1944 Wheat Cent Errors, Varieties, & Values
1944 wheat cent errors and varieties exist! First, observe a 1944 S Lincoln wheat cent displaying a minor struck through grease error in the images.
One of the dots is completely missing, with some of the devices, the tops of the letters “E Pluribus Unum” appear faded. Keep scrolling to learn more about the 1944 wheat leaf penny.
This wheatback penny is in a late die stage, meaning the coin was struck with an aging die. For instance, the faded bust of Lincoln, also known as “The Ghost of Lincoln,” is evident on the reverse and a strong indication of an overused die. Keep reading to learn more about more 1944 wheat cent errors, varieties, and values.
1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent Values
1944 Lincoln wheat cent values depend on a variety of factors. For instance, 1944 S wheat pennies sell for roughly two dollars or more in raw condition on Ebay. Furthermore, it’s not always the condition of a coin that makes it the most valuable.
However, luster still has a major influence on eye appeal. For instance, a 1944-S Lincoln wheat cent graded MS67Rd, sold for $3,290. Additionally, a 1944-S Lincoln wheat penny graded MS67BN, sold for $50.00.
Most Valuable 1944 Wheat Pennies
Furthermore, a 1944-S Steel Lincoln wheat cent graded MS66, sold for $408,000. However, that penny is not only a high mint state grade, but it’s also a rare transitional error. That’s why it’s an extremely valuable $400K penny!
Additionally, a 1944 steel wheat cent graded MS64, sold for $180,000. While not as lustrous, its composition makes it a rarity. Needless to say these specimens are some of the most valuable wheat cents to date.
1944 S Wheat Penny Mint Mark Varieties
The famed 1944-S Lincoln Cent struck on a Zinc-Plated Steel Planchet, weighs 2.7 grams. Moreover, be aware of the mint mark varieties that exist. For instance, a “large S, is one of two mint mark varieties in use at that time in San Francisco.
The Knob S is the other. That 1944-S steel cent is also the Large S variety. An estimated 10 are thought to exist in various conditions and grades.” Daniel of Portsmouth Coins suggests investing in having a coin such as this professionally authenticated and graded.
1944 Penny Transitional Off Metal Errors
“When a coin is struck on a planchet different than its intended, it is defined as an “off-metal”. This is because the planchet is different than normal either in its appearance, size, or both.” – coinweek.com
Transitional mint errors happen when coins are struck with differing metal compositions not just different sizes of devices. Other 1944 penny planchet errors are as follows:
- 1944-S Lincoln Cent struck on a Zinc-Plated Steel Planchet.
- 1944-S Struck On Steel Planchet.
- 1944-D Struck On Zinc Coated Planchet.
- 1944-D Struck On Steel Planchet.
- 1944 Struck On Steel Planchet.
Rare Wheat Cent Varieties
The next time you come across a 1944 penny observe it very closely. Obverse and reverse doubled die varieties exist. Furthermore, repunched mintmark varieties, and over mintmark variety discoveries may still be hiding in a roll of 1944 pennies somewhere too. There’s still a lot to look for on 1944 wheat cents!
Variety Attributions
Images to utilize for coin mint mark variety comparisons are available via coppercoins.com. Images to compare doubled die varieties are available at doubleddie.com. Another excellent resource is varietyvista.com.
These numismatists will examine and attribute coins for a reasonable price. However, each has special set of instructions for submitting coins to them for attribution. Therefore, thoroughly read the directions on each website.
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