Wheat Pennies

The obverse (front) and the reverse of the Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner. The original design included the sculptor's initials, V.D.B., on both sides of the coin. Shortly after minting began there was a public outcry. The initials were too prominent. The initials were promptly removed. They did not appear again until 1918

Pennies Minted in 1909
1909 Indian Head Cent
1909-S Indian Head Cent
1909-S VDB (San Francisco Mint) 484,000 produced
1909 VDB (Philadelphia Mint) 28 million produced
1909 (Philadelphia Mint)
1909-S

Of all the Wheat Pennies in existence today, the 1909-s VDB commands the highest price.

Due to World War II and the need for copper for ammunition, in 1943 the U.S. Mint did not have enough copper to meet their needs. They had to find an alternative, fast. After trying several different substitutes, they settled on a zinc-coated steel. The Steel Pennies were minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco. The Denver and San Francisco coins have mintmarks. The steel pennies minted in Philadelphia do not.

The "new" penny had its share of problems. It messed up the magnets in vending machines, were often mistaken for dimes, and as the edges were not coated with zinc, they were quick to rust.

Public outcry had the mint looking for another alternative. The pennies minted from 1944 to 1946 were minted from an alloy made from salvaged brass shell casings. (Recycling? Its not as new a concept as people like to believe.)

In the early 1960's the mint collected and destroyed a bunch of the 1943 Steel Pennies still in circulation. It's rare to come across one in circulation today.

The standard issue 1943 penny was the zinc-coated steel penny, but there are a few 1943 copper pennies still in existance. There were a few copper planchets (blanks) still in the press hopper when the transition to steel was made. The token few 1943 copper pennies made there way into circulation. Two surfaced shortly after the war and another showed up in 1958. Supposedly 40 were struck, but only twelve are known to still exist. In 2204 a "mint" condition 1943 copper penny sold for $200,000.
Counterfiters were quick to jump on the bandwagon and copper-plated some 1943 steel pennies, but they're easy to spot. All you need is a magnet.

Grading

Uncirculated: The coin is in "new" or "mint" condition.

Extremely Fine: Nearly all the detail remains with just a few high point worn.

Very Fine: A lot of the detail is visible, but shows some wear.

Fine: A lot of the coin's detail is worn, but some is still visible.

Mint Mark

D - Denver mint
O - New Orleans mint
P - Philadephia mint
S - San Francisco mint
W - West Point mint

5 Pounds of Wheat Pennies 1909-1958

If you're like me, once you start collecting coins, stopping will not be an option. That's why I like wheat pennies. They are relatively easy to come by and they won't break the bank. You may find that after a time, you want to expand your collection into collectors sets or the truly rare coins. Just remember, serious collectors are highly competive and the prices can rise and fall at the drop of a hat. Make sure you have the knowledge base before crossing that threshold.
I love my coins. Its more of a motly collection than a collection of true value. I don't care. I collect coins because its fun and I hope you enjoy the hobby as much as I do.

Gerbert, A. 2005. Coin Collecting 101 What you need to know. F + W Publications, Iola, Wisconsin.

Values of Wheat Pennies
Fun Times: Got Wheaties?
Fun Times: Pennies You Should Hold Onto