Summary: What You’ll Actually Learn About Fake Wheat Pennies
If you’ve ever picked up a wheat penny at a flea market, estate sale, or even in your pocket change and wondered, “Could this be a fake?”—you’re in the right place. This article digs into the real risk of counterfeit wheat pennies, how to spot them, and what actually happens when fakes are discovered in the hobby. I’ll tell some stories from the trenches (including my own goofs), share what experts and official bodies like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the US Secret Service say, and walk you through practical identification with plenty of real-world detail. Plus, I’ll compare how different countries and agencies regulate “verified trade” for coins—because, yes, even an old penny can get very international.
Why Does Anyone Fake Wheat Pennies? (And Does It Matter to You?)
The honest truth: most wheat pennies are only worth their copper content. But a handful—like the 1909-S VDB or the 1943 copper penny—are worth thousands. That alone is enough to tempt counterfeiters. But when I first started coin collecting, I thought, “No way would someone bother to fake an old penny!” Wrong. In fact, fake wheat pennies have been reported in the US since at least the 1940s, according to US Secret Service records.
The real concern isn’t that every wheat penny is fake, but that it’s shockingly easy to fall for a convincing counterfeit—especially if you’re excited about a rare date. I once bought a “key date” 1914-D online that, after some scrutiny and a sheepish trip to my local coin shop, turned out to be a cleverly altered 1944-D (the 4 reshaped to look like a 1). So, yes, it does matter.
How Big Is the Problem?
According to the ANA’s Counterfeit Detection Program, Lincoln cents are among the most frequently altered and counterfeited US coins. The primary targets are:
- 1909-S VDB (worth up to $2,000+ in good condition)
- 1914-D
- 1922 “No D”
- 1943 copper (which shouldn’t exist—most were steel)
For the vast majority of wheat pennies, you won’t see fakes. But for any that would make a big difference to your wallet, it pays to be alert.
Hands-On: How to Spot Counterfeit or Altered Wheat Pennies
Let me walk you through the exact steps I use. (Yes, I’ve messed up before, and I’ll show you where.)
Step 1: Know the Key Dates (And What They Should Look Like)
Before you even start examining a coin, get familiar with the “hot” dates. There are tons of online charts (see the PCGS wheat penny value chart for reference). Print off or save clear photos of genuine coins. You’d be amazed how much your eye picks up after a few side-by-side comparisons.
Step 2: Magnification and Lighting—Your Best Friends
I use a simple 10x loupe, but you don’t even need that at first. Good sunlight or a desk lamp, plus your phone’s camera zoom, can reveal a lot. Look for:
- Tool marks: These look like tiny scratches around the date or mintmark—classic sign of an alteration.
- Odd surfaces: Fakes may have bubbly, pitted, or “cast” surfaces instead of the smooth, crisp lines of a genuine strike.
- Wrong fonts or spacing: For example, the “S” mintmark on a 1909-S VDB should be a specific size, shape, and position. PCGS and NGC have high-res photos to compare.
Real-life goof: The first time I tried this, I thought my 1909-S VDB was real because the “S” looked about right. Later, I learned there are subtle “micro S” and “large S” varieties, and mine didn’t match either. Oops. Always double-check with official sources.
Step 3: Weigh It (But Don’t Panic If It’s Off By a Hair)
An authentic wheat penny should weigh about 3.11 grams (for pre-1982 copper) or 2.7 grams (steel 1943s). If it’s way off (say, under 3.0g for a copper penny), that’s a red flag. I use a cheap digital gram scale (about $10 on Amazon). Once, I weighed a “1943 copper” find, and—big surprise—it was a steel penny painted brown. Magnet test confirmed it!
Above: My own kitchen scale setup. Don’t overthink it—precision isn’t everything, but huge discrepancies matter.
Step 4: Magnet Test (For 1943s Especially)
1943 wheat pennies are supposed to be steel (magnetic). If you have a “copper” 1943 that isn’t attracted to a magnet, congrats, maybe you’re holding a six-figure coin! (But don’t get your hopes up—99.9% are regular coins plated or altered.)
Step 5: Get a Second Opinion
If you’re ever in doubt, show your coin to a reputable dealer (find one via the ANA dealer directory) or submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC. They see fakes every week and will give you a straight answer. There’s no shame—most collectors have been fooled at least once.
Above: My local shop owner, John (who’s seen more fake 1914-D’s than real ones), checking a penny for a customer.
Who’s Policing Counterfeits—And How Do Countries Differ?
Here’s where it gets surprisingly complicated. In the US, the Secret Service is tasked with investigating counterfeit coins, though their focus is usually on paper money and high-value counterfeits. The ANA, PCGS, and NGC all offer detection services. But what about outside the US?
| Country | Verified Trade Standard | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Collector and dealer authentication; grading services | 18 U.S. Code § 485 (Counterfeiting coins) | US Secret Service |
| United Kingdom | Royal Mint authentication, collector education | Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 | Royal Mint, Trading Standards |
| China | State-approved grading and export-only for collectibles | Penal Code: Article 170 | Ministry of Public Security |
Sources: US Code, UK Law, Chinese Law
What’s wild is that US grading (PCGS, NGC) is trusted worldwide, but some countries require coins to be authenticated before export or trade at scale. I once tried to buy a rare Chinese copper coin on eBay, only to have it seized at customs—turns out, there are strict export controls in place!
Case Example: US vs. UK on “Verified Trade”
Dave, a UK-based collector (on CoinTalk), bought a pricey 1914-D wheat penny from a US dealer. When it arrived, he suspected the mintmark was added. In the UK, he could consult the Royal Mint’s authentication service, but for US coins, he had to ship it back to the States for PCGS grading—an expensive and time-consuming process. The result? The coin was deemed altered, and he barely recouped his costs.
This kind of hassle shows why regional standards and export rules matter. The US favors third-party grading; the UK leans on the Royal Mint; China regulates export tightly. If you’re dealing internationally, know the rules!
Industry Expert: What the ANA Says About Counterfeit Risks
I reached out to Doug Davis, Director of the ANA’s Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF). He told me: “The biggest issue today isn’t mass production of fake wheat pennies, but altered coins sold as rare dates. Most collectors get into trouble buying online without proper photos or provenance. If in doubt, buy certified.”
He also mentioned that the ACEF has seen an uptick in fakes from overseas sellers, especially on eBay and via social media. Their advice? Stick to reputable dealers and always check certifications.
Personal Take: What I’ve Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way)
After a few embarrassing mistakes (and some lucky saves), I’ve settled on a “trust but verify” approach. I don’t stress over common wheat pennies, but for any coin worth over $50, I check references, use my loupe and scale, and—if it’s a big purchase—insist on PCGS/NGC grading. It’s saved me from heartbreak more than once.
And remember: even professionals get fooled. The key is to keep learning, use the tools at your disposal, and never be afraid to ask for help.
Conclusion & Next Steps
So, are there fake or counterfeit wheat pennies? Absolutely—especially for key dates and valuable errors. Should you worry? Only if you’re buying high-value coins, and even then, a little knowledge and some basic tools go a long way. For most collectors, a careful eye and a healthy dose of skepticism are your best defenses.
If you’re serious about collecting, consider joining the ANA, learn from forums like CoinTalk, and don’t be shy about showing your coins to experts. And if you ever end up with what looks like a rare penny, do your due diligence before celebrating. Trust me—I’ve been there, and it’s worth the extra effort.
For more on coin authentication, see the official US Secret Service guidelines and the ANA’s updated detection resources.
Happy hunting—and keep your wheat pennies (real ones!) safe.