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Two questions re aluminum cents

PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 6,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

First question is are they legal to own
Second if so what are they worth?

Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


Comments

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,267 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Show us what type of cent coin you are speaking about. Thanks. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,749 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It is my understanding that the Treasury takes the position that they are illegal to own, with the unofficial exception that they will not seize the one piece that a Senator (or was it a Representative?) dropped on the floor and then gave to the Capitol building security guard who picked it up and tried to give back to him. I guess they don't want to run the risk of telling Senators/Representatives what they can or cannot do. The guard certainly did not obtain it via any illegal means.

    That piece has now passed to the guard's heirs. My guess is that so long as they keep it the Treasury will not go after it. No telling what would happen if they tried to sell it. Maybe nothing, maybe seizure.

    Until this great mystery is answered there is no way to say what it is worth.

    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • Batman23Batman23 Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Like this one? I have no idea.

  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,547 ✭✭✭✭✭

    They are not legal to own. They were coined as test pieces, and a few got out of the Mint.

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • Batman23Batman23 Posts: 5,001 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BuffaloIronTail said:
    They are not legal to own. They were coined as test pieces, and a few got out of the Mint.

    Pete

    Nice photo! You got much closer than I did!

  • JBKJBK Posts: 16,435 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Third question: do you have one? ;)

    My understanding is that one is "legal" - the one mentioned above, I don't recall if there was a court case or if the Treasury simply refused to pursue it.

  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,547 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Me??? Heck no.

    But I save aluminum cans.............

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 19, 2018 3:39PM

    There are a few nuances here:

    • the 1942 cent is legal to own (discovery post here on these forums)
    • the 1974 Albert Toven specimen is legal to own by his heirs but unknown if it's sold as mentioned above
    • the 1974-D is illegal to own. The Harry Edmond Lawrence specimen was seized by the Mint

    If this poll is any indication, most prefer the classic coin:

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/975589/which-aluminum-cent-do-you-prefer/

    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,547 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Did not ever see a pic of the 1942. That coin is a BEAUT!!!

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • GRANDAMGRANDAM Posts: 8,765 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Maybe we can get Dan to strike some in aluminum?

    GrandAm :)
  • PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 6,025 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think I have all the information I need except
    ONE and I am waiting for that one.

    FYI PCGS has graded one MS62

    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    There are others 'out there'... ;) Cheers, RickO

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