1944 Wheat Penny Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Unlike the Peace Silver Dollar and Morgan, the 1944 Wheat Penny is not made of silver, making it much less valuable. However, it does not mean that this coin is not worth money!

As a matter of fact, certain specimens can cost a fortune if you are lucky to come across them. Furthermore, the image of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse makes these coins particularly interesting to collectors.

For this reason, many like to have this coin in any state as a tangible piece of history meant to commemorate one of the most famous and popular American presidents. Now, let’s check these pennies’ varieties, history, details, and grading process!

1944 Wheat Penny Details

• Category: Wheat Lincoln Penny
• Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
• Mintage: 2.2 billion
• Obverse/Reverse Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Composition: 95% Copper and 5% zinc and tin
• Face Value:01 (one cent)
• Weight:11 grams (0.1097 ounces)
• Melt Value: $0257
• Diameter: 05 mm (0.74803 inches)
• Edge: Plain

The 1944 Wheat Penny is attractive and exciting for most collectors due to its fascinating design.

The obverse features the face profile of the 16th American president Abraham Lincoln, who is known as the savior of the Union and the president who freed enslaved African-Americans by passing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

The president is facing right, and above his head, we can see the inscription or the American motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” alongside the upper rim. Another commonly found term on coins is “LIBERTY,” struck on the left side of Lincoln’s profile.

The date of minting is placed underneath Lincoln’s chin or next to his truncated torso. The obverse also features his truncated upper body, and we can see a tie around his neck. Interestingly, the mint mark is on the obverse, underneath the date “1944,” and very easy to spot.

On the reverse, we notice the capitalized denomination struck at the center of the coin with the “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscription underneath it and divided into two rows. Above the denomination “ONE CENT”, the American motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is struck.

This motto is commonly found on coins and translates to “Out of many, one,” symbolizing American unity, strength, and power.

The denomination and the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are enveloped or surrounded by two wheat stalks or sheaths, explaining why it is called the wheat penny.

Regarding the composition of the 1944 Wheat Penny, as noted earlier, they are not made of precious metals- it is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin. Its melt value is around $0.0257, depending on the current value of copper.

The 1944 Wheat Penny was minted in San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia; therefore, we can distinguish two mint marks: “S” for those minted in San Francisco and “D” struck in Denver. The coins minted in Philadelphia do not possess a mint mark.

1944 Wheat Penny Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extra Fine	Uncirculated
1944 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value	–	$0.06	$0.23	$1.16
1944 D Wheat Penny Value	–	$0.06	$0.23	$4.63
1944 S Wheat Penny Value	–	$0.11	$0.23	$4.63
1944 Steel Wheat Penny	–	–	$409,304	$1,137,794

1944 Wheat Penny Grading

In order to establish the value and the condition of a particular coin, you need to grade it. The coins are graded according to the Sheldon scale, developed by the numismatist Dr. William Sheldon. This grading standard assigns grades from 1 through 70; the scale is internationally accepted.

#	Grade
1	Basal State-1
2	Fair
3	Very Fair
4, 5, 6	Good
7, 8, 10	Very Good
12, 15	Fine
20, 30	Very Fine
40	Extremely Fine
50	About Uncirculated
60	Mint State
65	Mint State
70	Mint State

Please check our grading guides to know your coin scale, It’s the necessary step to know the exact value of your coin.

Check out now: How to Grade Lincoln Wheat Penny?

1944 Wheat Penny Value and Varieties Guide

As mentioned, the coins were produced in San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia, meaning there are three varieties of these coins, with the addition of the 1944 Steel Penny. The 1944 Wheat Penny is one of the coins with the highest mintages ever- over 2 billion.

Therefore, they are not quite valuable, and they are practically worthless in lower grades. Generally, the price range for these coins in fine and extra condition ranges from $0.20 to $0.50, regardless of the mint mark.

However, some varieties with errors can reach the price of $500 or even more, depending on the defect and the condition of the penny.

1944 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny Value

• Mint: Philadelphia
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Mintage: 1,435,400,000
• Composition: 95% copper and  5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 grams (0.1097 ounces)
• Face value: 0.01 (one cent)
• Diameter: 19mm (0.74803 inches)
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Category: Wheat Lincoln Penny
• Mint Mark: /
• Thickness: 1.5 mm (0.06 inches)

The 1944 Wheat Pennies produced in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark. The mintage in Philadelphia is the highest in the series with 1, 435,400,000. Due to these coins’ high mintage number and availability, they are worth less than a quarter.

Furthermore, many have visible damage, scratches, and incomplete or worn-out details. In an uncirculated condition, 1944 No Mint Mark Wheat Penny is worth around $0.90. The price for these coins in MS 60 to MS 65 can reach a couple of dollars.

However, if the coin is in excellent condition, such as MS 66, it can reach the price 40$. Sometimes, the collectors are willing to go over the estimated amount for a particular coin, especially at auctions.

1944 S Wheat Penny Value

• Mint: San Francisco
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Mintage: 282,760,000
• Composition: 95% copper and  5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 grams (0.1097 ounces)
• Face value: 0.01 (one cent)
• Diameter: 19mm (0.74803 inches)
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Category: Wheat Lincoln Penny
• Mint Mark: S
• Thickness: 1.5 mm (0.06 inches)

The San Francisco Mint had the lowest mintage in the series, so these coins are considered more valuable than those without a mint mark. In average and fine condition, the price range for 1944 S Wheat Penny is between $0.30 and $0.60

The 1944 S Wheat Penny in the mint state can cost $2.30 to $5.00. However, if the coins with the S mint mark are in a higher mint state, such as MS 66, they can reach the price of $100 or even more, depending on the presence of defects.

