The Year Everything Changed: 1943 vs 1944 Lincoln Cents

The 1943 and 1944 Lincoln cents look almost identical, yet they represent two very different moments in U.S. history. The 1944 Wheat penny meant the end of the Mint’s short experiment with steel coinage. While the 1943 cent was born out of wartime necessity, the 1944 cent marked a return to normal production. For collectors, knowing history and all other nuances helps to distinguish a valuable coin worth thousands of dollars from an ordinary one with a face value.

1943: The Year of the Steel Cent

In 1943, the U.S. Mint replaced copper with zinc-coated steel, as copper was needed for ammunition and communication equipment. The new steel cent was appealing: shiny and light, but the change came with problems. The steel surface rusted easily, and its silver color caused confusion with dimes.

Most Americans disliked the new coin. Within months, complaints arrived that “the pennies disappear in your hand”. The experiment lasted only one year but it still reminded collectors about important things — an emergency solution during war.

Collector tip: If a 1943 cent sticks to a magnet, it’s normal. If it doesn’t, check the weight — it could be a rare 1943 copper error.

Why 1944 Returned to Copper — The Postwar Shift

In 1944, copper returned. The war was ending, and the Mint could again use recycled shell casings to strike coins. The main characteristics of the coin you can see here:

The design stayed the same, but the color changed back to the familiar reddish tone. Over two billion pieces were produced, making it one of the most common issues of the Lincoln Wheat series. Yet within this massive mintage are rare varieties that turn an ordinary penny into a prized find.

Collector tip: “Red” examples — bright, untarnished copper coins — sell for more than brown or dull ones. But never polish them; cleaning destroys their surface.

Transitional Errors — When 1943 and 1944 Collided

Mistakes at the Mint led to two of the most famous Lincoln cent errors in history. In both cases, leftover planchets from the previous year were struck by accident, creating coins that collectors now consider legendary.

Main transitional errors include:

• 1943 Copper Cent — struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942. Value ranges from $150,000 to $250,000+, depending on condition.

• 1944 Steel Cent — struck on leftover zinc-coated steel planchets from 1943. Typically sells for $75,000 to $180,000+.

• Other 1944 Errors — doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets can reach $100–$5,000, based on severity and preservation.

How to Tell Them Apart

Both coins look similar to regular issues, but a few details make them easy to separate with basic tools:

• The 1943 copper cent does not stick to a magnet and weighs 3.11 g. The color is reddish-brown like any bronze coin. Only a few dozen confirmed examples exist.

• The 1944 steel cent is magnetic and weighs 2.7 g. The surface is silver-gray color and lighter in tone. Known from each mint — Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco — and all verified by PCGS or NGC.

Collector tip: Always check your coin with a magnet and a precise digital scale. These two quick tests can expose most real transitional errors in seconds.

Which One Is More Valuable — The Real Market Picture

Most 1943 and 1944 cents are worth only face value, but some have exceptional value due to grade or error type.

While the 1943 copper cent remains one of America’s most famous rarities, the 1944 Lincoln penny is of interest to a wider range of collectors: it is easier to find, affordable in most grades, and still represents a key historical transition.

High-grade 1944 coins (especially the ones graded MS67 Red) can reach thousands at auction. For example, a 1944 Philadelphia MS67RD sold for $25,000 (October 4, 2021, eBay) simply because of perfect preservation and strong color. For most, though, the value lies in the story they tell rather than their market price.

Collector tip: Avoid “too perfect” offers online. Many counterfeit 1943 copper and 1944 steel cents are plated or altered pieces. Always compare weight and look for certification.

Myths Collectors Should Stop Believing

Myth 1: Every 1943 penny is rare.

Not true. Over a billion steel cents were made. Only the bronze 1943 copper cent is truly valuable.

Myth 2: Every 1944 penny is expensive.

Most 1944 wheat pennies are common. Only rare steel errors or exceptional grades bring high prices.

Myth 3: A steel penny is fake.

It depends on the year. All 1943 cents were steel. A magnetic coin from 1943 is normal. A steel 1944 cent is a rare error.

Myth 4: Cleaning makes coins look better and increases value.

Cleaning destroys the natural surface and lowers prices. Collectors value original patina far more than artificial shine.

How to Identify, Verify, and Store Them

To check authenticity and protect condition:

• Use a small magnet to test for steel or copper.

• Weigh coins — 2.7 g means steel; 3.11 g means bronze.

• Inspect under bright light with a 10× loupe.

• Compare details with verified photos.

• Get certification from PCGS or NGC for high-value finds.

If you just start collecting coins, you can refer to reliable tools, e.g., to the Coin ID Scanner app. Due to it you will be able to easily identify any coins from photos and check minting details, history, metal composition, and even manage your digital collection. The app is useful for sorting multiple 1943 and 1944 pieces and checking basic minting details.

But remember to store your coins correctly: hold them in rigid plastic capsules or archival holders and avoid touching them with bare fingers. Humidity and air contact cause oxidation, especially for copper, so keep them in a cool, dry place away from light.

The Year That Defined a Century of Pennies

The 1943 and 1944 Lincoln cents capture two different things: a wartime shortage and a postwar recovery. The steel cent of 1943 was practical but temporary. The copper 1944 cent restored tradition and symbolized a return to normal life.

For collectors, both coins serve as lessons. They show how metal, grade, and history combine to shape value. One year produced a symbol of sacrifice, the next a sign of stability. Both remain parts of any Lincoln cent collection — proof that even the smallest coin can be valuable.