Even though it isn’t made from precious metal like some other historical coins, enthusiasts still love the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny. Even though its copper content lowers its value per weight, some rare examples may bring high prices, especially when they have errors or unusual conditions. Collectors value the classic design, which shows Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, as a coin of American history.
History of 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny series, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, is among the most valuable pennies for collectors. It was designed by sculptor Victor D. Brenner and intended to honor the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, especially his leadership during the Civil War and his role in ending slavery in the United States.
The year 1944 saw a return to copper coinage after the zinc-coated steel cents of 1943. Because of metal shortages during World War II, the U.S. government temporarily used steel for penny production, which proved unpopular. In 1944, recycled ammunition shell casings were used to make the copper pennies, adding to the allure of some of the most valuable pennies in U.S. history.
Specification:
- Category: Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Mint Locations: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
- Mintage: Approximately 2.2 billion total
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
- Face Value: $0.01 (One Cent)
- Weight: 3.11 grams (0.1097 ounces)
- Diameter: 19 mm (0.748 inches)
- Edge: Plain
Design of 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Obverse Design
The obverse showcases Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing profile.”IN GOD WE TRUST” is written along the top edge above Lincoln’s head, and “LIBERTY” is written to the left of his profile. Under the portrait is the date “1944” and, if important, the mint mark. Collectors are attracted to this design because of the complexities, like Lincoln’s face and clothing, which have a necktie.
Reverse Design
The value “ONE CENT” is written boldly in the center of the coin’s back, with the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below. “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which refers to “Out of many, one,” is written above the denomination. Two wheat stalks surround the reverse design, giving the coin a name such as “Wheat Penny.”
Composition and Mint Marks
The 1944 Wheat Penny is composed of 95% copper and a mixture of 5% zinc and tin. During World War II, the U.S. resumed using copper for pennies after the zinc-coated steel composition used in 1943. The 1944 pennies were made at three mints:
- Philadelphia: No mint mark (1,435,400,000 coins)
- Denver: “D” mint mark (430,578,000 coins)
- San Francisco: “S” mint mark (282,760,000 coins)
What is Value of 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The value of a 1944 Wheat Penny depends on its condition, rarity, and any errors it may have. Here’s a general value chart for the different types.:
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extra Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1944 (No Mint Mark) | – | $0.06 | $0.23 | $1.16 |
| 1944 D | – | $0.06 | $0.23 | $4.63 |
| 1944 S | – | $0.11 | $0.23 | $4.63 |
| 1944 steel | – | – | $409,304 | $1,137,794 |
Rare 1944 Steel Penny
Amongst the rarest types is the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny. These coins were first made in error, struck in steel rather than copper, using leftover steel planchets from 1943. There are only 20 to 30 of these coins known to be present, and when they are in good condition, they may bring values more than $100,000, with some extremely rare examples selling for over $1,000,000.
Grading the 1944 Wheat Penny
To determine a coin’s value, grading is very important. The Sheldon Scale, ranging from 1 to 70, is the standard grading system:
- 1-2: Basal State to Fair
- 3-10: Very Fair to Very Good
- 12-30: Fine to Very Fine
- 40-50: Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated
- 60-70: Mint State (MS) with increasing quality
Because of their outstanding condition and rarity, coins designed in higher Mint State grades (MS66 and above) might see a major rise in value.
Notable Errors and Varieties
1944 Doubled Die
This error occurs when the coin’s die is improperly struck, causing doubled images on the design. The 1944 doubled die error can add considerable value to a coin, with prices ranging from $5 to several hundred dollars, depending on the coin’s condition.
1944 D Over S
A notable error found in some 1944 Denver-minted pennies is the “D over S” mint mark, where a “D” is stamped over an “S.” This error can make the coin worth $100 or more in uncirculated grades.
Related Post –
- 1926 Lincoln Penny: A Guide for Coin Enthusiasts
- The 1914 Wheat Penny: A Comprehensive Guide for Collectors
- 1872 Indian Head Penny: A Complete Guide
- 1984 Washington Quarter: A Complete Guide
Conclusion
Collectors find the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny to be a unique coin because of its historical value, beautiful design, and possible value of rare error variations. Most of the coins of 1944 pennies are common and reasonably priced, however, rare examples can be quite valuable because of unique errors like doubled dies or steel composition. The 1944 Wheat Penny is still an important coin of American numismatic history, whatever your level of collecting interest.