Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1944

A copper-colored cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1944
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc (Bronze)

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Identified June 16, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

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.

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.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.20 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), color (Red vs Brown), and the presence of rare steel-planchet errors from leftover 1943 stock.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine (VF); showing moderate even wear throughout, though major details and wheat lines remain visible.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Philadelphia minted 1,435,400,000 cents in 1944.

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.

Similar coins

1943 Steel Cent (grey/silver) and shell-case cents used during WWII which have slightly different metal alloys.

Care & preservation

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.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other united states of america coins

Learn about Lincoln Wheat Cent in the encyclopedia