The 1944 Steel Penny is an off-metal error created when leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used to strike 1944 Lincoln cents. Fewer than 30 authentic examples are known to exist. Specimens have sold for over $100,000.
A 1944 steel cent looks silver-gray rather than copper-colored, and a magnet will stick to it. A normal 1944 copper cent is brown to red and is non-magnetic. Always test with a magnet first — that single test rules out 99% of fakes.
In 1943 the U.S. Mint struck pennies on zinc-coated steel planchets to save copper for the war effort. When production switched back to copper in 1944, a small number of leftover steel planchets remained in the production hoppers and were struck with 1944 dies.
Authenticated 1944 steel cents have sold for $75,000 to over $400,000 depending on condition and mint mark. The 1944-S steel cent is the rarest of the three (P, D, S) and the most valuable.
Many fake 1944 steel cents exist. Some are altered 1943 coins with the date changed. Always have any candidate authenticated by PCGS or NGC before celebrating.
Hold a magnet near it. A steel cent will stick. A normal copper cent will not.
Fewer than 30 authenticated examples across all three mints (P, D, S) are known to exist.
Authenticated examples have sold for $75,000 to over $400,000 depending on condition and mint mark.
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