The most valuable specimens in the series are those with the S or D mint mark and errors such as a re-punched mint mark or D over the S mint mark.

1944 D Wheat Penny Value

• Mint: Denver
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Mintage: 430,578,000
• Composition: 95% copper and  5% zinc and tin
• Mass: 3.11 grams (0.1097 ounces)
• Face value: 0.01 (one cent)
• Diameter: 19mm (0.74803 inches)
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Category: Wheat Lincoln Penny
• Mint Mark: D
• Thickness: 1.5mm (0.06 inches)

The 1944 D Wheat Penny had the second-highest mintage in the series- 430,578,000. Similarly to the previous varieties of the 1944 Wheat Penny, this penny with a D mint mark is worth around $0.20 in fine condition. In extra fine grade, it can reach the price of $0.40.

In mint state MS 60, the coin can cost from $1.30 to $2.00. The value of the 1944 D Wheat Penny mostly depends on the condition and the defects. Some specimens in MS 66 can cost a couple of hundred. For example, the 1944 Wheat Penny with D over the S mint mark error was sold for $2,100.

1944 Steal Wheat Penny Value

• Mint: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver
• Designer: Victor D. Brenner
• Mintage: Unknown
• Composition: Zinc-coated steel
• Mass: 7 grams (0.095 oz)
• Face value: 0.01 (one cent)
• Diameter: 19mm (0.74803 inches)
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Category: Wheat Lincoln Penny
• Mint Mark: D
• Thickness: 1.5mm (0.06 inches)

The most valuable variety of the 1944 Wheat Pennies is the specimen made of zinc-coated steel. Why?

According to some numismatists, this coin is considered more of an error than a variety because these coins were supposed to be made out of copper, just like most of the previous dates.

The total mintage number of these coins is unknown, and they are scarce and hard to find. However, it is believed that there are only 24 pieces of 1944 Steel Wheat Penny in existence.

Therefore, their price is pretty high, especially compared to the identical specimens made of copper. Even in the lowest grades, these coins are worth a fortune, starting at $10,000 and reaching $300,000.

Some specimens of these 1944 Steel Wheat Pennies in mint states were sold for a jaw-dropping $759,000 and can reach the price of $1,000,000.

Also read: 17 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money

1944 Wheat Penny History

The 1944 Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958. These coins were minted with this design, particularly the image of Lincoln, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth, which was in 1809.

The famous sculptor and designer Victor David Brenner did the design, whose initials (VDB) can be found on the obverse. Interestingly, Brenner developed or created a similar design several years before it was minted or even considered to be minted.

Theodore Roosevelt, the president at the time, had seen the first Brenner’s design, which he liked. Roosevelt was a passionate supporter of Lincoln and his ideology and even considered himself the successor of his political ideology.

The coin’s history is related to one of the most famous American presidents of all time and the happenings concerning World War II.

Interestingly the 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, one of the most attractive coins on the market, was initially made of copper, zinc, and tin. However, during WWI, the USA lacked various goods and materials, including copper, so the government agreed to change the metal composition of these coins.

Therefore, some of these were made of zinc and steel. However, these coins were prone to rust, and it was often mistaken for a dime, which did not sit well with the public. The U.S. government made the coins using copper instead of steel as a solution.

However, some numismatists consider these coins errors, but they are more of a failed experiment, intending to save copper and use it for better purposes than the mintage of coins.

Also read: 12 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Worth Money

Rare 1944 Wheat Penny Errors List

Several defects can be found in the 1944 Wheat Pennies. As with most other coins, the errors drastically boost the price. Therefore if you are looking for 1944 Wheat Pennies worth big bucks, look for the specimens with errors.

1. 1944 Wheat Penny Doubled Die Error

The double die error refers to the defect which happens when the die is doubled by mistake during the hubbing process. It creates two identical

The 1944 Wheat Penny with this kind of mistake can cost up to $5 or even more, depending on the coin’s state. The double die on the 1944 Wheat Pennies is usually restricted to the year mark, the term “LIBERTY,” and Lincoln’s eyes.

2. 1944 Wheat Penny Missing Dot Error

Some of the 1944 Wheat Pennies were minted without the dot on the American motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.

What makes this error interesting is its scarcity or rarity. Therefore, for the 1944 Wheat Penny with the missing dot, you can get around $8 to $10. The level of preservation also affects the prices in addition to the defect.

3. 1944 Wheat Penny Clipped Planchet Error

The clipped coin errors happen when the coins are struck on a clipped planchet because the blank was incorrectly struck from a metal sheet. Generally, larger clips are preferred and have a high value.

The price range for pieces with this error ranges from $12 to $100, depending on the coin’s condition.

4. 1944 Wheat Penny S over D Mark Error

Some of the 1944 Wheat Pennies have an error where a wrong mint mark was struck onto the coin, and over that mint mark the second, the right mint mark was struck. Using a magnifier you can clearly see the remnants of the initial mint mark.

You can also find the 1944 Wheat Penny with a D mint mark over S. Such specimens can reach the price of $130 or even more or less depending on their state.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Errors

Where to Sell Your 1944 Wheat Penny ?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

1944 Wheat Penny FAQ

Is there anything special about a 1944 wheat penny?

What is unique about the 1944 Wheat Pennies is the rare variety of 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, made of an alloy of zinc and steel. Given that fewer than 30 pieces of these coins exist, they can reach the price of 1,000,000. Even in lower grades, they are worth thousands.

Which 1944 penny is worth a lot of money?

The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is one of the most expensive and sought-after coins ever. The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is also collectible, and a specimen of the kind was sold for $1,000,000 in a private auction.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Wheat Penny Worth Money