The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most iconic coins in American history, cherished by numismatists for its historical significance and rarity. Among these coins, some stand out for their astonishing value, like the $990,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny.
However, while the coin’s worth is captivating, collectors need to be vigilant to avoid counterfeit or misrepresented pieces. Spotting key red flags can ensure that your investment is both genuine and valuable.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after coins due to its rarity. While most pennies from this year were made from steel, a few were mistakenly struck in copper. Red flags to watch include incorrect weight or an altered steel coin coated to mimic copper. Use a magnet to test for authenticity; genuine copper pennies will not stick.
1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
This coin is famous for its missing mint mark. Genuine 1922 No D pennies result from a die issue at the Denver Mint. Red flags include fake coins with altered mint marks or artificially removed mint marks. Look for strong details on other parts of the design, which can help confirm authenticity.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny marks the beginning of the Wheat Penny series. Its value lies in its low mintage and the inclusion of designer Victor David Brenner’s initials. Counterfeit red flags include poorly stamped initials, incorrect font, or mismatched die markers. Examine the coin carefully for clear and crisp engravings.
1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another high-value coin often targeted by counterfeiters. Key red flags include altered dates and fake Denver mint marks added to coins from other mints. Ensure the coin’s weight and details align with authentic specifications.
1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
With a low mintage of fewer than one million, the 1931-S Lincoln Penny is a prized collector’s item. Red flags include coins with added mint marks or artificial wear to mask inconsistencies. Check the coin’s surface and edges for signs of tampering.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny
This variety is notable for its striking doubling on the date and inscriptions. Red flags include coins with artificially created doubling or improper alignment. Authentic pieces will show clear and even doubling when examined under magnification.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most recognizable error coins. Its value lies in the significant doubling of the inscriptions. Red flags include counterfeit doubling achieved through mechanical manipulation. Genuine examples will have sharp and consistent doubling throughout.
| Year | Feature | Mintage | Red Flag to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | Copper Composition | Extremely Rare | Magnetic Response |
| 1922 | No D Mint Mark | Rare | Altered or Removed Mark |
| 1909 | S VDB Initials | Limited Mintage | Incorrect Font or Stamping |
| 1914 | D Mint Mark | Rare | Added Mint Mark |
| 1931 | 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 |
Collectors should exercise due diligence when acquiring these coins. Using trusted sources and professional grading services can help ensure authenticity.
Identifying counterfeit or altered coins is vital in the numismatic world. Investing time in research and examination ensures collectors obtain genuine pieces worth their value. The allure of the $990,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny is undeniable, but spotting red flags can save you from costly mistakes.