1944 Steel Penny Value
1944 | Philadelphia | Mintage: Unknown | Zinc-coated steel (steel planchet error)
$75,000 – $1,000,000 Key Date
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The 1944 Steel Penny was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Values range from $75,000 in lower grades to $1,000,000 in top condition. This is a key date, making it especially sought-after by collectors.
CoinValueDB Value Estimate
$75,000 – $1,000,000
Price History
SoldHigh BidFor SaleLast Asking PriceMoving Average
Avg: $283,889 High: $1,000,000 Low: $75,000 9 total data points
CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $75,000 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $95,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | $110,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $125,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $150,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $200,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $300,000 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-63) | $500,000 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | $1,000,000 |
Coin Details
- Designer
- Victor D. Brenner
- Composition
- Zinc-coated steel (steel planchet error)
- Weight
- 2.70 grams
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Edge
- plain
- Series
- Lincoln Wheat Error (1909-1958)
Historical Notes
The reverse of the 1943 copper penny error. When the mint switched back to copper planchets in 1944, some leftover steel planchets were struck, creating one of the rarest US error coins.
Varieties
Steel Planchet Error
Struck on a leftover 1943 zinc-coated steel planchet instead of the copper planchets resumed in 1944 after wartime steel production ended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1944 Steel Penny worth? +
A 1944 Steel Penny is worth between $75,000 and $1,000,000 depending on condition. Coins in higher grades (MS-65 and above) command significant premiums.
How many 1944 Lincoln Wheat Error coins were made? +
The Philadelphia Mint produced Unknown 1944 Lincoln Wheat Error coins. Lower mintage numbers generally correlate with higher collector value.
Is the 1944 Steel Penny a key date? +
Yes, the 1944 Steel Penny is considered a key date in the Lincoln Wheat Error series. Key dates are coins with low mintage, high collector demand, or both, making them among the most valuable in the series.
How much is a 1944 steel penny worth? +
Genuine 1944 steel pennies are rare and typically sell for thousands of dollars depending on their condition. A certified example in decent shape often brings between $50,000 and $100,000 at auction.
Is a 1944 steel penny rare? +
Yes, it is a key date error coin. Only a small number of these steel planchet errors exist compared to the billions of copper pennies minted that year.
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