Tom Caldwell of Northeast Numismatics penned this blog post about their recent sale of a 1943 Copper Cent. -Editor
Early last year we acquired a certified 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent in XF condition. This was the first 1943 Copper that I have had the privilege to own and offer in my entire
54-year career. This rarity is among the most desirable and rarest United States coins and it is known among veteran coin collectors and non-collectors alike, as it frequently
makes the news.
All coin dealers, ourselves included, receive phone calls and emails on a regular basis from the public with claims that they have a genuine piece. In most cases, simply taking
a magnet to the coin will prove that the coin in question is just a copper coated specimen of virtually no value, thereby immediately dashing dreams of riches. Occasionally more
sophisticated counterfeits surface that demand more attention to disprove authenticity. With only about 20 known pieces, the chances of finding a genuine piece are, needless to
say, astronomically slim.
We enjoyed the pride of ownership of our piece while displaying it at regional and national coin shows, where it garnered a lot of attention and comments from collectors (and
dealers!) who had never seen such a piece in person. Some folks even asked to take photos and/or hold the coin, figuring another such opportunity would never arise. We were very
happy to oblige.
After offering the 1943 Copper for sale on our site (www.northeastcoin.com) for much of 2017 without a sale, we decided to take it off the market and perhaps bring it out for
display again at some later date. While packing for the recent ANA Money Show that was held in Philadelphia, we decided this might be a good opportunity for the collectors in the
City of Brotherly Love to view the coin, so we brought it along.
One of the collectors attending the show, Willie (a client of ours whom we see at every ANA), came by the table and expressed interest in the coin, saying he had always dreamed
of owning one. We then recalled last year that Willie had mentioned he was anticipating the sale of his restaurant and if it happened to go through he would consider the purchase
of our piece.
Well, the timing was right for Willie this year!
As we are always willing to work with clients on a layaway basis for big and small purchases alike, we were able to come to an agreement with him on the 1943 Copper. We are
thrilled that our rarity has found a new happy home. Congratulations Willie - sometimes dreams do come true. Enjoy!
It turns out that I just missed seeing this transaction in person. I viewed the coin at the Northeast table, and the buyer was there at the same time, although we didn't
get a chance to meet. Chris Clements sent me the photo of the coin. Thanks. -Editor
To read the complete article, see:
1943 Copper Cent - Dreams do come true! (https://www.northeastcoin.com/blog.jsp)
Wayne Homren, Editor
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