Lincoln Wheat Cents were produced in the United States from 1909 to 1958. During those years, several unusual minting mistakes created coins that are now highly sought after by collectors. Some rare Wheat Penny errors have sold for thousands of dollars, while a few have crossed the $1 million mark.
If you have old Wheat Pennies sitting in a collection, jar, or drawer, these are 11 errors and varieties worth knowing about.
1. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse — $1,136,250
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the rarest Lincoln Cent varieties ever discovered. Strong doubling can be seen on the obverse lettering, particularly LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
Only a handful of examples are known. A spectacular PCGS MS65RD example sold for $1,136,250 in 2023, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln cents ever auctioned.
2. 1943 Bronze Cent — Over $1 Million
The 1943 Bronze Cent is perhaps the most famous Wheat Penny error.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel planchets for 1943 cents to conserve copper. However, a small number of bronze planchets were accidentally used.
A genuine 1943 bronze cent is extraordinarily rare, and exceptional examples have reportedly sold for more than $1 million.
Be careful, though: many counterfeit and altered 1943 copper-colored cents exist.
3. 1943-S Bronze Cent — $504,000
The San Francisco Mint also produced an extremely rare 1943-S Bronze Cent.
Instead of being struck on the normal steel planchet, these coins were accidentally struck on bronze. One PCGS MS63BN example sold for $504,000 in 2020.
The combination of the 1943 date, S mintmark, and bronze composition makes this one of the most desirable Wheat Penny errors.
4. 1944-S Steel Cent — $408,000
The U.S. Mint returned to bronze planchets for Lincoln Cents in 1944. But a tiny number of steel planchets apparently remained in production.
The result was the extremely rare 1944-S Steel Cent.
Only a few examples are known. One high-grade example sold for $408,000 in 2021.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — $287,156
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most recognizable Wheat Penny errors.
The doubling is especially obvious around the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST. Unlike subtle forms of doubling, this variety can often be identified without specialized equipment.
A high-grade example sold for approximately $287,156 in 2023.
6. 1944 Steel Cent — $180,000
The 1944 Steel Cent is another famous wrong-planchet error.
Normal 1944 Lincoln Cents were made from bronze, but a small number were struck on leftover steel planchets from the previous year’s production.
One PCGS MS64 example reached $180,000 at auction in 2021.
7. 1917 Doubled Die Obverse — $120,000
The 1917 Doubled Die Obverse is an important early Lincoln Cent variety. Visible doubling appears around parts of the date and lettering.
A spectacular PCGS MS67+RD example sold for $120,000 in 2019.
Because it combines an early Wheat Penny date with a dramatic doubled-die variety, it is highly desirable among advanced collectors.
8. 1922 No D Strong Reverse — $63,000
The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous missing-mintmark varieties.
No Philadelphia Lincoln Cents were produced in 1922, so a genuine 1922 cent without a D mintmark is unusual. The Strong Reverse variety is particularly desirable.
A high-grade example sold for $63,000 in 2025.
9. 1936 Doubled Die Obverse — Around $20,000+
Several doubled-die varieties are known for the 1936 Lincoln Cent.
Strong examples can show doubling on the obverse lettering and date. High-grade red specimens can be especially valuable.
Depending on the exact variety and condition, documented examples have reached more than $20,000.
10. 1941 Doubled Die Obverse — $9,200
The 1941 Lincoln Cent has multiple recognized doubled-die varieties.
Collectors look for genuine doubling around LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. A high-grade example has recorded an auction price of $9,200.
Although considerably less expensive than the famous 1955 and 1958 varieties, it remains an interesting target for Wheat Penny collectors.
11. 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse — $716+
The 1943-S Doubled Die Obverse is another collectible variety from the steel-cent era.
A PCGS MS65 example has recorded a sale of $716. While it isn’t worth anywhere near the most famous Wheat Penny errors, it can still command a premium over an ordinary 1943-S cent.
How to Check Your Wheat Penny for Errors
Before assuming you have a valuable coin, carefully check:
- The date and mintmark
- Weight and metal composition
- Doubling on the date and lettering
- Missing mintmarks
- Off-center strikes
- Unusual planchets
- Clipped or damaged edges
Remember that machine doubling, scratches, corrosion, and post-mint damage are often mistaken for valuable errors.
If your coin appears to match a major rarity such as a 1943 Bronze Cent, 1944 Steel Cent, 1955 Doubled Die, or 1958 Doubled Die, don’t clean it or alter it. Professional authentication is strongly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The most valuable Wheat Penny errors demonstrate just how much a tiny minting mistake can change a coin’s value. From the million-dollar 1958 Doubled Die to the legendary 1943 Bronze Cent, these coins have become some of America’s most fascinating collectibles.
So, before you toss an old Wheat Penny into a jar or spend it for one cent, take a closer look. That tiny error could be worth a life-changing amount of money.