If you find a copper 1943 or steel 1944 penny, do two things: Test the coin with a magnet. Real steel coins will stick; coated coins will not. If your 1944 steel penny doesn’t attach itself to the magnet, it’s likely a copper penny coated in a thin layer of steel and is not real steel all the way through.

Does a magnet stick to a steel penny?

The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.

Does a silver penny stick to a magnet?

Silver is not magnetic, not even with the strongest magnet. However, silver is diamagnetic. If you hold a silver coin at 45 degrees a suitable magnet will slide down it slowly.

What is a 1944 steel penny worth today?

1944 Steel Penny Values A coin in average condition has an estimated value of at least $77,000. A copy found in certified mint state (MS+) condition could be worth $110,000 at auction.

How much is a 1944 steel penny worth in 2019?

The 1944 steel penny is worth between $75,000 and $110,000, depending on its condition. The 1943 copper cent — with only 40 made and 12 known to exist today — can command a price of around $150,000 to $200,000.

Is there fake 1944 steel penny?

Watch Out For Counterfeits With 1944 steel cents, it’s easy for an unscrupulous person to simply tinker with the last digit of the date on a typical 1943 steel cent, even scraping away the “3” and implanting a zinc-coated “4” removed from a 1944 copper cent.

How many 1944 steel pennies are there?

There are probably 25 to 35 Philadelphia Mint steel cents from 1944 in existence. Just two 1944 San Francisco Mint steels are known. The consignment by Bob Simpson of the PCGS graded MS-66 1944-S commands attention. The only other known 1944-S steel cent is in a PCGS genuine holder.

Are 1944 steel pennies worth anything?

Why is a 1944 steel penny worth so much money?

Much of its value, however, stems from its association with 1943 steel cents, which have been made famous by those who regard 1944 steel cents as coins. In the same sale of the Geyer Collection, a non-gradable 1943 copper, with a nasty gash on Lincoln’s head, brought $88,125.

Why is the 1944 steel penny worth so much?

The 1944 steel wheat penny is worth between $75,000 and $110,000, depending on its condition, while the 1943 copper wheat penny is worth between $150,000 and $200,000. The high numismatic values of these coins are the result of their extreme rarity; both coins are the result of printing errors, and thus very few examples exist of either.

How rare is a 1943 Lincoln Steel Penny?

They are fairly common in nice condition since people tended to save them when they were first issued because they were unusual. A regular 1943 steel penny is worth only a few cents. As the 1943 steel pennies circulated, the zinc coating started to turn dark gray and almost black.

What’s so special about 1943 copper penny?

The 1943 copper penny can be worth a million dollars as an extremely rare and sought after collectible coin. A penny from 1943 minted that year was made out of steel with a zinc coating. This was because copper was heavily needed for war materials during World War II.