1793 Chain Cent Sells For $1.38 Million

[Valley Ranger]

Wow. Story here: http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/01/08/old-penny-sells-for-1-38-million/

That should inspire us all, huh?

 

[tigerbeetle]

I've collected -- and, in some cases, restored -- over 400 early large cents. I've seen and held some gems. That 1793 "chain" cent is one in a million. Or, figuratively, one in 1.38 million. It's beyond astounding when considering even uncirculated coins from back in the early days of American coinage were often/usually poorly struck. Not that beauty. It's truly a gem of the numismatic ages. Odds of finding one like that with a detector? A billion to one, give or take trillion.

 

[Valley Ranger]

I've collected -- and, in some cases, restored -- over 400 early large cents. I've seen and held some gems. That 1793 "chain" cent is one in a million. Or, figuratively, one in 1.38 million. It's beyond astounding when considering even uncirculated coins from back in the early days of American coinage were often/usually poorly struck. Not that beauty. It's truly a gem of the numismatic ages. Odds of finding one like that with a detector? A billion to one, give or take trillion.

TB - Ok, so if I dig a REALLY nice one, I'll settle for half that in cash. Seriously, though, that is quite astounding, isn't it?