1943 Bronze Cent (Penny) NGC MS 62 BN Beyer Discovery

In order to save copper for the war effort during World War II, the US Mint was supposed to strike all 1943 Lincoln Cents on zinc-coated steel planchets. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 are believed to have been lodged in the tote bins that were used by Mint employees to carry the unstruck planchets to the presses that struck the coins. These stray bronze planchets later worked themselves loose, mixing with the steel planchets used to strike the cents.

Not long after the steel cents reached the public, rumors circulated that a major automobile manufacturer was offering a car to anyone who found a 1943-dated cent struck in the wrong metal. This bit of whimsy had an unanticipated effect: In 1947, a Massachusetts teenager reportedly discovered the first 1943 Bronze Cent.

About two dozen others have come to light, including this one, which is called the Marvin Beyer Discovery Coin after the boy who found it in 1957. In addition to its relatively high grade, it also boasts a stellar bluish toning.

This piece is considered to be one of the rarest in the numismatic field and Dave & Adam's is thrilled to be able to offer one of the most sought after coins in the United States currency category.