Wheat Pennies Worth Money

1943 Bronze Planchet Wheat Pennies

World War II and the Need for Copper

During World War II, copper was a vital material needed for making weapons and communication devices. Because of this, the U.S. government decided to save copper for the war effort and ordered the U.S. Mint to use a different material for making pennies. The 1943 bronze pennies are so valuable because they were made by mistake, are extremely rare, and have a fascinating story connected to a significant period in history.

1943 Copper Wheat Pennies Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1943-S	MS63 BN	$504,000	Nov 2020
1943	MS62 BN	$372,000	Feb 2021
1943	AU50	$336,000	Jul 2022
1943-S	AU58	$282,000	Feb 2016
1943	AU50	$240,000	Jan 2023
1943	AU55	$240,000	Apr 2021
1943	AU53	$204,000	Jan 2019

The Switch to Steel in 1943

In 1943, instead of the usual bronze (which is mostly copper with some tin), the U.S. Mint made pennies out of zinc-coated steel. This new material was used to conserve copper and tin. The change was significant because pennies had been made from bronze since 1864.

Production of Steel Pennies

The U.S. Mint produced over a billion of these steel pennies in 1943 across three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. For example, the San Francisco Mint made 191,550,000 steel pennies. However, these "steelies" had some problems. They looked similar to dimes and could rust or corrode easily.

Return to Bronze in 1944

Because of these issues, the Mint went back to using bronze for pennies in 1944, using metal from recycled shell casings from the war.

The Rare Error Coins

Despite the switch to steel, some leftover bronze planchets (the blank pieces of metal used to make coins) accidentally got mixed in with the steel planchets at the start of 1943. These bronze planchets were struck into pennies and accidentally circulated along with the steel ones.

Discovery and Rarity

These rare 1943 bronze pennies were produced at all three mints but in very small numbers. Today, only about 15-20 are known to exist from the Philadelphia Mint, six from the San Francisco Mint, and just one from the Denver Mint. They are highly sought after by collectors and can sell for very high prices, often in the six figures.

Initial Denial by the Mint

At first, the U.S. Mint denied that any bronze pennies were made in 1943. This denial continued until the 1960s, despite collectors finding and authenticating these rare coins.

Why They Are Valuable

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from bronze to steel for making pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze pennies were accidentally made and released into circulation, becoming rare and valuable collector's items.

1944 Zinc Steel Wheat Pennies

The 1944 Zinc-Coated Steel Cent Error

During World War II, in 1943, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using zinc-coated steel planchets to conserve copper for the war effort. These "steelies" were produced for just one year. In 1944, the Mint returned to using bronze planchets, made from reclaimed copper shell casings. A rare error occurred in 1944 where some pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover zinc-coated steel planchets from 1943 instead of the intended bronze planchets.

How the Error Happened

The error likely occurred due to leftover steel planchets being accidentally used in the 1944 production. These planchets were supposed to be completely phased out, but a few remained and were struck with the 1944 date.

1944 Zinc Steel Wheat Pennies Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1944-D	MS63	$115,000	Aug 2007
1944	AU55	$25,300	Jan 2010
1944	XF45	$24,000	May 2023

How Can You Tell If You Have One?

Appearance The coin has a silvery color, unlike the usual bronze cents of 1944.
Magnetic Properties These coins are magnetic, distinguishing them from the non-magnetic bronze cents.
Weight The steel planchets have a different weight than the bronze planchets. The steel cents weigh about 2.7 grams compared to the bronze cents, which weigh approximately 3.11 grams.

Rarity and Value

The 1944 zinc-coated steel cents are extremely rare. It's estimated that only a handful of these error coins exist. Because of their rarity, they are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices at auctions, often reaching five or six figures.

Collector's Appeal

These error coins are a direct link to the wartime changes in coin production, making them historically significant. Mint errors, especially from this era, are intriguing to collectors because they are rare and represent a deviation from standard minting practices.

Famous Examples

There are known examples of the 1944 steel cents from different mints: Philadelphia Mint: Only a few examples have been found. Denver and San Francisco Mints: Even fewer examples are known, making them exceptionally rare.

Conclusion

The 1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent struck on a zinc-coated steel planchet is a fascinating mint error resulting from the transitional period of World War II coinage. These rare coins are prized by collectors for their historical context, rarity, and unique characteristics. Owning one of these coins is like holding a piece of numismatic history.

