Pennies That Can Fetch You A Lot More Money Than Their Face Value

Published on 10/08/2020
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1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny Front

In 1944, the Lincoln pennies were supposed to be minted in the bronze alloy composed of 95 percent copper and only 5 percent in. But for some reason, zinc-plated steel planchets from the previous year made its way into the coining press! These coins weighed 2.7 grams, lighter than usual.

1944 S Lincoln Steel Penny Front

1944 S Lincoln Steel Penny Front

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1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny Back

This error happened in all of the three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. In August 2008, Heritage Auctions in Baltimore managed to sell one of these rare coins for an incredible sum of amount. The coin in question was an uncirculated made in the San Francisco mint. It went for $373,750.

1944 S Lincoln Steel Penny Back

1944 S Lincoln Steel Penny Back

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