
The 1944 steel penny is a rare and valuable coin.
In 1944, the US Mint produced pennies made of steel due to a copper shortage.
The steel pennies were minted from March to July 1944, with a total of 236,417,000 coins produced.
These coins were made from a steel alloy with a copper-plated coating to give them a copper appearance.
For more insights, see: 200 Pennies
1944 Steel Penny Value
The 1944 steel penny is a rare and valuable coin, with prices ranging from $38,500 to over $786,000, depending on its condition and certification.
Most 1944 steel pennies are in the mint state, but those in AU condition are estimated to cost $30,000 to $40,000. Perfectly preserved coins are typically worth more, with prices ranging from $42,000 to $786,431.
The US Mint produced only 30 steel pennies in Philadelphia, and their total mintage is unknown, with estimates ranging from 25 to 40 pieces.
Here are some estimated values for 1944 steel pennies in different grades:
- MS 60 – $42,000 to $45,000
- MS 61 – $48,500 to $55,000
- MS 62 – $55,000 to $62,500
- MS 63 – $87,500 to $115,000
- MS 64 – $120,000 to $140,000
- MS 66 – $408,000 to $500,000
The price of a 1944 steel penny can vary greatly depending on its condition, with some coins selling for as little as $38,500 and others selling for over $786,000.
Determining Value
The value of a 1944 steel penny can vary greatly depending on its condition. A penny in Extra Fine condition can be worth up to $584,658.
To determine the value of your 1944 steel penny, you'll need to consider its condition. The grading service companies, such as PCGS and NGC, can provide an estimate based on the coin's grade.
The prices achieved at auctions are a good indicator of a 1944 steel penny's value. For example, one MS 66 Lincoln steel penny sold for $408,000 in 2021.
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of a 1944 steel penny can be a mystery, but we've got some clues to help you crack the code. The value of a 1944 steel penny can range from $30,000 to $408,000, depending on its condition.
For instance, a 1944 D steel penny in mint state can be worth up to $90,000. In contrast, a 1944 S steel penny in MS 66 grade can cost around $500,000.

If you're lucky enough to have a 1944 steel penny in your collection, you might be wondering how much it's worth. According to the US Coin Book, a 1944 S steel penny in Extra Fine condition can be worth $423,803.
Here's a rough guide to the value of 1944 steel pennies in different conditions:
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the coin's condition and provenance. If you're looking to sell your 1944 steel penny, it's best to consult with a coin expert or appraiser to get a more accurate estimate of its value.
Recommended read: 1943 D Steel Penny Value 2023
Double Die Obverse
The Double Die Obverse is a rare and valuable error found in the 1944 steel penny. It's estimated to be worth millions of dollars. You can find only one known example of this error.
The Double Die Obverse features a doubling on the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY". This unique characteristic makes it highly sought after by collectors.
The rarity of the Double Die Obverse is what drives its value. With only one known example, it's a true treasure for any collector.
No Mint Mark Value
The value of a 1944 steel penny with no mint mark can be staggering. These coins are extremely rare and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
Their rarity is due to the fact that they were only produced for a short time, and many have not survived until now. As a result, finding one in good condition can be a challenge.
The value of a 1944 steel penny with no mint mark can vary greatly depending on its condition. For example, a well-preserved, uncirculated coin might be valued at $100,000 or more.
In About Uncirculated condition, these coins can be purchased for around $38,500 to $42,500. However, the prices skyrocket for coins in mint state condition.
Here's a look at the appraised values for 1944 MS grade steel pennies:
- $45,000 for 1944 MS 60 steel penny
- $48,500 for 1944 MS 61 steel penny
- $55,000 for 1944 MS 62 steel penny
- $87,500 for 1944 MS 63 steel penny
For coins in the MS 64 grade, experts agree that they can be sold for around $120,000 to $140,000. However, one coin in this grade sold for a staggering $180,000 at an auction in 2021.
The Purpose of Pennies

Pennies have been made from various materials over the years, including steel and zinc-coated steel.
