It would be nice to see images that are in focus. From the images that have been posted, I'm seeing a damaged coin.
As mentioned earlier, the main thing that would determine if it is a 1944 is the last numeral. Since the other digits are clear it seems very suspicious that the last digit isn't as clear as the others. Just my two cents worth.
I always figure, how many legit examples are there? How many fakes are out there? Why would someone accidentally find a legit specimen in circulation, when there are 1000 times (or more) fakes to be discovered? When most (all) of the legit specimens are already documented. Yeah there is always 1 that can pop up, but it's like winning the lottery. Highly unlikely. Again, if the OP feels he has a legit specimen, the coin would have to be authenticated before it could be sold anyway. So it needs to be authenticated. No one is going to authenticate it from a blurry photo (although it could be disproven that way). I assume any kind of tool mark near the last digit is going to disqualify this coin.
The 1943's were struck with much more pressure due to the hardness of steel as compared to bronze. The 1944's were stuck from brass by combining recycled cannon and ack-ack shells and required less striking pressure than the 1943's. A 1944 should have slightly weakened details just as the 1943 bronze cents have exceptional detail because of the extra striking pressure used. A magnet test should be first. Even the grading services may not give an opinion as the last digit of the date is so much in question.
The shell case cents were mostly discarded shells from domestic gun ranges and not battlefield pick ups.
I can see what you're talking about in the last digit, but in all probability, it's either a damaged, or altered number - (your photos aren't the best for determining what that last digit is). If you feel that it's definitely a '4', then you should submit it to either PCGS or NGC - but don't get you're hopes up too high. Just my two cents worth........
It looks like a genuine steel cent with an altered date. Even though the original photo is blurry, it looks like the tail of the 3 may visible. Before you spend your money to send it out for authentication, I would really make an objective attempt to look at it under magnification to see if there is anything resembling scratches and/or remnants of a 3. Look at some pics of a genuine 1943 to familiarize yourself. There is a high probability that if there is ANYTHING questionable around the last digit, then it's altered. Out of 1.4 Billion 1944 cents minted in Philadelphia, there are probably around 10-15 known steel cents. The odds of finding one are on par with winning the lottery
Well until a better photo is available I don't know what everybody else is talking about, I'm going to have to go with a partially filled die. This will partially fill die will give you a partially visible number. A better photo would be helpful. For what it's worth that's my opinion
Pattyman98 thank you so much for leaving me in the right direction and your encouragement. You are the perfect person for this website you have lots of positive energy. It is definitely good for some people to have their constructive criticism. Although pessimism is not a a constructive demeanor for treasure hunting. Thank you to everyone else that had their input as well. Peace
I any more input I'm I'm trying to figure out ways to get better pictures. I could use aadvice on that as well.
I see absolutely zero tool mark But it almost appears to have different dies on top of the fact that it is partially filled. Come on now I need to feed that treasure hunter inside all of you
I agree it is a '3'. The tail in the 3 dipped down to the level of the bottom of the 9. the photos are not definitive, but also do not convince of a '4'. It appears some angular damage ( maybe a coin counter arm)scraped across the bottom.
I don't know maybe it's just me I just don't see the 3. I see a ghost figure of a 4.Here is one of my missing number steals. It seems no one has informed you of the search box just above your avatar. If you go there there are quite a few threads addressing coin photography.Maybe next month when I get my new glasses I'll be able to see the 3 in your photos USMC60
Somewhere during one of my searches I saw something about a fallen die or something like that I think there's been another example of this coin is what I'm saying as well. I will be sending it off to get graded I am just happy to keep receiving feedback
I admit I am a bit of a novice. But I have been doing enough research in the last month that would make me appear absolutely insane. I just do not think that this has been tampered with somehow this came from the Department of Treasury like this.
