1944 Penny Value
A worn 1944 penny is worth about 4¢ for its copper. In everyday use it still spends as one cent, since melting cents isn't allowed.
Uncirculated ones bring $1–6, and a certified MS65 brings $10–20.
An ordinary one is worth a few cents at most. Check the date and mint mark closely for the varieties below before spending it.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1944-D | 430,578,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $10–20 |
| 1944 (no mint mark) | 1,435,400,000 | 4¢ | $1–6 | $10–20 |
| 1944-S | 282,760,000 | 4¢ | 50¢–$3 | $10–20 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Brass (95% copper, 5% zinc), reportedly made partly from recycled shell casings, 3.11 grams, about 4¢ of copper
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
1944 steel cent
Look for: A gray 1944 cent that sticks to a magnet.
A rare error struck on a steel blank, probably one left over from 1943 (possibly a foreign-coin blank). Only a few dozen are known.
Typical value: $25,000–40,000
1944-D, D over S
Look for: Parts of an S showing around the D mint mark, mostly above it (needs magnification).
A recognized overmint mark worth a solid premium.
Typical value: $60–250
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1944-D | For circulation | 430,578,000 |
| 1944 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 1,435,400,000 |
| 1944-S | For circulation | 282,760,000 |
Questions
Is a 1944 penny silver?
No. 1944 pennies are made of brass (95% copper, 5% zinc), reportedly made partly from recycled shell casings.
Which 1944 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1944-D is worth the most, about $10–20 in MS65. The 1944 steel cent is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $25,000–40,000.
Where is the mint mark on a 1944 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1944 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1944: 1944 dime, 1944 quarter, 1944 half dollar.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.