The U.S. Mint used steel and zinc-coated steel to make pennies after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as copper production was halted.
A small number of steel pennies, known as 1944 steel cents, were produced and released into circulation by mistake.
These steel pennies were likely made when steel blanks were accidentally struck and distributed.
The 1944 steel cents are a rare and valuable find, as evidenced by an AU55 example selling for $11,500 in 2001.
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Rare and Valuable
If you're lucky enough to own a 1944 steel penny, you're in for a treat. These rare coins can be worth a pretty penny, with some selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The most valuable steel pennies are those in the MS 64 grade, which can sell for around $120,000 to $140,000. However, one coin in this grade sold for a whopping $180,000 at an auction in 2021.
Some of the most valuable 1944 steel pennies are the ones with no mint mark, which can sell for around $45,000 to $87,500, depending on their condition. The prices for these coins are as follows:
- MS 60: $45,000
- MS 61: $48,500
- MS 62: $55,000
- MS 63: $87,500
In comparison, the 1944 D steel penny, which was minted in Denver, is worth significantly less, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on its condition.
The 1944 S steel penny, minted in San Francisco, is also highly valuable, with prices ranging from $475,000 to $786,431, depending on its grade. However, the prices achieved at auctions are often higher, with one 1944 S MS 66 Lincoln steel penny selling for $408,000 in 2021.
Overall, the value of a 1944 steel penny depends on its condition, grade, and rarity. If you're lucky enough to own one of these coins, it's definitely worth getting it appraised to see how much it's worth.
A fresh viewpoint: Is the 1943 Steel Penny Worth Anything
Inspecting and Grading
The 1944 steel penny is relatively easy to inspect due to its distinct characteristics. The coin is made of steel, which is a clear giveaway.
To accurately grade the condition of your 1944 steel penny, look for signs of wear on the high points, such as the top of the wheat stalks and the date.
Penny Inspection Guide
Inspecting a 1944 penny requires a keen eye and some simple tests. To ensure authenticity, check for a half-gram weight difference between the penny and a copper cent.
A steel cent is magnetic, so test it with a magnet to verify its authenticity. This simple test can rule out zinc-plated copper cents.
The font styling on a genuine 1943 copper penny is distinctive, with an elongated tail at the bottom part of the "3" in the date. This is a key characteristic to look for.
On the other hand, the bottoms of all the numerals in the date of a 1948 penny fall roughly in line with each other. This is a telltale sign of a fake penny.
Here's a quick guide to inspecting your penny:
Grading
Inspecting and grading a 1944 steel wheat penny requires some knowledge of its unique characteristics. These coins are exceptions to the standard coin grading method, and their preservation levels don't directly correlate with their prices.

The color of a 1944 steel penny is a good indicator of its authenticity. They appear silver with rusting on the surface, which is a distinct difference from standard bronze pennies.
You can also check the weight of the coin, which is lighter than a standard bronze penny, weighing 0.095310 ounces (2.702 g).
A magnet is another tool you can use to identify a 1944 steel penny. Since steel is magnetic, a magnet will attract these coins.
Here's a grading scale for 1944 steel wheat pennies:
Please note that there's no strict correlation between the preservation level and the price of these coins, making them collectible in any grade.
Spotting Counterfeit Pennies
A nice date stamp on the obverse of your coin is a good sign it's real.
The date should be stamped nicely with no signs of fading or doubling.
A light silver-gray color is normal for a genuine 1944 steel penny, with no brown spots or discoloration.
If your coin has brown spots or discoloration, it's likely a fake.
Mint Marks and History
The 1944 steel penny's mint marks hold a fascinating story. The Philadelphia Mint, which produced the majority of the 1944 steel pennies, did not include a mint mark on the coin.
The lack of a mint mark on the 1944 steel penny is due to the fact that the Philadelphia Mint was the primary producer of the coin. This is a notable exception to the usual practice of including a mint mark on coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
The Denver Mint and San Francisco Mint, which also produced a smaller number of 1944 steel pennies, did include mint marks on their coins.
