12 Coins From the 1940s That Are Worth Way More Than Face Value

Think those old coins in your change jar are only worth a few cents? Think again. Many older coins are worth more than the amount stamped on them, sometimes because they're rare, and sometimes because the silver content is valuable.

Collectors are always on the hunt for rare dates, mint marks, and unique errors, which means you could earn extra money just by digging through your pocket change or coin collection.

Take a look at these 12 coins from the 1940s that could be worth much more than their face value.

Market value: $25

Steel cents often look like silver if they still have their original shine and luster. However, they were actually made of steel and zinc, in an effort to reserve copper for military purposes during World War II.

These steel cents are almost always worth more than their face value, with this 1943 San Francisco-minted version selling for up to $25 in uncirculated condition.

Market value: $26

A landmark in the history of coin mintage, this nickel was the first to feature the "P" mint mark, indicating it was produced at the main Philadelphia mint. Previously, all Philadelphia coins were unmarked.

During World War II, nickel was in short supply and diverted to the war effort. These coins are made of copper, manganese, and silver, which increases their value. They're actually some of the only nickels to contain no nickel at all.

Market value: $39

Featuring a bust of Lady Liberty with wings reminiscent of the deity Mercury, these dimes are historically significant as they were produced between the Great Depression and World War II. These coins are also valuable due to their high silver content.

If your dimes are unmarked or in uncirculated condition, they could be worth almost $40 each. That's a markup of 400%.

Market value: $53

Quarters from 1945 offer double appeal for collectors. They mark some of the first post-war coins minted, plus they have a high silver content, which naturally increases their value.

Look for the "D" mint mark, which indicates that this quarter was produced at the Denver mint. In uncirculated condition with no damage, you could sell this quarter for up to $53.

Market value: $77

Walking Liberty half dollars show Lady Liberty with an outstretched hand in front of the sunrise. This particular version has no mint mark, indicating it's an earlier 1940s coin from the Philadelphia mint.

These coins are worth up to $77 each in mint condition. If you're fortunate enough to find a rare proof version, though, these can sell for up to $790.

Market value: $39

All Mercury dimes are worth more than face value, regardless of their condition. Mint state coins are worth around $39; however, there are some proof coins of the 1940 edition. Proofs are coins minted as collectibles or to show what the finished product will look like.

Because they're never meant to circulate, they're rare and often in incredible condition. The average market value for a proof 1940 dime with no mint mark is $225.

Market value: $44

Here's another valuable wartime dime, this time from the San Francisco mint. Look for the "S" mark to confirm this, and pay attention to the lines on the fasces (bundle of sticks) on the reverse. The clearer these are, the more your coin will be worth.

One 1940 S dime with "full bands," meaning the most clearly defined details on the reverse of the coin, recently sold for $579.99 in an online auction.

Market value: $550

Minting errors can make coins rare and collectible. In 1944, pennies were produced where the "D" (Denver mint mark) had been punched over the "S" (San Francisco mint mark), causing a visible distortion of the D.

In uncirculated condition, with no flaws, you can sell these coins for up to $851. However, one with plenty of scratches and discoloration recently sold online for $149.95. So, even if your coins aren't in excellent condition, it's worth getting them valued.

Market value: $550

Experts estimate that there are probably only 18,500 of these proofs in existence, with even fewer in excellent condition. That's why collectors pay up to $900 for mint-state coins, and even more if it's of particularly high condition or needed to complete a collection.

The auction record for this half dollar proof coin is an impressive $60,000.

Market value: $700

In 1946, some cents were produced with a different error: the "S" mark was punched over the "D" mint mark. These cents are sought after by collectors and can be identified by the slight distortion in the "S" stamp.

These coins are worth $700 to $1,200 for mint condition coins.

Market value: $267,000

During World War II, cents were made from steel instead of copper, allowing copper to be used for the military effort. These copper pennies are rare because they should have been made of steel.

The 1943 copper penny was produced in small numbers at all three mints. However, it's rarest from the San Francisco mint, worth $ 267,000 in extremely fine condition and up to $ 628,000 in uncirculated condition.

Market value: $1.2 million

This steel penny is possibly the rarest in existence. Only two have ever been found with the "S" mint mark, making this one of the most valuable coins out there.

If you have a steel cent, check the date and the mint mark. While worth up to $1.2 million in mint condition, even average-condition 1944 S steel cents can sell for over $400,000.

For most coins, the quality and condition will be the deciding factor in how much they're worth. Coins are graded on the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being the highest grade possible. You'll also see letters next to graded coins. For example, MS means "Mint State," which indicates that the coin appears to have never been circulated.

Don't be tempted to clean your coins, as this can ruin their luster and even flatten details, making them lose value. Consider getting your coins graded to discover what they're really worth. Your coin collection could turn out to be a real treasure trove, a great way to make extra money on the side, and the key to alleviating some financial stress.