One of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. numismatic history, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, has resurfaced, this time in the hands of Dave & Adam’s Card World, a well-known collectibles dealer. This rare cent has been submitted to the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for authentication and certification, sparking excitement among collectors.
The Story Behind the 1943 Bronze Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from bronze to zinc-coated steel for Lincoln cents to preserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze planchets (metal blanks) were mistakenly left in the coin presses and struck with the 1943 date. These accidental bronze cents were released into circulation, becoming one of the most valuable errors in U.S. coinage.
The rarity of these coins makes them highly desirable, with only a few dozen known to exist across all three mint locations (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco). The 1943 Bronze Cent has fetched auction prices exceeding $1 million, depending on condition and provenance.
Dave & Adam’s Submission to NGC
Dave & Adam’s, a leading name in collectibles, recently acquired one of these rare cents and decided to submit it to NGC, a top-tier grading service known for its expertise in authenticating rare and valuable coins. The certification process is crucial for verifying the legitimacy of the coin and assigning it a grade based on its condition.
NGC employs advanced technology, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and other metallurgical tests, to confirm the composition of the coin. Authentic 1943 Bronze Cents should consist of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, and weigh approximately 3.11 grams—significantly different from the 2.7-gram weight of the steel cents.
The Value and Significance of the 1943 Bronze Cent
The discovery and certification of another 1943 Bronze Cent add to the mystery and allure of this legendary coin. Because of its rarity, this coin is considered a “Holy Grail” among numismatists. If NGC certifies this specimen as genuine, its value could be in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on its condition.
Conclusion
The submission of this 1943 Bronze Cent to NGC is a significant event in the numismatic world. As collectors await the results of the authentication process, the story of this legendary coin continues to captivate enthusiasts. If authenticated, this coin will not only add to the prestige of Dave & Adam’s but also reaffirm the importance of professional certification in verifying rare and valuable numismatic treasures.
FAQs
How rare is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent?
Extremely rare—only a few dozen genuine examples are known to exist across all three U.S. Mints.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Cent so valuable?
It was a minting error during World War II, making it one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. history.
How does NGC authenticate a 1943 Bronze Cent?
NGC uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, weight measurements, and metallurgical testing to confirm authenticity.