1944 Steel Penny Error

1944 • United States • 1¢

About This Coin

The opposite of the 1943 copper penny error - in 1944, when the mint returned to copper pennies, a few leftover steel planchets from 1943 were accidentally struck with 1944 dies.

Specifications

Composition

Steel with Zinc coating

Weight

2.7 grams

Diameter

19 mm

Edge

Plain

Designer

Victor David Brenner

Mintage

~25-30 known examples

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	$75,000+
Good (G)	$100,000+
Fine (F)	$150,000+
Very Fine (VF)	$200,000+
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	$300,000+
Uncirculated (MS)	$500,000-800,000+

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

Use a magnet - genuine 1944 steel pennies are magnetic (normal 1944 copper pennies are not). The coin should be gray/silver colored, not copper. Weight should be 2.7g. Many 1944 pennies have been plated or altered, so professional authentication is critical. Check for signs of plating or tampering.

Historical Context

When the U.S. Mint returned to copper penny production in 1944 after the wartime steel cent experiment, a small number of 1943 steel planchets remained mixed with the copper supply. These were struck with 1944 dies, creating one of numismatics' most sought-after errors. The reverse of the 1943 copper penny error.

Notable Varieties

1944 Steel (Philadelphia)
1944-D Steel (Denver)
1944-S Steel (San Francisco)

Frequently Asked Questions

How rare is the 1944 steel penny?

Extremely rare - only about 25-30 genuine examples are known across all three mints. They are even rarer than the famous 1943 copper penny. Values range from $75,000 to $800,000+ depending on condition and mint mark.

Could my silver-colored 1944 penny be real?

Possibly, but most are either plated normal copper pennies or modern counterfeits. The magnet test is key - genuine steel cents are strongly magnetic. However, plated coins may also be magnetic. Professional authentication is essential before celebrating!