http://cgi.ebay.com/1974-Aluminum-C...ryZ31373QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem This is titled as "1974 Aluminum Cent (NOT A COPY)". But in the description it says "The one for auction is actually an uncirculated 1974P cent that has been plated with Copper/Tin/Zinc to make it look just like the real 1974 aluminum cent. In a 2X2 holder it will fool most collectors because it is hard to feel the weight difference. A great gag at coin clubs and shows. Great gift for the coin collectors.". Now, first off, I would COMPLETELY call this a copy. Second, my cat could probly tell the weight difference. Oh, woe my faith in humanity.
If it's not a copy....what is it? When I was at the Smithonian I took a picture of the 1974 Aluminum Cent. The picture is fuzzy but it's the real thing. Rhubarb
That's just nice, it should say "not a copy....a fake". They don't even show a pic of the coin they are hawking. It's a pic of the real aluminum cent.
That's cool, Rhubarb. Thanks for sharing. BTW... If I hadn't mentioned already, Welcome to CoinTalk !
Guaranteed to break the ice at parties! Yeah, I can just imagine the howls of laughter such a kooky coin would get at the local shop. I'd probably be banned for sheer stupidity.
"The price of copper later returned to levels which made the production of copper cents profitable so that the mint would not need to change its composition until 1983." He forgot to add that the mint then used their wayback machine to distribute them in 1982.
A small number were passed out to congressmen and not all of those were accounted for. I believe the story of the one encapsulated by ICG involves one of the congressmen dropping his sample and a police officer picking it up and upon trying to give it back to the politician being told to keep it (thinking it was a dime). At any rate, it doesn't really matter how many are in civilians hands, they are subject to confiscation by the secret service.
Unless Congress passes a law to allow them to be slabbed and sold for big money. A big legal battle like the 1933 St. Gaudens only this time the coins in question would be held by Congressmen. Think there would be a big battle over that? Of course not they have the St. Gaudens precedent and really need the money.
Here's a little better pic of the same coin There are 11 of the cents still unaccounted for. One has been slabbed by ICG, I know of one other that has ben reported at a couple of coin shows in recent years. You can read more about them - HERE