1909 Lincoln VDB Wheat Pennies

The 1909-VDB Cent

The 1909-VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and highly collected coins in U.S. numismatic history. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials "VDB" appear on the reverse of the coin. The 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent marks the first year of the Lincoln Cent series, which replaced the Indian Head Cent.

1909 VDB Wheat Pennies Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1909-S	MS67 RD	$92,000	May 2005
1909-S	MS67 RD	$55,200	Jan 2019
1909-S	MS66+ RD	$24,000	Apr 2020
1909-S	MS66 RD	$15,862	Jan 2015

The "VDB" Controversy

The inclusion of Brenner's initials (VDB) on the reverse of the coin sparked controversy. Many people felt the initials were too prominent - almost promotional for Mr. Brenner's work. Due to the public outcry, the U.S. Mint decided to remove the initials from the reverse design. This resulted in two types of 1909 Lincoln Cents: the 1909 VDB and the 1909 (without VDB).

Minting and Rarity

The Philadelphia Mint produced 27,995,000 of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Cents. The San Francisco Mint also produced 484,000 VDB cents, which are much rarer and highly sought after. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is particularly rare and valuable due to its low mintage and historical significance.

Collecting the 1909-VDB Wheat Cent

The 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent is popular among collectors due to its historical significance, the controversy surrounding the initials, and its status as the first Lincoln Cent. The value of these coins can vary widely based on their condition. Coins in higher grades, especially those that are uncirculated or in mint state, command higher prices. Collectors often seek out both the Philadelphia and San Francisco minted versions, with the 1909-S VDB being the more valuable due to its lower mintage.

Conclusion

The 1909-VDB Lincoln Cent is a cornerstone of U.S. coin collecting. The coin represents a major shift in U.S. coinage, from the Indian Head design to the Lincoln design, which has remained on the penny for over a century. Its combination of historical significance, the controversy of the designer's initials, and the transition to a new design make it a fascinating and valuable piece for coin collectors.

1943 Steel Wheat Pennies

The 1943 Steel Wheat Penny is a unique and interesting coin with a significant place in U.S. numismatic history. During World War II, copper was a critical material needed for wartime production, particularly for ammunition and other military equipment. To conserve copper for the war effort, the U.S. Mint decided to use an alternative material for pennies in 1943.

The 1943 Steel Wheat Penny

In 1943, the U.S. Mint produced pennies from zinc-coated steel instead of the usual bronze (copper and tin). These steel pennies are sometimes referred to as "steelies." The 1943 steel penny has a distinct silvery color due to its zinc coating. This is a stark contrast to the typical reddish-brown color of copper pennies.

Production and Specifications

The steel pennies were produced at all three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
Philadelphia Mint: Produced 684,628,670 steel cents.
Denver Mint: Produced 217,660,000 steel cents (identified by the "D" mint mark).
San Francisco Mint: Produced 191,550,000 steel cents (identified by the "S" mint mark).

Weight and Size: The 1943 steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, slightly less than the 3.11 grams of a bronze penny, and has the same diameter of 19 millimeters.

1943 Steel Wheat Pennies Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1943	MS68	$4,560	May 2024
1943-D	MS68	$4,080	May 2024
1943-S	MS68	$3,120	May 2024
1943-S	MS67	$139	May 2024

Characteristics and Issues

Magnetic Properties: Due to their steel composition, these pennies are magnetic, unlike their copper counterparts.
Corrosion and Tarnish: The zinc coating was intended to prevent rust, but in practice, the coating often wore off, exposing the steel underneath and leading to rust and corrosion.
Confusion with Dimes: The steel pennies were similar in appearance to dimes, leading to confusion in everyday transactions.

Return to Bronze

The steel pennies were not popular with the public due to their tendency to rust and their confusing similarity to dimes. In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to using bronze for pennies, utilizing recycled shell casings from the war.

Collecting 1943 Steel Pennies

While the 1943 steel penny is not rare in general, it is a unique and interesting piece for collectors. They are relatively affordable, especially in lower grades. High-grade examples are valuable, but only graded in MS67 and above. Collectors often seek out examples from each mint (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco) to complete their sets. A few rare error coins were struck on bronze planchets in 1943 due to leftover blanks from 1942. These bronze 1943 pennies are extremely rare and highly valuable. The 1943 Steel Wheat Penny is a fascinating coin born out of necessity during World War II. Its unique composition, historical significance, and the public reaction to it make it a noteworthy addition to any coin collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a history enthusiast, the 1943 steel penny offers a tangible connection to a pivotal time in American history.

