Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Over $678,777 – Key Coins & Features to Identify

Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Over $678,777: Lincoln Wheat Pennies may seem like simple copper coins, but some of them hold extraordinary value. Minted from 1909 to 1958, these iconic pennies have become some of the most sought-after collectibles in the coin world. What makes them truly fascinating is how ordinary they appear—yet a few rare ones have sold for jaw-dropping amounts, with some fetching as high as $678,777 at auction.

In this article, you’ll discover which Lincoln Wheat Pennies are the most valuable, how to identify them, and what features set them apart. Whether you’re a coin collector, hobbyist, or someone who stumbled upon an old penny in a drawer, this guide will help you spot coins that could be worth a fortune.

Overview of Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Feature	Details
Highest Auction Price	1943-D Bronze Cent sold for $840,000
Top Valuable Types	1943 Bronze, 1944 Steel, 1909-S VDB, 1992 Close AM, 1999 Wide AM
What to Look For	Unusual metals, rare dates, design flaws, mint marks
Grading Services	PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
History Source	U.S. Mint for official specifications and coin history

What Makes Lincoln Wheat Pennies So Valuable?

The secret behind the high value of certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies lies in three main factors: rarity, mint errors, and historical context. Some coins were printed incorrectly, while others were produced during unique periods in American history that affected their design and materials.

• Minting Mistakes: Coins that were made using the wrong metal or have doubled designs are extremely rare and collectible.
  
• Limited Production: Pennies like the 1909-S VDB were produced in very small numbers, which makes them more valuable over time.
  
• Historical Moments: Many rare pennies were minted during WWII or other key periods, giving them added historical and collectible worth.
  

These elements combined turn small copper coins into powerful pieces of history—and big investments for collectors.

The Rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look Out For

Here are five Lincoln Wheat Pennies that have gained fame—and major value—due to their rarity and unique traits:

1. 1943 Bronze Cent

In 1943, the U.S. switched to steel for penny production to save copper for the war. But a few bronze blanks were accidentally used, creating a super-rare variety.

• Why it’s rare: Struck on leftover bronze instead of steel
  
• Record sale: 1943-D Bronze Cent sold for $840,000
  
• How to check:
  
  • Weight should be around 3.11 grams (steel versions weigh less)
    
  • Bronze doesn’t stick to a magnet
    

2. 1944 Steel Cent

After switching back to copper in 1944, a few steel blanks remained in the mint presses. These 1944 Steel Cents are incredibly scarce.

• Key features:
  
  • Silver-grey appearance
    
  • Magnetic properties
    
  • Found from San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) mints
    
• Auction value: One sold for $373,750
  

3. 1909-S VDB Penny

This coin was part of the first Lincoln penny design and created a stir due to the designer’s initials, VDB, placed on the back.

• Why it’s special:
  
  • Only 484,000 were minted before the initials were removed
    
  • Collectors prize it for its historical significance and controversy
    

4. 1992 Close AM Penny

Modern coins can also bring in big money. This rare version of the 1992 penny features an unusually tight spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”

• Clue to spot it: Use a magnifying glass to inspect the spacing
  
• Potential value: Can sell for up to $26,000
  

5. 1999 Wide AM Penny

This is the reverse of the 1992 error—here, the “A” and “M” are spaced too far apart because a proof die was used by accident.

• Identification tips:
  
  • Extra space between letters
    
  • Slightly shinier appearance
    
• Value range: $173 to $2,300 depending on condition
  

How to Identify a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth Over $678,777

If you think you’ve found a rare penny, here are steps you can take to confirm its value:

✅ Look at the Date and Mint Mark

Focus on years like 1909, 1943, 1944, 1992, and 1999.
Mint marks tell where the coin was made:

• “D” = Denver
  
• “S” = San Francisco
  
• No mark = Philadelphia
  

✅ Examine the Design Details

Check for doubled letters, off-center prints, or strange spacing between characters. These are signs of valuable minting errors.

✅ Use a Digital Scale

Weight matters. Bronze pennies weigh more than steel ones, so even a slight difference can hint at a rare coin.

✅ Try a Magnet Test

Bronze coins are non-magnetic. If your coin sticks to a magnet, it’s steel.

✅ Get It Authenticated

For serious collectors, certification is key. Send your coin to PCGS or NGC to get an official grade. This proves authenticity and often increases resale value.

Top Collector Tips for Lincoln Wheat Pennies

• Focus on Rare Dates: Always check pennies from 1909, 1943, and 1944—these are often the ones with valuable errors or limited mintages.
  
• Use Proper Storage: Keep your coins in coin flips or holders to prevent damage. Avoid cleaning them, as it can reduce their value.
  

FAQs

Final Thought

Lincoln Wheat Pennies prove that even small change can hold big value. Whether it’s a rare error or a historical mint, these coins are full of surprises. So, next time you sort through your loose coins, keep an eye out—you could be holding a treasure worth over $678,777.

💬 Found a rare penny? Tell us in the comments! Or dive into more articles to uncover other hidden coin gems and fascinating collectibles.