💰 $1 Million Penny Alert: The Rare 1944 Steel Cent & Other Valuable Errors

🔍 3 Potential Errors on Your 1944 Penny

1. The “Holy Grail” Error: 1944 Steel Cent (Value: Up to $1M)

✔ Why Valuable? Struck on leftover 1943 steel planchets during WWII
✔ Key Tests:

• Magnetic (sticks to a magnet)
• Silver-gray color (not copper)
• Weight: 2.7g (not 3.11g)
  ✔ Rarity: Only 30-40 known across all mints

2. Lamination Error (Value: $50-$500)

✔ Appearance: Flaky or peeling surface (like the circled area)
✔ Cause: Impurities in the copper alloy
✔ Grading Boost: Adds 20-50% premium in mint state

3. Die Break/Cud (Value: $100-$1,000)

✔ Look For: Raised “blobs” on Lincoln’s cheek/jaw
✔ Collector Demand: Dramatic errors sell for 10x guide

📈 2024 Value Breakdown

Key Insight: Minor errors double in value when certified by PCGS/NGC.

⚠️ Authentication Guide

For Steel Cents:

1. Magnet Test (Must stick)
2. Weigh Precisely (2.7g)
3. Submit to PCGS ($150 grading fee = worth it)

For Lamination/Die Breaks:

✔ Microscope Check: Natural metal flow (no tool marks)
✔ Match to Known Varieties (e.g., “Cheek Cud” errors)

Red Flags:
❌ Painted or plated coins (fake “steel” look)
❌ Wrong mint mark style for 1944