Camille Moore
The Aluminum 1974 Penny – Up to $250,000
Coin Week
In the 1970s, the price of copper was steadily rising. The U.S. Mint came up with a cost-efficient solution, but it didn’t last long. Initially, the idea was to produce aluminum-stamped pennies and almost 2 million were minted. When the plan was inevitably tossed out, most of these rare coins were melted down. Very few have turned up to this day.
Reportedly, none have been sold. In turn, the chances of stumbling upon a 1974 aluminum penny remain incredibly slim. Currently, only two have been publicly claimed, with one being held onto tightly by the Smithsonian Museum. Those with an eye for truly rare coins have estimated its worth at nearly a quarter-million dollars and counting.