Lot 148
Lincoln Cent. 1943. PCGS graded MS-61 Brown Copper. Lincoln Cent Struck on a Bronze Planchet. Accompanied by a PCGS ID #82709 and certification #50035361. From Superior's October 1-3, 2000 sale where it was adequately described as follows:
One of Approximately 20 Known. The Marvin Breyer-1958 A.N.A. Specimen. Since the year of its manufacture, the copper 1943 cent has been a coin that has intrigued collectors and non-collectors alike. The coin offered in this lot is one of the first two discovered. it is a pleasing Uncirculated example with even greenish-golden brown color that exhibits glossy luster over each side. It appears to be completely uncleaned and tarnish-gree, has excellent detail and perfect rims.
Rarities abound in American numismatics but two of the most are the 1943 bronze and 1944 steel cents. Because copper was a strategic metal during the second World War, efforts to find a replacement eventually resulted in adoption of steel with a thin coating of zinc. "Fortunately for some few collectors, but unfortunately for the peace of mind of Mint bureaucrats," reports Walter Breen, in his encyclopedia of United States coins, "at the end of 1942 some bronze blanks were left over in a hopper attached to one of the cent presses, and a least 40 were struck by accident early in 1943, being mixed with a normal production run of steel cents, and managed to leave the Mint undetected. Considering the enormous coinage orders that had to be filled, inspection had to be cursory."
Breyer's coin (the present offering) went into the 1958 ANA Convention auction - only to be withdrawn at the last moment, resulting in loud protests as the auctioneer's book reportedly contained bids well into five figures. In the years since, over a dozen others have been authenticated.
Estimated Value $60,000-UP.
From Superior's Oct. 1-3, 2000 Sale, lot 4146 (realized $60,375.00). This is also the specimen that appeared in the 1958 ANA Convention Auction Sale "A Festival of Coins" cataloged and sold by Abe Kosoff, lot 2055.
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| Realized $97,750 |
