What is the rarest Wheatback penny?

[SIZE=-1]1943[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=-1]684,628,670[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=-1]0[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=-1]Production of Proofs was suspended from 1943 to 1949 because of World War II and its aftermath. Rare errors on bronze planchets are known - beware of counterfeits (bronze will not be attracted to a magnet).



Mines a 44
[/SIZE][SIZE=+1]SHELL-CASE BRONZE PLANCHETS (1944-1945)[/SIZE]
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The standard planchet used for the Lincoln Cent from 1909-1982 was referred to as a "bronze planchet." Bronze is a copper alloy with tin and other metals...that's what the Lincoln Cent was. But, in 1943 the cent was made out of zinc plated steel. However, a small few were made in error on the standard bronze planchets. That is what that site is referring to. Bronze cents are only rare in 1943...they are standard every other year.

 

Lange's complete guide to Lincoln cents ,is a compromise, saying that spent shell cases ( 70% copper) was mixed with pure copper to make the 95% copper for the 1944 cents, BUT the amount of metal from this source was entirely insufficient to provide for coinage and the main value was in propaganda and morale building. ( pg. 194) The comment in other sources about the color differences being due to contaminants from powder explosion, but since so little shell casing was used, another reason is most likely. (paraphrased)

I have seen other references that back Doug by saying that it was entirely propaganda as the planchet strip makers said no to the idea. But there was a war going on and every bit of morale was needed.

Jim

 

What about the 1919 P in MS 69. There is only one of those!

 

Already mentioned that in post #11. First, there is only one PCGS 65 RD 26-S. The second is an NGC. Alos there are numerous one to a grade Lincolns beside the 1919-. Try the 1935-D 68, or 1911-D 66 (1 each).

 

It has probably been mentioned but I think the 1943 copper/bronze is the rarest.

 

It says in the red book

 

Sort of. You need to read post #23 in this thread

 

Are we discussing rarest by date or rarest by variety?

Rarest by date would be the 1959 Wheatie... if you believe that it's a genuine coin.

 

I would think that with conditional rarity, most coins would qualify if the grades are high enough. How many MS69 circulation strikes out there for the 2006 cent? Probably very few. So, I'd imagine that conditional rarity applies to almost all coins.

 

Someone thought it was real enough to pay $45,000.00 for one.

 

I believe that's true, it did sell for $45K through Heritage. But, nobody is willing to certify it as authentic. I believe the FBI checked it out and said they couldn't confirm it as a counterfeit. A famous counterfeiter (can't think of his name) claimed he had made it but that may have just been a cry for attention.

 

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/Controversial/Cents.html

That link I remembered having some information on it, PCGS refused to certify it. Now, if it is genuine, how that differs from a 1933 $20 piece is beyond me. I figure it was probably made by a mint employee, swap dies or something to that effect.

 

My thoughts as wacky as they are right now. A rare Lincoln ( conditionally speaking ) is a 1931-S in G-4.

Show me a good 4 1931-S and I will pay a $20 ransom ( you keep the coin). They come in all grades DOWN to about VF. I want a " no wheat lines" good.......


I'll pay up to the winner ( loser)

 

Well put. That or a 13 Liberty Nickel, If I see what you mean.

 

Try finding most any 50s cent in less than VF or F.

 

I have a funny feeling this thread will spiral out of the Wheaties before long.

Thanks for all the wonderful input.:hail: