These were actually zinc-plated steel, and the zinc deteriorated over time, so the surface appearance on yours may be OK....but the non-magnetic, that is an issue.
One common fakery method is to alter the date on a copper penny from another year, and zinc-plate it. That would give both the surface you see, andbe non-magnetic.
You could also check the edge; the genuine ones were struck from blanks made by punching discs from a sheet of zinc-plated steel; so the edges were NOT zinc-plated. You should be able to tell if this is the case with yours or not.
1944 steel pennies are extremely valuable, although the price they sell for depends on their condition. A 1944 steel penny in excellent condition can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or even up to $1 million.
Experts estimated the surviving population of the 1944 Steel Cent to be in the range of 25-30 pieces, or about double that of the known population of 1943 Bronze Cents.
Collectors highly value this historically significant currency because of its authenticity. Unlike regular Lincoln pennies made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, the 1944 steel cent's metal content is made of zinc-coated steel to protect it from corrosion.
The 1944 wheat penny should weigh 2.7 grams. You should try the following: double check your measurements. look to see if Lincoln is identifiable on the face of the coin if not, the coin may be damaged badly; look for damage and check the diameter.
Pass a sizeable magnet, preferably larger than a refrigerator magnet, over your penny. Did it pick the penny up? If it did not pick the penny up or attract it with a noticeable force, it is not a steel penny. If it picked the penny up, your penny is made from steel.
As for the 1944 steel cent without a mintmark, it is worth more than $28,000 in average condition. One 1944 steel cent graded in MS64 without a mark sold for $180,000 in an auction in June 2021.
As of 2023, a circulated 1944-S wheat penny, on average condition, is worth around 10 to 15 cents, while an uncirculated one can range from $1 to $10 or more, depending on market conditions.
Steel pennies minted in Philadelphia in 1943 are common nowadays, meaning you can get one used piece for $0.13 to $0.30. Those in the mint state come in a wide price range from several cents for those in MS 60 rank to $3,600 for MS 68-graded ones.
Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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