Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States · 1944

A small copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1944
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc (Shell Case Bronze)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 20, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A small copper-colored coin featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The 1944 cent was struck using recycled brass shell cases from WWII ammunition, returning the coin to a copper-colored alloy after the 1943 steel cent experiments.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1944'. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat stalks flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Estimated value

$0.05-$0.15 circulated, $2-$20 in typical Mint State grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition is the primary factor. While 1944 is a common date, examples in high Mint State or those with rare error varieties carry premiums.

Grade assessment

Good to Very Good (G-VG); significant environmental damage and wear, appears 'corroded' or heavily weathered.

Mintage & rarity

Common; mintage of approximately 1,435,400,000 for the Philadelphia issue.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight is a key indicator; genuine 1944 bronze cents weigh ~3.1g. Check for the rare 1944 steel error by seeing if a magnet attracts the coin (standard ones should not).

Notable varieties & errors

The 1944-D over S (D/S) overmintmark and the rare 1944 Steel Cent (wrong planchet error).

Similar coins

1943 Steel Cents (zinc-coated steel), 1944 Steel Cents (extremely rare error), and 1944-D/S mint marks.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning as it removes the natural patina. Store in a cool, dry place in an acid-free holder to prevent further oxidation or 'bronze disease'.

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