Do you have a 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny sitting in a coin jar or an old collection?
If yes, you might be holding a hidden treasure worth up to $18,900 or even more! 😱
Before you casually spend that old penny, let’s find out exactly why the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny is so valuable — and how you can identify a rare one.
🔥 Why Is the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny Special?
Normally, in 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to making pennies from copper (bronze) after switching to steel coins in 1943 during World War II.
However, a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used in 1944, creating extremely rare 1944 steel pennies.
These error coins are so rare that they can fetch $18,000, $50,000, or even $100,000+ depending on condition and mint mark!
🧠 Quick Fact: Normal vs Rare 1944 Pennies
| Type | Material | Color | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular 1944 Penny | Copper/Bronze | Reddish Brown | $0.10 – $10 |
| Rare 1944 Steel Penny | Zinc-coated Steel | Gray/Silver | $18,000 – $100,000+ |
👉 If your 1944 penny is silver-colored, you might have struck gold (well, steel)!
🔎 How to Identify a Rare 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
✅ 1. Check the Color
- Normal: Reddish-brown or coppery.
- Rare: Grayish, like a dime.
✅ 2. Use a Magnet
- Copper pennies do not stick to magnets.
- Steel pennies do stick to magnets!
If your 1944 penny sticks to a magnet, you might have a rare one worth up to $18,900!
✅ 3. Examine the Mint Mark
- No mark = Philadelphia Mint
- D = Denver Mint
- S = San Francisco Mint
Rare steel versions from all three mints are known but extremely limited.
✅ 4. Weigh It
- Copper penny weight: ~3.11 grams
- Steel penny weight: ~2.7 grams
Use a precision digital scale to double-check.
📈 1944 Steel Penny Auction Prices
| Coin Type | Year | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 Steel Penny | 2018 | $18,900 |
| 1944-D Steel Penny | 2016 | $115,000 |
| 1944-S Steel Penny | 2021 | $90,000 |
🤑 Even circulated (used) rare coins have sold for tens of thousands!
💸 What Should You Do If You Find One?
- Don’t clean it!
Cleaning lowers the value. - Get professional authentication through PCGS or NGC.
- Consult a reputable auction house for selling.
- Store it safely — even tiny scratches can lower the price.
❓ FAQs About the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q1. How can I tell if my 1944 penny is steel?
If it’s silver/gray colored and sticks to a magnet, it’s likely steel.
Q2. Is a regular 1944 penny worth anything?
A regular copper 1944 penny is common and worth about 10 cents to a few dollars.
Q3. How many 1944 steel pennies exist?
Estimates suggest fewer than 30 to 40 examples per mint exist.