Sunday, February 14, 2016

Bronze 1943-S Cent sold for $282,000

A bronze 1943-S Lincoln Cent, an example of perhaps the most famous wrong planchet error ever, highlighted the results of the February 4 - 7 Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction. Overall, this auction realized over $8.3 million for its consignors. All results include a 17.5% Buyer's Premium.

Bronze Cent

In 1943, Lincoln Cents were struck on zinc-plated steel planchets, the only time the US cent was made from such a composition. Any such coin dated 1943 struck on a bronze planchet is considered extremely rare, and sale prices are correspondingly strong. This coin, graded AU58 by PCGS is the second-finest example known from San Francisco, and also until this auction was the second-finest example in The Bob R. Simpson collection. It sold for $282,000 when the bidding was complete.

A second selection from The Bob R. Simpson Collection was also the second highlight of this auction when it sold for $199,750. This nine-piece proof set from 1856, with coins ranging from half cent to silver dollar, and including the coveted 1856 Flying Eagle cent, was sold intact. Pre-1858 proof coins are difficult to find at all, and this set, with PCGS-assigned grades ranging from PR64 to PR67, is undoubtedly destined for an outstanding collection.

The single finest PCGS-certified 1909 proof half eagle dazzled bidders when it realized $105,750. 1909 saw proof half eagles minted in a new experimental satin finish, a bright finish in contrast to the dull sandblast finish used on 1908 proofs. This coin, graded Proof-67+ is the apex of this issue.

Just a few of the many other highlights of this auction included:

  • 1838 $1 Name Omitted, Judd-84 Restrike, Pollock-93, R.5, PR65 NGC
  • 1838 $1 Name Omitted, Judd-84 Restrike, PR65 NGC Realized $82,250
  • 1914-D 1C MS66 Red PCGS Realized $81,075
  • 1795 $1 Flowing Hair, Two Leaves, B-2, BB-20, MS63 NGC Realized $76,375
  • 1796 10C JR-4, MS65 NGC Realized $70,500
  • 1931 $20 MS64 PCGS Secure Realized $70,500
  • 1911 $10 MS68 NGC Realized $70,500
  • 1857 $1 MS66 NGC Realized $62,000
  • 1916-D 1C MS67 Red PCGS Realized $58,750
  • 1870-S $20 MS63 NGC. CAC Realized $56,400
  • 1876 $3 PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS Realized $52,875


Heritage next signature auction of US coins will open very soon for bidding at www.HA.com/coins!