COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.- The Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs is displaying a bronze cent valued at over $1 million. On loan to the museum, this 1943 Lincoln cent is one of the finest known examples. Bronze cents dated 1943 have been famous since one was first discovered in 1944. While they look like regular-issue cents of any other year, they are incredibly rare.

These cents are error coins – they were never intended to be struck. All 1943 cents were supposed to be made from zinc-coated steel planchets (discs before they’re struck with the markings of a coin) because copper was needed for World War II. This cent is made of the standard bronze alloy used before 1943 which includes copper, and is one of approximately 15 known examples.

Other numismatic multi-million dollar rarities on display at the Money Museum include two 1913 Liberty Head nickels, the Rittenhouse 1792 half disme and two 1804 silver dollars.

No one is sure how or why the five 1913 Liberty Head nickels were produced. Over the years, they have earned the title of the world’s most valuable coin on several occasions and have consistently been among the price leaders in the numismatic market – one sold during the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of MoneyⓇ in August for $4.5 million.

The 1792 half disme is the first coinage of the United States Mint. Ratification of the Constitution in 1789 gave the federal government the exclusive right to produce coinage and provided for the establishment of the United States Mint. The Money Museum is fortunate to display two examples of this rare and historic coin, including the finest known example that once belonged to David Rittenhouse, first Director of the Mint. The half disme recently sold for $2 million after being on display at the World’s Fair of Money.

With only 15 known examples, the 1804 silver dollar is recognized among the most coveted of all U.S. rare coins. No dollars dated 1804 were actually struck that year. Only 1803 dated dollars were struck in 1804 at the United States Mint. 1804 silver dollars routinely sell for over $4 million on the rare occasions they go to auction. The Money Museum has two 1804 dollars on display.