D Mint Mark Cent Appraisal

1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent

This item is a 1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent, minted at the Denver facility (denoted by the 'D' mint mark clearly visible below the date). The coin is composed of a brass alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) used during this era following the 1943 steel cent production. It measures 19.05mm in diameter with a plain edge. The obverse features the iconic right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner, with the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY' alongside the date 1944. The reverse, though not fully visible, would traditionally feature two stalks of wheat framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. This specific specimen displays a circulated chocolate-brown patina with visible surface wear consistently across the high points of Lincoln's hair and clothing. There are minor contact marks and small abrasions consistent with its age and use in commerce. There is no evidence of significant corrosion or environmental damage, though the luster has completely faded into a flat, matte finish indicative of a Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF) grade assessment. The coin appears alongside a 'Lincoln Cent Starting 1941' collector's folder, suggesting it is part of a curated numismatic collection.