An amazing error, a 1943 Washington Quarter Struck on a Steel Cent Planchet is being offered for the first time in 80 years in a GreatCollections auction on Sunday, March 19th.
The coin was discovered by the consignor’s father during World War II. As a Finance Officer for the U.S. Army, one of his responsibilities was to pay soldiers, many of whom requested to be paid in cash. While counting through bags of Steel Cents received from the U.S. Mint, this coin stood out as it could not be rolled or stacked like the others. He set it aside.
Almost 50 years later, his son arranged to have the coin graded and authenticated by ANACS, where it was confirmed as being a 1943 Washington Quarter struck on a 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent planchet. Thirty more years have passed and it is now being offered for sale in an unreserved auction. After starting at $1, bidding quickly moved to $2350, with 27 bids being recorded.
Ian Russell, president and co-founder of GreatCollections said, "Errors on Steel Cents are highly sought after, and this one encompasses two of the most popular series in U.S. numismatics — Lincoln Cents and Washington Quarters. It is one of only a few known Quarters Struck on Steel Cent Planchets and we expect significant bidding interest before it sells on March 19th."
Lincoln Cents have been in the news lately, with GreatCollections auctioning the finest collection ever formed for a record $7.7 million, including a very rare 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent variety that realized $1.136 million.
Aside from offering the 1943 Washington Quarter Struck on a Steel Lincoln Cent Planchet, the GreatCollections March 19th auction also features the RL Collection of Key Date Lincoln Cents.
The error will be on view at the ANA Money Show in Phoenix, Arizona on March 2-4 as well as the Baltimore Spring Coin Show & Expo on March 15-18 and at the GreatCollections Irvine office by appointment. To view the auction, visit www.greatcollections.com.
About GreatCollections
GreatCollections, the official auction house of the American Numismatic Association, specializes in auctioning certified coins and banknotes, handling transactions from start to finish. Since its founding in 2010, GreatCollections has successfully auctioned over 1 million certified coins, making it one of the leading certified coin companies in the United States with annual sales in 2022 exceeding $270 million. Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections, is a member of the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild and member of the National Auctioneers Association. For more information about GreatCollections, visit www.greatcollections.com or call 800-442-6467.
ANACS, the official graders of Caffeine Mike “Sold Out Limited Edition” Mezack.
Sir Kaiser Anytime barker Mezack is referred to, I must add to his characterization. “Understand” “Silver shortage” “The mint can’t keep up” “Internet cowboy” “Once in a lifetime opportunity” “Quantities are extremely limited” “This is my only presentation” “We sold out” and last but not least, “Hokey?” The man is a miserable example of a flipper. And by the way, what do you think of his constant push with the Fiji Morgan and Peace silver dollars? Who cares? It is NOT a US Mint product! The same goes for his sellathon for the Fiji fractional silver eagles. I watch him… Read more »
Coinman,
It is my belief that there are two distinct and completely separate types of American capitalism. The first variety is offered to us by people who stand by the product they make and sell if to the consumer for the fairest reasonably possible price. The other option is inflicted upon us by those who have no concerns about the poor quality of their product and no qualms about charging outrageous prices for their inferior goods. Not much thought is required to ascertain within which of these categories Motormouth Mike Mezack resides.
Quarter struck on steel cent planchet? Now that’s a find!
I think the currently posted bid of $2350 for this rather unusual and very interesting eighty year old minting error will be far exceeded by the time this auction is over.
If history holds, good ol caffeine mike will discover a hoard of these errors under a file cabinet drawer.
I don’t know much about values, but I’d predict this coin sells for $120,000
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this coin dramatically shoots up in value just as you predict by the time the gavel comes down on it, Dazed and Coinfused.
As for what Marvelous Machinating Mike can make of this situation while the sun is still eclipsed, since he likely has no possibility of getting ahold of any authentic coins of that nature I’m guessing we might instead see a special on exceedingly scarce limited edition almost sold out off-center beaded seashell coinage from New Caledonia on his show.
Is this the right place to have my coins inspected and also sold for me? I got a few of the steel pennies and some other coins as well
Asking questions like yours is one of the things that we do here. On the other hand, to have your coins evaluated and sold will require you to first look your coins up in a reference book(s) and then take them to a reputable dealer.
I’m not sure about a quarter stuck on the steel planted but I just got a hold of a 2004 penny that is steel colored non-magnetic with some of the sharpest details that I have ever seen on a coin I can’t find a lick of information about it at all. And sure doesn’t help with just starting out being a newbie in coin collecting.. any ideas are greatly welcomed.
I have no a clue specifically, Tom, but from what I see showing up for sale on ebay and above all etsy these days I would have that examined by an expert as to its authenticity.
Attached to the comments is an old US coin in year 1799. With 15 stars and it’s in good condition. I am ready to let (with handsome sum) if anybody interested on it. I got it from a lady who was selling coins and old notes in Thailand. Good luck
When one ventures into the realm of very scarce old American coinage one of the first cautionary thoughts that comes to mind is how China is especially fond of counterfeiting exactly this sort of much sought after coins. I’m not saying your coin isn’t genuine, but I would definitely get a professional examination done before declaring it so, most especially so considering where you happened to acquire it.
Indian head penny I have was wondering if they r worth anything.and if so who buys these coins.Cause I live in Tracy cal.and don’t have buyers for them.