Numista lists this date 1944 as rare. A few Questions:
1- Why is it rare?
2- How rare really is it?
3- What grade would you give this coin?
4- What is the diagonal looking pattern on the reverse?
1. It is probably considered rare because reported mintage is quite a bit lower than other years and perhaps amount placed in circulation was low, considering time period.
2. It does not seem to very rare as Numista index figure is so low and I have the same coin.
3. I would grade your coin F at best although I tend to be rather nasty in grading zinc and iron.
4. I think the diagonal pattern you mention is from abrasive cleaning of the coin, which lowers the value.
2. The rare tag needs to be removed from all entries in the database. The example you have given is a great illustration why. Notice the 1945 isn't "rare" but the following year with a relatively large mintage of over 8 million is. A coin with 8 million examples isn't rare, it isn't scarce it's common as dirt and there are probably ten examples for every person who wants one. Until this silly tagging of common coins is halted, Numista will never be regarded as a credible source. I often wonder if they are added by people wanting to jack up the value of their coins?
3. VF
4. Dremel!
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
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