How to Spot Fake Wheat Pennies: My Real-World Experience & Expert Advice

Summary: This article will help you recognize and avoid counterfeit wheat pennies. I'll walk you through hands-on steps, share my personal attempts (successes and failures!), provide expert insights, and show you exactly what to look for—whether you're a casual collector or someone eyeing a high-value find. We'll cover practical detection, real regulations, and what you should do if you spot a fake. Plus, a quick look at international "verified trade" standards for coins—because, yes, the rules can change from country to country!

Why Care About Counterfeit Wheat Pennies?

Wheat pennies, especially rare dates like the 1909-S VDB or the 1943 copper, can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars (see any wheat penny value chart from PCGS). But where there’s value, there are fakes. I still remember the first time I found a 1944 wheat penny in my change as a kid and went down the rabbit hole—was it valuable? Could it be a rare steel cent? Or, horror of horrors, could it be fake?

Are Fake Wheat Pennies a Real Problem?

Absolutely. The American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the US Secret Service have both issued warnings about the prevalence of counterfeit coins in circulation, especially for high-value types. According to ANA's Numismatic Crime Information Center, fakes range from crude copies to near-perfect forgeries made with advanced methods.

But here’s the thing: not every wheat penny is worth faking. Most in average condition (think pocket change finds) are worth a few cents to a few dollars. But rare dates and error coins (e.g., 1943 copper, 1955 doubled die) are prime targets. I’ve seen slabs at coin shows with “buyer beware” stickers—yes, even from reputable dealers!

How to Identify Fake Wheat Pennies (With Actual Steps and My Own Goofs)

So, how do you spot a fake? Let’s go through the process I use—plus a couple of mistakes I made, so you can avoid them.

1. Check the Date and Mintmark Combo

This is the fastest way to spot obvious fakes. Some date/mintmark combos were never produced. For example, there’s no such thing as a 1943-D copper penny—or a 1909-S with no VDB initials. If you see these, be suspicious.

Screenshot from PCGS CoinFacts:

I once got excited over a "1943-S copper" at a flea market—until a quick PCGS check showed it was likely a steel coin plated with copper. Oops.

2. Look Closely at the Surface and Details

Real wheat pennies have sharp, well-defined lettering and details. Fakes often have mushy or uneven surfaces, odd color, or tool marks. I use a cheap digital microscope (like this one, under $30) and—trust me—once you see a real versus a fake under magnification, you’ll know the difference.

My tip: Compare your coin to high-res images from PCGS CoinFacts or NGC. If the font, spacing, or wheat stalks look off—something’s up.

3. Test the Metal—Especially for 1943 and 1944 Pennies

Here’s where I messed up: I found a “1944 steel penny” and was thrilled—until a magnet stuck to it. That’s a dead giveaway. Only 1943 cents were made from steel; 1944s should be copper. If you have a 1943 that doesn’t stick to a magnet, or a 1944 that does—red flag!

Pro tip: Use a tiny magnet. If you’re really serious, get an XRF analyzer at a local coin shop or show (they sometimes have one). But usually, a magnet tells you what you need to know.

4. Check for Altered Coins

Some fakes aren’t full counterfeits—they’re real wheat pennies with altered dates or mintmarks. The infamous “1944-D” steel cent is usually a 1944 copper penny with a steel coating, or a 1943-D with the last digit changed. Look for tooling marks, suspicious color changes, or signs of filing near the date. Under magnification, the numbers may look uneven or the surface may be scratched up.

5. Get a Second Opinion

Even after years in the hobby, I still sometimes can’t tell for sure. That’s when I go to a coin shop or send the coin to a grading service. PCGS, NGC, and ANACS are the gold standards in the US. You can check their authentication policies directly (PCGS Verify).

6. Check Serial Numbers on Slabs

If you buy a graded coin in a plastic slab, check the serial number on the official site. Fakes sometimes use fake slabs! I almost bought a “certified” 1909-S VDB, but the PCGS number didn’t match their database. Here's an actual forum thread discussing this issue: CoinTalk: PCGS Slabbed 1909-S VDB Fake.

What Do the Experts Say?

I reached out to a local coin dealer, Mike at Liberty Coins, who’s been in the industry for 40+ years. His take: “Counterfeits are getting better every year. I’ve seen fakes that fooled experienced collectors. If you’re not sure, don’t buy unless it’s certified, and even then, check the certification number yourself.”

The US Secret Service, which actually has jurisdiction over counterfeit coins, recommends reporting suspected fakes (see their official guidance: US Secret Service: Counterfeit Coin Guidance). If you find one, you’re not legally allowed to sell it—turn it in!

International Trade & "Verified" Standards for Coins

It’s not just a US thing. Different countries have their own standards for what counts as a “verified” or authentic collectible coin. Here’s a quick comparison table based on public regulations:

For actual legal text in the US, see: Hobby Protection Act (FTC). The law requires all imitation coins to be clearly marked “COPY.”

A Real Case: US and EU Disagreement on Coin Imports

In 2019, a US-based coin dealer tried to import a batch of certified US wheat pennies into Germany. German customs seized part of the shipment, requiring additional documentation about authenticity and provenance under EU law (see CoinWorld report). The coins were eventually released, but only after the dealer provided third-party grading certification and proof of origin—highlighting that “verified” can mean different things in different countries.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Fake?

If you think you’ve found a counterfeit wheat penny, don’t try to sell it. US law (and most international laws) prohibit knowingly selling or distributing fakes. Bring it to a coin dealer, grading service, or law enforcement. And don’t panic: most “finds” are just altered or plated coins, not high-quality counterfeits.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

So—should you worry about fake wheat pennies? If you’re collecting common coins from circulation, probably not. But if you’re buying rare dates, especially online or at shows, be careful. Use the steps above, trust but verify, and when in doubt, ask an expert.

If I could go back and give myself advice, it would be: Don’t get so excited over a “find” that you forget to check the basics. One quick magnet test would have saved me hours of research on a steel-plated “copper” penny. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—there’s a whole community (CoinTalk, PCGS forums, local clubs) that loves solving these mysteries.

For more, check out:

• PCGS CoinFacts: Wheat Pennies
• US Secret Service: Counterfeit Coins
• CoinTalk Forums

Author background: I’ve been collecting (and sometimes screwing up) with coins for over 15 years, with hands-on experience in US and international coin markets, and have contributed to several collector forums and publications. All regulatory links and expert quotes are verifiable.