2016-08-17 Wed

Two very old and rare American cents were sold for a total of $869,500 at the ANA World’s Fair of Money, Heritage Auctions which was held on 11th August.

A 1792 Silver Centre Cent with a small silver plug added to its centre to equalise its melt value and face value was sold for $352,500. The coin has a size similar to the modern quarter, with a copper plug in the centre. The idea of the coin was introduced by American patriot Thomas Paine and supported by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to President George Washington.

A rare 1792 Birch Cent with an experimental design was sold for $517,000. These historic coins in excellent condition have appeared in an auction only after 20 years. Officials have stated that these two coins have played an important role for the U.S monetary system.