1944-S Wheat Penny

The 1944-S Wheat Penny had a total mintage of over 282 million coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. As the years pass by, the mintages seem to increase exponentially compared to the earlier years of the Wheat Penny. Compared to other coins in the series, the 1944-S Wheat Penny is a very affordable one, even in full red versions. Although the coin can be found in circulated and uncirculated grades, it appears to be a more difficult task finding the 1944-S Wheat Penny in higher Mint State grades.

History of the 1944-S Wheat Penny

When looking for that perfect 1944-S Wheat Penny for your Lincoln Cent series collection, cherrypicking is advised to ensure you find one with a solid strike and attractive surfaces. The Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. At the time, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to prepare new coin designs that had more artistic merit. He chose Brenner based on a plaque he created with Lincoln’s profile. The Wheat Penny depicts a bust and profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, with the S mint mark under the date. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.