Here's an interesting read: How Many Pennies Are in $100?
The Mint Mark
The mint mark is a crucial factor in determining the value of a coin.
It indicates which U.S. Mint struck the coin. For example, a 1944 steel penny with a "D" mint mark was made in the Denver Mint.
A well-preserved, uncirculated 1944 steel penny might be valued at $100,000 or more.
The mint mark can greatly impact the value of a coin, making it worth tens of thousands of dollars for an average condition 1944 steel penny.
In the case of a PCGS-graded 1944 steel penny, the mint mark is just one factor that determines its value.
Coin History
During World War II, copper was a vital metal needed for war materials, so the U.S. Mint made pennies out of steel covered in zinc to conserve copper.
The U.S. Mint produced steel pennies until the end of 1943, which was a significant departure from their usual copper composition.
Numismatic professionals have speculated about the production of steel pennies, with some believing they were struck by accident and others thinking they were deliberately struck as souvenirs for Mint officials.
For another approach, see: 30000 Pennies
Selling and Valuation
If your 1944 steel penny is graded as genuine, you're in luck because there are auction companies throughout the United States that would love to put a coin like yours on the block. These include Sotheby's and Stack's Bowers.
To get a good price for your coin, consider selling it through a professional coin dealer who knows the ins and outs of coin collecting and has a good reputation in their area. They can help you get what your coin is worth.
You can also put your 1944 steel penny on eBay and hope for a reasonable price, but be aware that this may not be the best option. Coin dealers are professionals who can help you get a better price for your coin.
Here's a breakdown of pricing per condition for 1944 Steel Penny by individual grade:
Price Chart
The price of a 1944 steel Lincoln penny can vary greatly depending on its condition. A penny in good condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
To give you a better idea, here's a breakdown of the pricing for different grades of 1944 steel pennies: GradePrice RangeVF20$7,200-$12,000AU53$18,750-$31,250AU55$45,000-$75,000MS61$38,250-$63,750MS62$48,750-$81,250MS63$60,000-$100,000MS64$81,000-$135,000MS66$300,000-$500,000
S Value
The 1944 S steel penny is a rare and valuable coin, with prices varying greatly depending on its condition. For instance, the US Coin Book estimates a price of $423,803 for a piece in Extra Fine condition.
Its value can reach as high as $786,431 for a coin in the MS 60 grade, according to the US Coin Book. However, PCGS is more moderate, with a current estimation of $475,000 for such a piece.

A 1944 S MS 66 Lincoln steel penny sold for $408,000 in 2021, which is a notable example of the coin's value. This price is likely to be a good indicator of its current value.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated prices for the 1944 S steel penny by condition, based on the US Coin Book's estimates:
Selling
Selling a 1944 steel penny can be done through various channels, including online marketplaces like eBay, or by visiting a professional coin dealer.
If you're looking to sell online, you can put your coin up for auction, but be aware that the price may not be reasonable.
Coin dealers, on the other hand, are professionals who know the ins and outs of coin collecting and can give you a fair price for your coin.
They have built a good reputation in their area and can be trusted to give you a fair deal.
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To get the best price for your coin, consider consulting a professional coin dealer.
You can also check out online resources like "Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)" for more information on where to sell your coins.
If your 1944 steel penny is graded as genuine, you may be able to sell it to auction companies like Sotheby's and Stack's Bowers.
The mintage of regular coins with the D mint mark was 430,578,000, but the Denver mint also produced seven coins made of steel for some reason.
Here are some estimated prices for 1944 D steel cents in different conditions:
As you can see, the price of your coin can vary greatly depending on its condition.
Sources
- https://cointrackers.com/coins/13593/1944-steel-wheat-penny/
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1944-steel-penny-worth/
- https://www.allcoinvalues.com/united-states-of-america/1944-s-us-penny-value2c-lincoln-wheat2c-steel.html
- https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1944-steel-penny/
- https://atticcapital.com/1944-steel-penny/
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