Fort Lauderdal, FL – Rare Glass Penny From World War II Sells For $70k

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    In this undated photo made available by Heritage Auctions shows a glass U.S. penny . The rare coin was manufactured in 1942 as a possible alternative to copper during WWII. The coin is expected to be auctions in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017. (Matt Poppolo/ Heritage Auctions via AP)Fort Lauderdal, FL – A rare experimental glass penny made during World War II has netted a pretty penny at auction — selling for $70,500.

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    Heritage Auctions announced Friday that the penny was sold during Thursday’s auction based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to an American buyer who wishes to remain anonymous.

    During the war, copper was needed for ammunition. The U.S. Mint authorized tests that included making uncirculated pennies from other metals, plastic and rubber. The Blue Ridge Glass Co. in Tennessee made experimental pennies using tempered glass.

    The penny’s former owner, Roger Burdette, says the coins’ impressions weren’t precise, their weight and size weren’t uniform and they developed sharp edges. He says they were likely destroyed.

    The penny is likely unique since Burdette says only one other glass penny exists and it is broken.

    The Mint made 1943 pennies from low-grade steel covered in zinc.


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