1944 Penny Value
The 1944 Wheat Penny Value can vary widely depending on its condition, mintmark, and rarity. While most 1944 pennies are common, rare errors like the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny or the 1944 D/S Overmintmark can be worth thousands. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of 1944 Wheat Pennies, what affects their value, and how much they are worth in today’s market. Continue reading to learn more about 1944 Wheat Penny Value.
- Circulated Condition: Generally worth up to $5.
- Uncirculated Condition: In uncirculated condition, these pennies can be worth $1 to $5 or more, depending on their quality.
AUCTION RECORD: $22,425 • GENUINE
Image source: PCGS
The 1944 Wheat Penny is a U.S. cent featuring Abraham Lincoln and wheat stalks, struck during the final years of World War II. This Lincoln cent is a favorite among collectors, with some varieties fetching significant prices.
History of the 1944 Wheat Penny
The 1944 Wheat Penny is a special coin due to the high volume of coins produced, as well as the difficulty, at times, of finding some of these in the highest Mint State grades. 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. The reverse features two stalks of durum wheat.
1944 Wheat Penny Value
As of 2025, the 1944 Wheat Penny value ranges from pennies to upwards of twenty-two thousand dollars for the highest grade coins available on the market. The Wheat Penny comes in colors ranging from brown to brown-red to red, with the red versions commanding higher prices than the others. The 1944 Wheat Penny also had a zinc-coated steel version that was created in error. The 1944 Steel Cent is a very rare off-metal striking that can go for as high as $158,000. It is unknown how many examples exist.
1944 wheat penny no mint mark
The 1944 wheat penny with no mint mark is a one-cent coin produced by the Philadelphia Mint. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and wheat ears on the reverse. As of 2024, its value typically ranges from 3 to 10 cents in circulated condition, while uncirculated examples can be worth up to several dollars depending on their grade and condition. This penny is highly collectible due to its historical significance and being a part of the popular wheat penny series.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1944 Wheat Penny
Wheat Penny Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 1,435,400,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
Face value: 1 cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: Victor David Brenner
Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
1944 Wheat Penny Varieties and Values
The value of a 1944 Wheat Penny largely depends on its mintmark and condition. Here are the key varieties:
1. 1944 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint)
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Mintage: 1,435,400,000
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Value: Circulated examples are worth around 3 to 10 cents, while uncirculated coins can fetch $2 to $5+. High-grade specimens can be worth significantly more.
2. 1944-D Wheat Penny (Denver Mint)
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Mintage: 430,578,000
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Value: Circulated examples range from 3 to 10 cents, while uncirculated coins can sell for $3 to $10+.
3. 1944-S Wheat Penny (San Francisco Mint)
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Mintage: 282,760,000
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Value: Similar to the Denver mint version, circulated 1944-S pennies are worth 3 to 10 cents, while uncirculated coins start at $5 to $15+.
Rare 1944 Wheat Penny Errors and Their Values
Some 1944 Wheat Pennies are extremely valuable due to rare mint errors. Here are a few of the most notable ones:
1. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
One of the rarest varieties, the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny resulted from steel planchets mistakenly being used instead of copper. Only a handful exist, making them incredibly valuable.
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Value: Can range from $75,000 to over $100,000, depending on condition.
2. 1944 D/S Overmintmark Error
This error occurred when a Denver-minted coin was struck over an old San Francisco mintmark (D over S).
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Value: Typically $50 to $200, with high-grade examples fetching more.
Factors That Affect 1944 Wheat Penny Value
Several factors influence the value of your 1944 Wheat Penny:
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Condition/Grade: Coins in better condition (with minimal wear and strong details) are worth more.
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Mintmark: Coins from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) Mints may be slightly more valuable than Philadelphia coins.
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Errors and Varieties: Rare errors like the 1944 Steel Penny or D/S Overmintmark command higher prices.
Where to Sell a 1944 Wheat Penny
If you have a valuable 1944 Wheat Penny, consider selling it through:
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Online marketplaces
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Coin dealers specializing in rare coins (such as Bullion Shark)
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Coin shows and numismatic events
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Online coin forums and collector communities
While most 1944 Wheat Pennies are common and worth only a few cents, rare varieties and high-grade examples can be worth thousands. Checking for mintmarks, errors, and condition can help determine your coin's true value. If you think you have a valuable 1944 Wheat Penny, consider having it professionally graded to maximize its worth.
FAQ
What is the 1944 Wheat Penny value?
The value of a 1944 Wheat Penny can range from about 15 cents for common coins in circulated condition to thousands of dollars for coins in uncirculated condition. However, special versions like the 1944 steel penny can be worth much more.
Why is the 1944 Wheat Penny valuable?
The 1944 Wheat Penny is valuable due to its historical significance, as it was produced during World War II. The steel version is particularly valuable due to its rarity.
How can I tell if my 1944 Wheat Penny is valuable?
Check the coin’s condition, look for any mint marks (such as "D" for Denver or "S" for San Francisco), and verify if it’s a rare steel version, which significantly increases its value.
What is the rarest 1944 Wheat Penny?
The rarest 1944 Wheat Penny is the steel version, which was minted by mistake and is extremely valuable.
How much is a 1944 Steel Wheat Penny worth?
A 1944 Steel Wheat Penny can be worth around $77,000 in average condition and up to $110,000 in certified mint state condition.
What are the key features of a 1944 Wheat Penny?
The 1944 Wheat Penny features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse, with the year of mintage and the phrase "ONE CENT" prominently displayed.
Does the mint mark affect the 1944 Wheat Penny's value?
Yes, the mint mark can affect its value. Pennies with a "D" or "S" mint mark can be worth more than those without a mint mark.
What is the difference between a 1944 Wheat Penny and a regular penny?
The 1944 Wheat Penny is part of the Lincoln Wheat cent series produced from 1909 to 1958 and is distinguishable by the wheat stalks on the reverse side, unlike the Lincoln Memorial design on later pennies.
How many 1944 Wheat Pennies were minted?
In 1944, over a billion Wheat Pennies were minted across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, making it one of the most common years for Wheat Pennies.
Is a 1944 Wheat Penny made of steel or copper?
Most 1944 Wheat Pennies are made of copper, but a very small number of steel Wheat Pennies were mistakenly produced and are highly valuable.
What should I look for in a 1944 Wheat Penny to determine its value?
Look for the coin’s overall condition, mint mark, and check if it is the rare steel version. High-grade coins and those with errors or varieties can be more valuable.
Can a 1944 Wheat Penny be worth more than $100?
Yes, especially if it is a steel version, in high-grade condition, or has a lower mintage "D" or "S" mint mark.
What is the average selling price for a 1944 Wheat Penny?
The average selling price for a 1944 Wheat Penny in circulated condition is around 15 to 50 cents, but uncirculated examples or special varieties can sell for much more.
How do I sell a 1944 Wheat Penny, and where can I get the best price?
You can sell a 1944 Wheat Penny through coin dealers like Bullion Shark, auctions, online platforms, or coin shows. Getting the best price often involves having the coin professionally graded to verify its condition.
What historical events in 1944 could have affected the Wheat Penny production?
In 1944, World War II was a significant event affecting the production of Wheat Pennies, leading to the accidental minting of rare steel versions due to metal shortages.
Continue reading:
1945 Wheat Penny value, 1946 Wheat Penny value, 1942 Wheat Penny value, 1909 VDB penny value.