Lincoln Wheat Cent
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1944
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc (Bronze)
Brief Description
A copper-colored cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Designed by Victor David Brenner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, it was the first US coin to feature a person's portrait. The 1944 issue marks the return to bronze after the 1943 steel cent used during WWII.
Estimated Value
$0.05 - $0.20 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe folder in a cool, dry place.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Philadelphia minted 1,435,400,000 cents in 1944.
Weight & Diameter
3.11 grams, 19.05 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine (VF); showing moderate even wear throughout, though major details and wheat lines remain visible.
Obverse (Front)
Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1944'.
Reverse (Back)
Two wheat ears framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at top.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), color (Red vs Brown), and the presence of rare steel-planchet errors from leftover 1943 stock.
Similar Coins
1943 Steel Cent (grey/silver) and shell-case cents used during WWII which have slightly different metal alloys.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for magnetic properties; a genuine 1944 bronze cent should not be magnetic. Beware of copper-plated 1943 steel cents.
Notable Varieties & Errors
DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) varieties exist, and the rare 1944 steel cent error is extremely valuable.
Created At: 2026-06-16T17:42:15.184999