Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Over $677,777: What to Look For

The Lincoln Wheat Penny has always been a hot topic for coin collectors and enthusiasts. These small copper coins, which were minted at the Mint between 1909 and 1958, not only hold historical significance but some rare versions can fetch millions of dollars at auction. If you are lucky and you own one of these rare coins, it can fetch a price of over $677,777!

What Makes These Coins So Valuable?

The value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny often depends on its rarity, condition, and special errors. If a coin is accidentally minted in the wrong metal or has a design error, it becomes a unique find for collectors. >

Why Are These Coins So Valuable?

Minting Errors – Coins minted in the wrong metal or printing errors make them rare.
Limited Mintage – Some coins were made in very small quantities, increasing their demand.
Historical Significance – Some coins represent special historical periods of America, increasing their historical and emotional value.

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The Rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies You Should See

1943 Bronze Cent

Price: Up to $840,000
In 1943, the US Mint made coins from steel due to a shortage of copper during World War II. But by mistake some coins were minted on copper (bronze), which are now extremely rare.

How to identify?

✅ A real bronze cent weighs 3.11 grams.
✅ It does not stick to magnets, while steel cents do.
✅ Get it confirmed by a professional grading service (PCGS or NGC).

1944 Steel Cent

Price: Up to $373,750
In 1944, the US Mint started making copper coins again, but by mistake some steel planchets were used. These coins are now very rare.

How to identify?

✅ This coin sticks to magnets because it is made of steel.
✅ It has a slight silvery sheen on its surface.

1909-S VDB Penny

Price: Up to $117,500
This was the first coin in the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, designed by Victor David Brenner. Initially, his initials “VDB” were inscribed on the back of the coin, but it was soon removed. This made this coin rare.

How to identify?

✅ The coin’s reverse says “VDB.”
✅ The “S” mintmark indicates it was minted at the San Francisco Mint.

1992 Close AM Penny

Price: Up to $26,000
On some 1992 coins, the “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” are very close together, making it rare.

How to identify?

✅ Look closely at the “A” and “M”—they will look almost connected.
✅ Check it with a magnifying glass.

1999 Wide AM Penny

Price: Up to $2,300
On some 1999 coins, the “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” have more space between them, making it rare.

How to identify?

✅ The distance between the “A” and “M” should be greater.
✅ The surface of this coin may be shinier than other common coins.

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How to identify if you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?

✅ Check the coin’s date and mintmark – coins from years like 1909, 1943, 1944, 1992, and 1999 may be important.
✅ Look for errors – off-center strikes, double designs, or unusual metal combinations.
✅ Measure the weight – a coin struck on the wrong metal may weigh differently than normal coins.
✅ Get professional grading – use services like PCGS or NGC to confirm the coin’s authenticity.
✅ View auction history – Check out recent sale results on websites like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.

Conclusion

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just an ordinary coin, but also a priceless piece of history. If you have a rare version, it could be worth more than $677,777! Use the right knowledge and tools to identify these coins. >

If you’re a coin collector or just rummaging through your old coins, who knows—you might even have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that could make you rich! >