1922 "No D" Wheat Pennies

The 1922 "No D" Wheat Cent is a fascinating and rare error coin that has captured the attention of collectors for many years. The 1922 Lincoln Wheat Cent was produced exclusively at the Denver Mint. No Lincoln cents were minted at the Philadelphia or San Francisco Mints in 1922. The "No D" error occurred due to problems with the dies used at the Denver Mint.

The Error

The key feature of the 1922 "No D" cent is the absence of the "D" mint mark, which denotes coins minted in Denver. Normally, all coins produced at the Denver Mint bear the "D" mint mark. This error happened because the dies used to strike the coins became worn, clogged, or were over-polished during production, causing the "D" to disappear or become extremely faint.

No D Strong Reverse (Die Pair 3)

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1922 No D	MS65 BN	$67,562	Aug 2014
1922 No D	MS64 RB	$59,800	May 2005
1922 No D	MS64 RB	$46,000	Jul 2005
1922 No D	MS64 RB	$40,250	Mar 2010
1922 No D	MS64 BN	$31,200	Nov 2023
1922 No D	MS62 BN	$14,950	Sep 2010
1922 No D	AU58	$8,400	Mar 2024

Varieties

There are several varieties of the 1922 "No D" cent, categorized based on the condition of the dies:
Weak Reverse (Die Pair 2): The most common variety, where the reverse design is weak and the "D" mint mark is entirely missing.
Strong Reverse (Die Pair 3): The most sought-after and valuable variety, characterized by a strong, clear reverse design but no "D" mint mark on the obverse.
Die Pair 1 and 4: These varieties show some degree of the "D" mint mark, with Die Pair 1 being very faint and Die Pair 4 showing a weak but visible "D".

No D Weak Reverse (Die Pair 2)

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1922	MS64 RB	$7,762	Jan 2010
1922	MS63 RB	$4,600	Jan 2006
1922	MS62 RB	$2,760	Sep 2007
1922	MS60 RB	$1,495	May 2009

Collecting the 1922 "No D" Cent

The 1922 "No D" cent is rare, especially in higher grades. The Strong Reverse variety (Die Pair 3) is particularly prized by collectors. The value of a 1922 "No D" cent varies significantly based on its condition and the variety. Coins in higher grades, especially those with a strong reverse, can command high prices at auction. Due to the high value and desirability, these coins are often subject to counterfeiting or alteration. Professional authentication and grading by a reputable service (PCGS and NGC) are recommended.

Characteristics

The 1922 "No D" cent is one of the few examples where a mint mark is missing on a coin that should have it, making it a unique error. This coin provides insight into the minting process and the challenges faced by the Denver Mint in 1922. Its rarity and the story behind the error make it a highly sought-after collectors item in the numismatic community. The 1922 "No D" Wheat Cent is a rare and intriguing error coin that holds a special place in U.S. numismatic history. Its absence of the "D" mint mark, along with the variations in die conditions, creates a compelling narrative for collectors and enthusiasts. Whether as a centerpiece of a collection or as a historical curiosity, the 1922 "No D" cent remains a highly valued and fascinating coin.

1955/55 Doubled Die Wheat Cent

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Cent is perhaps the most popular error in all of U.S. numismatics, with a fascinating backstory tied to a specific historical context. During the summer of 1955, there was a significant shortage of circulating cents, prompting the Philadelphia Mint to ramp up production. This increased demand forced the Mint to speed up its production schedule, leading to a reduction in quality control measures. This environment set the stage for the creation of the famous 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Cent.

The Error

The 1955 Doubled Die error occurred when an obverse die accidentally rotated between blows from the working hub. This improperly aligned die slipped past the inspection team and was used in production. As a result, the coin exhibits prominent doubling on the obverse, most noticeably on the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date "1955." The reverse of the coin is normal, as it was struck with a properly prepared reverse die.

