The 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a certain penny; it also isn’t just any certain penny: as a collector’s coin, it’s a desirable piece of numismatics with a historical significance that’s hard not to overlook. This coin was minted in only very small numbers, yet some rare variants, or simple mistakes, could push this to prices in excess of $150,000.
About 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny.
During World War I, copper shortages prompted the U.S. Mint to only mint coins featuring copper most of the time but steel with a zinc coating in 1943; however, this was not the continuing practice until 1944. In 1944, the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny was made out of 95% copper and 5% zinc and over 2 billion coins were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints combined.
1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny Rare Types

Although the production of the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny was very high, some coins are extremely rare and valuable:
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny: A few 1944 coins were accidentally minted on 1943 steel. These rare steel pennies can fetch high prices at auction.
- 1944-D/S Overmintmark Variety: It was a mistake made when a die was reprinted at the San Francisco mint with the ‘D’ of the Denver mint underneath the ‘S,’ and the coins of this type are highly coveted by collectors.
The Value of the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Several factors can significantly affect the value of a 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Rarity: 1944 steel pennies, rare because of a minting error, are more valuable, such as 1944 steel pennies.
- Condition: This also depends on the quality of the coin (from 1 to 70 on the Sheldon scale). The most valuable coins are typically in higher quality, i.e., less worn.
- Historical significance: There is a lot of interest in coins of the World War II era with errors or a unique story behind them.
1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny sold at auction

The table below gives details of some of the major auction sales:
Coin Type | Grade | Auction Price | Auction Year |
---|---|---|---|
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny | MS66 | $373,750 | 2008 |
1944 Steel Wheat Penny | MS64 | $158,625 | 2013 |
1944-D Steel Wheat Penny | MS63 | $115,000 | 2018 |
Finding a 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to know if you have a valuable 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny, here are some ways to identify it:
- Check the material: Try a magnet; steel pennies will stick to a magnet, copper pennies will not.
- Check the mint marks: Then look for mint marks beneath the date. A rare type is marked with a D/S overmintmark, etc.
- Evaluate the condition: Check the coin for wear. Value coins are coins with sharp details and less wear.
Conclusion
The 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny is common, but there are rare versions and mistakes that can make it very valuable. These coins come with prices that can top $150,000; collectors should be careful in identifying these specific coins.
FAQs
Q. What is the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny worth?
A. Rare 1944 Steel Wheat Pennies can fetch up to $373,750 at auction.
Q. How can I identify a valuable 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. Look for minting errors, unique material (steel vs. copper), and overmintmarks.
Q. What makes the 1944-D/S Wheat Penny special?
A. It features an overmintmark error, with an “S” visible under the “D,” making it rare.
Q. Are all 1944 Lincoln Wheat Pennies valuable?
A. No, only rare variants or those in excellent condition hold significant value.
Q. What factors determine the value of a 1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. Rarity, condition, minting errors, and historical significance influence its value.