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5 Rare and Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Collecting

What are the top 5 most valuable lincoln wheat pennies?



  1. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny: up to $5,000+
  2. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny: up to $220,000+
  3. 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny: up to $590,000+
  4. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny: up to $1,100,000+
  5. 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny: $2,300,000+


The Lincoln Wheat penny, introduced in 1909, is one of the most collected coins in American history. Over the years, several Lincoln Wheat pennies have gained considerable value among coin collectors. In this article, we will take a look at the five most valuable Lincoln Wheat pennies and explore the reasons why they are so highly sought-after.


Each of these pennies is unique in its own way, with factors such as mintage numbers, design anomalies, and historical significance contributing to their value. While the Lincoln Wheat penny series spans over three decades, these particular coins represent some of the most coveted and rarest coins in the series. Whether you are an experienced coin collector or a novice, understanding the history and rarity of these coins can provide insight into the fascinating world of numismatics.



1917 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Cent



The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat penny is a highly sought-after coin among collectors due to its unique doubled die error. The doubling is most noticeable on the date and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the obverse side of the coin. This error occurred due to a mistake during the die-making process, where the die was slightly rotated before being imprinted onto the coin, resulting in a doubled image. 


It's estimated that only around 50 to 100 of these coins were ever produced, making it a rare and valuable find. In 2019, an MS67+RD graded coin sold for $120,000 at auction, highlighting the immense value of this particular coin.


Imaged by Heritage Auctions, HA.com and USACoinBook

1958 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny



The 1958 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Wheat Cent is a rare and valuable coin that is highly sought after by collectors. The coin is known for its distinct doubling of the obverse design elements, particularly on the date and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." Only three known examples of the 1958 DDO Wheat Cent are known to exist, making it an extremely rare and coveted coin. 


The most recent auction record for this coin was set on January 22, 2023, when one example sold for an impressive $1,136,250. The 1958 DDO Wheat Cent remains a significant and valuable addition to any serious collection of rare coins.


Image courtesy of PCGS and USACoinbook

1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny






The 1943-S Bronze Wheat cent is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. During World War II, the United States Mint switched from using copper for pennies to zinc-coated steel, due to a shortage of copper needed for the war effort. 


However, a small number of bronze planchets were inadvertently mixed in with the steel blanks at the San Francisco Mint, resulting in a few bronze pennies being struck. The highest auction record for a 1943-S Bronze Wheat cent is $504,000 in 2020.

1944 Steel Wheat Cent





The 1944 Steel Wheat cent is a unique and fascinating coin in American history. Its creation was a result of an accidental mix-up at the Mint, where steel blanks were mistakenly used to strike pennies instead of the traditional copper blanks. 


This error has resulted in the production of one of the rarest coins in the Lincoln Wheat penny series, with only an estimated 25 to 30 examples known to exist. Due to its rarity, collectors should be wary of fake zinc-coated copper penny imitations. In 2021, an MS64 graded 1944 Steel Wheat cent was sold for a staggering $180,000, which is a testament to its rarity and value among collectors.

1943-D Bronze Wheat Cent






The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. This coin was minted accidentally in 1943, as the U.S. Mint was supposed to be producing zinc-coated steel cents instead of copper cents to conserve copper for the war effort. 


Only one example of the 1943-D Bronze Wheat Cent is known to exist, making it a highly coveted coin among collectors. In 2010, this coin was sold for a record-breaking $1.7 million.



In conclusion, these five Lincoln Wheat pennies are among the most valuable in the series. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, these coins are sure to pique your interest.


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