Rare American experimental glass coin made during World War II, was sold at auction for $70,500, announced today the auction house Heritage. The coin, developed by company the Blue Ridge Glass from Tennessee was bought by an American who wanted to remain anonymous. During the war, copper was needed for ammunition, and the US Mint in Fort Lauderdale approved the creation of test coins of other metals, as well as glass, plastic and even rubber.
Previous owner of coins made of tempered glass, Roger Burdette said that the prints on the coins were not precise, that the shape and weight were not uniform, and had sharp edges. He said they were probably destroyed. It is very likely that this coin unique. According to Burdette’s words there was only one other glass penny, but it was broken.