$2.6M Mystery: The 1943 Bronze Penny That Defied WWII Steel Rules

1. $2.6M – 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny (PCGS MS-62)

• Coin Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny (error coin).
• Year: 1943.
• Key Details:
  • Accidentally struck in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin/zinc) instead of steel during WWII.
  • Only 10-15 confirmed genuine examples exist.
  • Sold for $2.6 million in a 2024 private sale via Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
• How to Spot It:
  • Non-magnetic (steel 1943 pennies are magnetic).
  • Weighs 3.11 grams (vs. 2.7g for steel).
  • Look for sharp “LIBERTY” text and no signs of plating.

2. $1.7M – 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny (PCGS MS-62 Brown)

• Coin Type: Same as above, slightly lower grade.
• Auction History:
  • Sold for $1.7 million at Heritage Auctions (2023).
  • Certified by PCGS with a “Brown” designation (natural toning).
• Unique Trait: Original red-brown patina with minimal wear on Lincoln’s cheek.

3. $863,000 – 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny (PCGS MS-67 Red)

• Coin Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny (key date).
• Year: 1909.
• Key Details:
  • First year of the Lincoln cent, with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials “VDB” on the reverse.
  • The 1909-S (San Francisco Mint) is the rarest version.
  • A PCGS MS-67 Red example sold for $863,000 in 2021.
• How to Spot Fakes:
  • Fake “S” mint marks often have incorrect spacing.
  • Authentic coins show crisp “V.D.B.” at the bottom of the reverse.

4. $391,000 – 1955 Double Die Obverse Penny (PCGS MS-64)

• Coin Type: Lincoln Wheat Penny (error coin).
• Year: 1955.
• Key Details:
  • Famous for a dramatic doubling error on “LIBERTY” and the date.
  • A PCGS MS-64 example sold for $391,000 in 2019.
• Authenticity Check:
  • Blurred doubling on the obverse (front) only.
  • Reverse (wheat stalks) should be normal.

5. $375,000 – 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar (NGC AU-53)

• Coin Type: Seated Liberty Dollar.
• Year: 1870.
• Key Details:
  • Only 9 known examples; struck secretly at the San Francisco Mint.
  • An NGC AU-53 specimen sold for $375,000 in 2018.
• Identifying Traits:
  • “LIBERTY” on the shield; eagle with arrows on the reverse.
  • Weighs 26.73g (90% silver).

6. $336,000 – 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (PCGS PR-63)

• Coin Type: Liberty Head Nickel (illegally struck).
• Year: 1913.
• Key Details:
  • Only 5 exist, all made clandestinely by a Mint employee.
  • A Proof-63 example sold for **336,000∗∗in1996(adjustedforinflation, 336,000∗∗in1996(adjustedforinflation, 2.5M today).
• Spotting Fakes:
  • Genuine coins have a sharp “LIBERTY” with no tooling marks.
  • Weight: 5g (same as regular nickels).

How to Use This Information on Your WordPress Site

1. Create Individual Posts for each coin (e.g., “1909-S VDB Penny: The $863K Rarity”).
2. Link to PennyVerse.info in each section: