1944 Lincoln Wheat Penny
United States Mint · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins/Numismatics
Era / Decade
1944 (Mid-1940s/WWII Era)
Material
95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin (Standard bronze alloy used after the 1943 steel cent)
Condition
Good/Fine (Circulated). Visible heavy oxidation, dark toning, and significant surface wear. The date is legible but the details of Lincoln's hair and the reverse 'ears' of wheat are likely smoothed.
Demand Level
Low/Bulk. While many people collect wheat pennies, billions were minted in 1944. They are usually sold in bulk rolls rather than as individual specimens in this condition.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $0.02 | Mid: $0.10 | High: $0.25
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 - $0.15
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales show bulk rolls of 50 circulated 1940s wheat cents selling for $2.50 to $5.00 plus shipping. Single 1944 pennies in this common circulated condition rarely sell individually unless they are high-grade (MS65+) or rare errors.
Description
Authentic 1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent coin minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark). This coin features the iconic Victor David Brenner design of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two ears of wheat on the reverse. It is a highly common circulated date from the high-production WWII years.
Key Features
Obsolete 'Wheat Cent' reverse design; copper composition (unlike the 1943 steel cent); WWII era history.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence for a standard copper-alloy penny. Weight should be approximately 3.11 grams. Note: If this coin were magnetic, it would be a rare and highly valuable steel error, but it appears to be the standard copper strike.
Flaws to Note
Significant environmental damage/toning (dark spots); heavy circulation wear; no rare mint marks (like the 1944-S or 1944-D); lack of original mint luster.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (in bulk rolls or lots), Local Coin Shop (only if selling a large quantity), or Etsy as part of 'history' or 'crafting' lots.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin; collectors prefer natural patina and cleaning reduces value. This item is best used as a 'filler' or 'loss leader' to build seller feedback. Bundle it with other wheat cents (rolls of 50) to make shipping costs worthwhile. Use keywords: 'WWII', 'Wheat Penny', 'Bulk Cent', '1944 Lincoln'.