STEEL cents can be extremely rare and potentially worth in the millions if it features a 1944 date.
TheLincoln pennyhas been around for more than a century – with most coin collectors being familiar with its bronze features.
1
But some may not be aware of the steel penny and what it could be worth.
Here's what's so special about the 1944 steel cent.
THE 1944 STEEL CENT EXPLAINED
The Lincoln penny is one of the only two dates that feature zinc-coated steel.
The other one is the1943 Lincoln steel penny– which is much more common.
READ MORE ON COINS
The steel cent was made in an effort to conserve bronze for World War II.
But unlike the 1943 date, there is a scarce amount of 1944 steel pennies.
The following Lincoln steel cents were minted in 1944:
- 1944 (no mintmark)
- 1944-D
- 1944-S
A coin with a D mint mark means it was minted in Denver, while an S letter means it was struck in San Francisco.
No mintmarks typically mean that the piece was minted in Philadelphia.
All steel cents with the 1944 date have reported mintages of under 40.
While they are all quite rare, the 1944-S is the most valuable of the three – with a reported mintage of just two.
Meanwhile, many coin experts believe there are a few that have yet to be discovered.
“The 1944-S Steel Cent is an extremely rare off-metal striking created when a steel blank left over from 1943 was struck in the normal production run of 1944-S Bronze Cents," Ron Guth, President of Professional Coin Grading Serviceswrote.
Make sure not to confuse these with a 1943 date, as more than a billion steel pennies were produced that year.
HOW MUCH IT COULD BE WORTH
You might have hit the jackpot if you happen to find a steel penny with a 1944 date.
As always, the value of coins could depend on grade and condition.
When it comes to the 1944-S steel cent, it is worth $399,637 in average condition and could be worth more than $1.11million in an MS63 grade, according toUSA Coin Book.
In 2021, one in an MS66 grade sold for a record $408,000 at a Heritage Auction.
The grading scale only goes up to 70, meaning a 66 is very high.
The 1944 D steel cent is worth nearly $34,000 in average condition.
In an August 2007 auction, a 1944 D Lincoln steel cent graded in MS63sold for $115,000, according to PCGS.
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 marksoldfor $180,000 in an auction in June 2021.
SPOTTING RARE COINS
While it's not an easy task by any means, there are multiple ways to go aboutfinding rare coins.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check places in your home or any places you may store change.
Some other things you can try include using a metal detector in known areas for buried treasure and by stopping by your local bank branch and asking for a wrapper of pennies.
You can also try to get a good deal on one online through USA Coin Book or eBay.
But make sure you research the coin first and know what it’s worth before buying.
And also – make sure you're aware of potential fakes online.
To avoid this, make sure you check the seller’s history and whether or not the coin was certified in the listing.
Read More on The US Sun
Your unique pennies aren’t the only thing that might hold value, asnickels,dimes,half dollars,quartersothers could be worth a serious mint.
Check out a list of the most valuable coins in circulation worth up to $9,477.