1955/55 DDO Wheat Penny Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1955/55	MS65 RD	$48,300	May 2005
1955/55	MS64 RB	$4,406	Jan 2013
1955/55	MS64 BN	$3,730	Feb 2010
1955/55	MS63 RD	$3,642	Aug 2012
1955/55	MS62 BN	$2,760	May 2024

Production and Discovery

This misaligned obverse die produced between 20,000 and 24,000 Doubled Die cents. These error coins were inadvertently mixed with properly produced 1955 cents. Chief Coiner Sydney C. Engel chose not to destroy 10 million cents to prevent the error coins from leaving the Mint, deciding instead to let them pass into circulation. The first example of the 1955 Doubled Die cent was discovered in Massachusetts late in 1955. The coin quickly gained popularity among collectors and numismatists.

Collecting and Value

While the 1955 Doubled Die cent is obtainable with patience in grades ranging from XF (Extra Fine) to AU (Almost Uncirculated), it is genuinely rare in higher Mint State grades. High-grade examples, especially those with full, multicolored luster, are highly sought after. Such coins, bursting with vibrant luster, are considered among the finest certified specimens and command significant premiums at auction.

Notable Points

The 1955 Doubled Die cent represents a unique moment in U.S. minting history, linked to the pressures of increased coin production during a specific period. The dramatic and easily visible doubling on the obverse makes this coin a standout piece in any collection. While circulated examples are relatively accessible, finding a well-preserved, high-grade 1955 Doubled Die cent is a rare and valuable endeavor.

Conclusion

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Cent remains an iconic and highly coveted error coin. Its creation was a product of a specific historical context, and its dramatic doubling, rarity, and the decision to circulate the error coins contribute to its legendary status in numismatics. Collectors prize this coin not only for its monetary value but also for its rich history and unique place in the world of coin collecting.

1944 D over S Error Variation

The 1944-D over S Lincoln Wheat Cent is a notable and sought-after error coin in the world of numismatics. Here’s a detailed look at this intriguing variation:

What is the 1944-D Over S Error?

The 1944-D over S (D/S) Lincoln Wheat Cent is an error coin where a Denver Mint mark ("D") was stamped over a San Francisco Mint mark ("S"). This mint mark error occurred due to the reuse of dies between mints. Under magnification, you can see remnants of the original "S" mint mark beneath the "D". The overlapping mint marks create a distinctive appearance that distinguishes these coins from standard 1944-D Lincoln cents.

1944 D over S Error Variation Value Chart

Year	Grade	Sold	Date
1944 D/S	MS67 RD	$23,400	Nov 2023
1944 D/S	MS66+ RD	$21,150	Jan 2013
1944 D/S	MS66 RD	$16,100	Feb 2011

Historical Context

During the 1940s, it was not uncommon for the U.S. Mint to reuse dies between different mints to maximize resources. Dies that were initially prepared for use at the San Francisco Mint were sometimes shipped to the Denver Mint, leading to overpunched mint marks when the new mint applied their own mark over the existing one. The "D over S" error likely occurred when a die prepared with an "S" mint mark for the San Francisco Mint was sent to the Denver Mint and repurposed with a "D" mint mark.

Identification

The mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, below the date. To identify the 1944-D over S error, you need to closely examine the mint mark area with a magnifying glass or a microscope. The key is to look for traces of the "S" mint mark underneath or around the "D". The remnants of the "S" may appear as small curves or lines partially visible around the edges of the "D".

Collecting and Value

The 1944-D over S Lincoln Wheat Cent is considered a rare and desirable error. While not as scarce as some other numismatic rarities, it is still highly prized among collectors. The value of this error coin can vary widely depending on its condition (grade) and the clarity of the overpunched mint mark. Coins in higher grades with a clearly visible "S" beneath the "D" can command significant premiums. As with any valuable coin, professional grading by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC is recommended to authenticate and assess the coin's condition accurately.

Collector Appeal

The 1944-D over S error coin is a tangible piece of minting history, illustrating the practices and challenges of die reuse during the mid-20th century. The overlapping mint marks create a unique visual appeal that makes these coins stand out in any collection. Error coins like the 1944-D over S are fascinating to numismatists because they represent anomalies in the standard minting process, making them unique pieces of history. The 1944-D over S Lincoln Wheat Cent is a captivating error coin that combines historical significance, rarity, and unique visual characteristics. Whether you're an experienced collector or a novice, this coin offers an intriguing glimpse into the complexities of coin production during World War II. Its distinct mint mark error and the story behind it make it a prized addition to any numismatic collection.