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Demand for early copper and Colonial-era numismatic treasures drives strong results in Heritage Auctions' July 13 Early Copper & Colonial U.S. Coins Showcase Auction
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The 1974 aluminum cent has been an intriguing numismatic rarity since it was produced in the early 1970s. The coin’s interesting story is closely related to those of the 1943 copper cent (which it was proposed to replace) and the 1933.In 2001, an example of the 1974 aluminum cent surfaced and was attributed to U.S. Capitol police officer Albert Toven. He claimed the coin had been dropped by an unnamed congressman who, thinking the coin was a dime, told Officer Toven to keep it. To date, no government agency has attempted to confiscate the coin. The ultimate fate of the 1974 aluminum cent mentioned above remains in question. Luckily, one example of the Philadelphia issue was donated to the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection and can now be seen on display in Washington, D.C.
Obverse Description
Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portait and the date postioned on the right side.
Reverse Description
Lincoln memorial building centered with words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on top and bottom periphery. E PLURIBUS UNUM centered above the top of the memorial.
Catalog Information
GSID:
374005
Designer:
Victor Brenner (obverse); Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Obverse Designer:
Victor D. Brenner
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1974
Reverse Designer:
Frank Gasparro
Reverse Lettering:
E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Weight (gr):
3.11 gr
Weight (oz):
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Aluminum
Coin Date:
1974
Denomination:
1c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1 known
Coinage Type:
Lincoln Cent
Coinage Years:
1959-1982
Composition:
Aluminum
Rarity:
8
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Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Bronze, 1959-1982 MS BN [Type]
Worth: $0 – $3
Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Bronze, 1959-1982 MS RB [Type]
Worth: $0 – $4
Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Bronze, 1959-1982 MS RD [Type]
Worth: $0 – $9
Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Zinc, 1982-2008 MS BN [Type]
Worth: $0 – $4
Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Zinc, 1982-2008 MS RB [Type]
Worth: $0 – $4
Lincoln Cent 1c Memorial Reverse, Zinc, 1982-2008 MS RD [Type]
Worth: $0 – $9
No Date 1c Zinc, Blank Planchet MS
Worth: $10 – $10
1959 1c MS BN
Worth: $0 – $12
1959 1c MS RB
Worth: $0 – $16
1959 1c MS RD
Worth: $0 – $2,500
1959-D 1c MS BN
Worth: $0 – $10
1959-D 1c MS RB
Worth: $0 – $12
1959-D 1c MS RD
Worth: $0 – $35,000
1960 1c Large Date MS BN
Worth: $0 – $5
1960 1c Large Date MS RB
Worth: $0 – $12
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Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
