Only 2 Confirmed Examples Exist – Could Yours Be #3?
The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is one of America’s rarest coin errors, with just two authenticated specimens known to exist. This accidental wartime rarity recently sold for $400,000—and another could be hiding in your collection!
Why Is This Penny So Valuable?
Historic Mistake:
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for WWII.
- A few steel planchets were accidentally struck with 1944 dies, creating this ultra-rare error.
Extreme Rarity:
- Only 2 confirmed examples (PCGS MS-66 & NGC MS-64).
- The PCGS MS-66 specimen sold privately for ~$400,000.
- The NGC MS-64 coin is displayed at the Smithsonian.
Elite Collector Demand:
- Top numismatists and museums compete fiercely for these errors.
- Any newly discovered example could break auction records.
2024 Market Value (If Certified)
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-65+ | Full mint luster | $300K–$400K |
| AU-55 | Light wear | $100K–$175K |
| XF-40 | Moderate wear | $50K–$85K |
Note: All values assume PCGS/NGC certification. Raw coins are worth 50% less.
How to Authenticate a Genuine 1944 Steel Cent
Magnet Test (Most Important!)
Real Steel: Strongly magnetic (sticks firmly).
Fake/Copper: Non-magnetic.
Weight Check (Must Be Exact!)
Steel Weight: 2.70 grams (±0.05g).
Copper Weight: 3.11g.
Visual Inspection
- Color: Silvery-gray (not copper-red).
- Edge: Shows zinc coating (no copper visible).
- Sound: High-pitched “ping” (not a dull “clink”).
Professional Grading (Mandatory!)
- PCGS or NGC certification is required for any serious sale.
Beware of Fakes!
Copper-Plated Steel Pennies (wrong weight).
Altered 1943 Pennies (date modified to “1944”).
Cast Counterfeits (bubbles under magnification).
Where to Sell (If You Find One!)
- Heritage Auctions (Record prices for rare coins).
- Stack’s Bowers (Elite collectors & museums).
- Private Treaty Sale (For maximum discretion).
Think You Found a 1944 Steel Cent?
Email photos + weight to experts@pennyverse.info for a free evaluation!
Free Download:
“Ultra-Rare Wheat Penny Checklist” (With authentication tips).
“Only two exist—could yours be the third?”
— The PennyVerse Authentication Team
Why Trust This Guide?
- Based on PCGS/NGC records (no hype).
- Clear authentication steps to avoid scams.
- Realistic valuations (not exaggerated)
