The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most popular coins in American history. Some of these pennies, like the $990,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny, can be worth a fortune. But collectors need to be careful when buying these rare coins. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are fakes or have been altered, making it important to know how to spot them. In this article, we will go over four key red flags that every coin collector should watch for to make sure their investment is genuine and valuable.
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Rare Find
One of the most famous Lincoln Wheat Pennies is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. Most pennies from this year were made from steel, but a small number were mistakenly made from copper. These copper pennies are extremely rare and can sell for a lot of money.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Fake copper pennies might be coated steel pennies. Use a magnet to check. If it sticks, it’s not copper.
1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny: Missing Mint Mark
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another rare find. This penny is special because it doesn’t have a mint mark, which is a mistake that happened at the Denver Mint. Collectors are always on the lookout for this coin, but be careful of fakes.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Fake pennies may have altered or removed mint marks. Examine the other details of the coin carefully to make sure they match real 1922 pennies.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny: The First of Its Kind
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is the first penny in the Wheat series and is highly valued because it includes the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner. This coin’s low mintage and unique features make it a must-have for collectors.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Counterfeit coins may have poorly stamped initials, incorrect fonts, or mismatched die markers. Always check the quality of the engraving.
1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny: A High-Value Coin
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another high-value coin that collectors desire. However, it is often targeted by counterfeiters. Always inspect the coin closely to make sure it’s real.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Fakes may have added mint marks or altered dates. Check the weight and look for matching details to confirm authenticity.
Red Flags for Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year | Feature | Mintage | Red Flag to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | Copper Composition | Extremely Rare | Magnetic Response (Use Magnet) |
| 1922 | No D Mint Mark | Rare | Altered or Removed Mark |
| 1909-S | VDB Initials | Limited Mintage | Incorrect Font or Stamping |
| 1914-D | D Mint Mark | Rare | Added Mint Mark |
| 1931-S | S Mint Mark | Low Mintage | Tampered Edges |
| 1917 | Doubled Die Obverse | Rare Variety | Uneven or Fake Doubling |
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | Low Availability | Mechanical Manipulation |
1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny: Rare and Valuable
The 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is rare because fewer than a million of them were made. This makes it a highly sought-after coin among collectors. Be cautious when purchasing this coin, as some fakes are on the market.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Look out for coins with added mint marks or signs of artificial wear. The edges and surface should not show signs of tampering.
How to Spot Red Flags: Other Common Varieties
1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny: This coin is valuable because it has doubling on the date and inscriptions.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Counterfeits may have poorly aligned or uneven doubling.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny: This penny is famous for its noticeable doubling of the inscriptions.
Red Flag to Watch For:
- Fake doubling may be a result of mechanical manipulation, not natural minting.
Conclusion
When buying Lincoln Wheat Pennies, collectors need to be very careful. The red flags we discussed—like incorrect mint marks, altered dates, and fake doubling—are just a few things to watch out for. If you’re careful and check the coins closely, you can avoid costly mistakes. The $990,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny is an incredible find, but only genuine coins hold that kind of value. Always do your research, and don’t hesitate to get professional advice if needed.
FAQ’s
What is the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Copper Penny, which can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars if it’s authentic.
How can I tell if my 1922 No D penny is real?
Check for the mint mark on the coin. If it’s missing, it’s a rare 1922 No D penny. Look closely for any signs of tampering or alterations to the mint mark.
What should I do if I think I have a valuable coin?
If you think you have a valuable coin, you should get it professionally graded and authenticated by a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC.