The 1944-S is comparable in mint state and Gem condition to the 1943-S. They are both somewhat scarce, though not rare. However, strike is a major problem with the 1944-S and many mint state specimens are very softly struck thru the central devices, specifically Ms. Liberty's left hand. The 1944-S is the second weakest strike in the Walking Liberty half dollar series with only the 1940-S being worse. A very sharply struck 1944-S half dollar is definitely a rare coin and 100% fully struck coins basically do not exist.