It’s a 1944 Lincoln cent struck on the wrong metal. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies in 1943 to save copper. In 1944 they went back to brass — but a tiny handful were accidentally minted on leftover bronze planchets from 1943. Only about 20–30 are known to exist!
A Quick History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909–1958)
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the “wheat penny” replaced the Indian Head cent in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The reverse shows two wheat stalks — hence the nickname. Over 20 billion were made, but a few ultra-rare errors slipped through.
Why One 1944 Penny Is Worth $202,000+ Today
In January 2023, a 1944-S bronze wheat penny graded MS-66 by PCGS sold for $202,000 at auction. Even lower-grade examples bring six figures. With so few known, every new discovery makes headlines — and collectors go wild.
How to Spot the Ultra-Rare Version in Circulation
Look for these three clues:
- Date: 1944 only (1943 bronze is the famous one, 1944 bronze is the sleeper)
- Weight: Bronze version weighs 3.11 grams (steel is only 2.7 grams)
- Magnet test: Real 1944 bronze DOES NOT stick to a magnet
Famous 1944 Bronze Wheat Penny Sales
| Year-Mint | Grade | Sale Price | Auction House | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944-S | MS-66 | $202,000 | Heritage Auctions | 2023 |
| 1944-D | MS-64 | $115,000 | Stack’s Bowers | 2021 |
| 1944 no mint | AU-55 | $372,000 | Private sale | 2019 |
Quick ID Guide – 1944 Penny Types
| Type | Composition | Sticks to Magnet? | Current Value (circulated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common 1944 | Zinc-coated steel | Yes | 5–15 cents |
| Rare 1944 Bronze | 95% copper | No | $50,000 – $300,000+ |
Expert Tips: How to Search Your Change Safely & Smartly
- Keep a small magnet in your car — test every 1943 and 1944 penny you get.
- Check coin rolls from the bank (CRH – coin roll hunting is free and fun).
- Use a cheap digital scale accurate to 0.01g.
- Never clean coins — cleaning destroys value.
- Get suspicious finds authenticated by PCGS or NGC before celebrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1944 pennies valuable?
A: No! 99.999% are common steel cents worth a dime or less.
Q: Has anyone actually found a 1944 bronze in circulation recently?
A: Not confirmed in the last decade, but many believe one is still out there.
Q: What should I do if I think I found one?
A: Don’t clean it! Photograph it, store it safely, and send insured to PCGS or NGC for grading.
Final Thoughts – Start Looking Today!
Your spare-change jar, that old coffee can at Grandma’s house, or even the next roll of pennies from the bank could hold a six-figure treasure. The $202,000 Lincoln wheat penny proves that rare coins are still in circulation — and the next big discovery could be yours. Grab a magnet, start sorting, and who knows… you might just become the next viral coin-finder story! Happy hunting, and feel free to share your best finds in the comments below! 🪙