The humble Lincoln Wheat cent, produced from 1909 to 1958, has become fertile hunting ground for error coin enthusiasts.
While most Wheat pennies trade for modest premiums over face value, certain manufacturing mistakes created rarities that command astonishing prices. These aren’t just coins – they’re tiny copper time capsules documenting moments when the minting process went spectacularly wrong.
1943 Bronze/Copper Cent Perhaps the most famous American error coin, the 1943 copper cent occurred when copper planchets (intended for 1942 production) accidentally remained in the presses as production switched to steel cents for the war effort. Approximately 40 examples exist across all three mints, with the 1943-D copper cent being exceedingly rare with perhaps 5-7 known examples.
Values range dramatically based on condition, with circulated examples selling between $100,000-$250,000 and mint state coins exceeding $1 million. Authentication remains crucial, as countless copper-plated 1943 steel cents and altered-date 1948 cents have fooled unwary collectors.
1944 Steel Cent The reverse situation occurred in 1944 when steel planchets leftover from 1943 production were accidentally fed into presses striking 1944 cents. Approximately 30 examples exist, with Philadelphia specimens slightly more common than Denver and San Francisco examples.
Recent auction prices range from $75,000 for worn examples to over $400,000 for mint state pieces with original surfaces. The distinctive weight difference (2.7g for steel vs. 3.11g for bronze) and magnetic properties make initial detection straightforward.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse The most famous doubled die Lincoln cent occurred when a misaligned hub doubled the obverse design elements. The doubling appears prominently in the date, inscriptions, and Lincoln’s profile. Approximately 20,000-24,000 examples escaped into circulation before detection.
Market values range from $1,000-$2,000 for heavily worn specimens to $25,000+ for pristine red uncirculated examples. Strong doubling visible in “LIBERTY” and the date makes this error immediately recognizable even to novice collectors.
1922 Plain (No D) Cent In 1922, only the Denver mint produced Lincoln cents. When a mint employee improperly cleaned a blocked mintmark from a die, it created the famous “1922 Plain” cent variety. These coins show no trace of the D mintmark and typically display weaker strike characteristics.
Genuine examples typically bring $500-$1,000 in well-worn condition, while uncirculated specimens can reach $25,000+. Authentication challenges arise from altered 1922-D cents with deliberately removed mintmarks.
1909 VDB S/S Repunched Mintmark Early in 1909, a San Francisco mint worker punched the S mintmark twice at different angles, creating a distinctive overlapping appearance. This variety, scarce in any condition, combines the desirability of the first-year VDB design with a prominent mintmark error.
Values typically start around $2,000 for well-worn examples, while uncirculated specimens can reach $30,000+. The repunching appears clearly under magnification, with the secondary S visibly offset beneath the primary mintmark.
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Discovered decades after production, this significant doubled die shows strong doubling throughout the obverse, particularly in the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Unlike many minor doubled dies, this variety shows spectacular separation visible without magnification.
Market values range from $500+ for circulated examples to $15,000+ for pristine red uncirculated specimens. The relatively recent discovery means examples occasionally surface in unsearched collections and dealer inventories.
1936 Doubled Die Obverse This overlooked doubled die shows significant separation in “LIBERTY” and the date. The doubling creates a distinctive “shifting” appearance, particularly visible in the numbers. Relatively few examples have been certified, suggesting it remains underrepresented in collections.
Current values range from $1,000+ for circulated examples to $7,500+ for choice uncirculated specimens. The error’s subtlety means careful examination under good lighting proves essential for proper identification.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse This early doubled die shows prominent separation in the date and “LIBERTY.” The doubling appears as a distinct shift rather than just thickness in the affected elements. The variety remained largely unknown until the 1970s, meaning many examples likely passed through circulation unrecognized.
Market values typically start around $1,000 for identifiable circulated specimens, while uncirculated examples can bring $10,000+. The age and scarcity make this a challenging but rewarding variety to locate.
1944-D D/S Mintmark This fascinating error occurred when a Denver mint worker punched a D over an S mintmark. Whether this resulted from an accidentally shipped San Francisco die or repurposing of an incorrect die remains uncertain. The underlying S appears clearly under magnification.
Values range from $200+ for well-worn examples to $2,500+ for uncirculated specimens. The distinctive shape created by the overlapping mintmarks makes identification relatively straightforward with proper magnification.
1946-S S/D Mintmark Similar to the previous entry but in reverse, this variety shows an S punched over a D mintmark. The underlying D remains clearly visible beneath the S, creating a distinctive blob-like appearance. This variety demonstrates the occasional die sharing between mint facilities.
Current market values range from $150+ for worn examples to $1,500+ for pristine uncirculated specimens. The relatively modest premium makes this an accessible error for beginning specialists.
Authentication Wisdom – Valuable Wheat Penny Error Coins
When pursuing these valuable errors, experienced numismatists recommend:
Investing in proper lighting and magnification equipment
Studying authenticated examples before purchasing
Understanding die characteristics versus post-mint damage
Maintaining healthy skepticism toward “miraculous” discoveries
Seeking professional certification for significant finds
Above all, knowledge remains the collector’s best protection against disappointment and the surest path toward discovering overlooked treasures hiding in plain sight.