The 1940s were a transformative decade for U.S. coinage, introducing designs and minting errors that have since become highly coveted by collectors.
Some of these coins, due to their rarity and unique characteristics, can command impressive sums at auctions. Here are five such coins from the 1940s that are worth a fortune:
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
In 1943, the U.S. Mint transitioned to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for World War II efforts.
However, a few bronze planchets from the previous year remained, leading to accidental bronze pennies being minted.
The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent is particularly rare, with only one known specimen from the Denver Mint. This coin sold for $840,000 at auction, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever.
2. 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent
Similar to the 1943-D variant, the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent was mistakenly struck in bronze instead of steel.
Only a handful of these coins exist, with one example fetching $504,000 at auction. Collectors highly prize these due to their rarity and the historical context of their production.
3. 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent
After the war, the U.S. Mint resumed using copper for pennies. However, some leftover steel planchets from 1943 were used in 1944, resulting in the 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent.
With only two known specimens, this coin is exceptionally rare. An uncirculated example sold for $373,750 at auction.
4. 1940-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1940-D Jefferson Nickel is notable for its high-quality strike and the presence of “Full Steps” on the reverse, indicating a sharp strike of the Monticello building.
Coins with this feature are highly sought after. A 1940-D Jefferson Nickel graded MS-68 Full Steps sold for $21,737.50 at auction.
5. 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins.
The 1940 issue, with a mintage of just over 9 million, is particularly rare in high grades. An MS-68 graded coin has an estimated value of $45,000, with some examples selling for $29,375 at auction.
Overview of Valuable 1940s Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Mark | Notable Features | Auction Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | D | Only known specimen from Denver Mint; struck in bronze instead of steel. | $840,000 |
| 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | S | Extremely rare; struck in bronze; only a few known specimens. | $504,000 |
| 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent | 1944 | S | Struck on leftover 1943 steel planchets; only two known specimens. | $373,750 |
| 1940-D Jefferson Nickel | 1940 | D | High-quality strike with “Full Steps” on Monticello; rare in high grades. | $21,737.50 |
| 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1940 | – | Low mintage; highly sought after in high grades; considered a beautiful design. | $45,000 |
FAQs
What makes the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent so valuable?
The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent is unique because it’s the only known penny from the Denver Mint struck in bronze during a year when most pennies were made of steel. Its rarity and historical significance contribute to its high value.
How can I identify a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent?
Identifying a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent involves examining the coin’s composition and color. Genuine bronze pennies will have a reddish-brown hue, while steel pennies are typically gray. Professional authentication is recommended due to the prevalence of counterfeits.
Why is the 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent so rare?
The 1944-S Steel Lincoln Cent is rare because it was struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943, leading to a limited number of these coins being produced. Their scarcity and unique composition make them highly valuable to collectors.