination rarities.
Bottom line: If you suspect you have a 1943 bronze (non-magnetic) cent, do not clean it—seek professional grading immediately.
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Date & Mint Mark: Check the year and the letter under the date (D, S). Some years/mints are far scarcer.
- Magnet Test (1943–1944): A 1943 steel cent sticks to a magnet. If a 1943 cent doesn’t stick, it could be bronze (error). Conversely, a 1944 steel is also unusual and magnetic.
- Look for Errors: Doubled dies (e.g., 1955), repunched or missing mint marks (e.g., 1922 No D), off-metal planchets (1943 bronze, 1944 steel).
- Condition Matters: Strike sharpness, luster, and absence of damage drive value. Cleaning almost always hurts value.
- Get It Graded: Third-party certification (PCGS/NGC) protects buyers and sellers and establishes market trust.
Key Rarities & Error Coins
| Coin / Variety | What to Check | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze (Philadelphia/San Francisco/Denver) | 1943 date, does not stick to a magnet; weight & color consistent with bronze | Wrong metal during wartime; extremely scarce |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 date, does stick to a magnet (unusual) | Another wrong-planchet error; highly desirable |
| 1909-S VDB | “VDB” initials on reverse bottom; low San Francisco mintage | Key date; collector favorite in high grade |
| 1914-D | Small “D” mint mark below date; beware of added or altered mint marks | Low mintage; valuable in nice condition |
| 1922 No D | Denver issue without visible “D”; look for correct die diagnostics | Mintmark vanished due to die wear/overpolishing |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Strong doubling on date and inscriptions; visible without magnification | Iconic error; always in demand |
What to Do if You Think You Found a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Do not clean it. Cleaning slashes value.
- Document high-resolution images of obverse/reverse, date, mint mark, and any anomalies.
- Get a professional opinion and consider certification from PCGS/NGC.
- Consider selling via a trusted auction house or dealer once certified.
- Store safely in inert holders/slabs; avoid PVC flips.