TAMPA, Fla. – When is a penny worth $300,000?
When it's one of the first copper coins struck at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, in 1793.
Recommended Videos
The annual Florida United Numismatists (FUN) convention is being held in Tampa this week, and three historic coins, including the pricey penny, went up for auction Thursday evening.
Mark Borckardt, a senior numismatist with Heritage Auctions in Dallas, said the George Washington-era penny is one of about 500 in existence.
Other high-value U.S. coins sold at auction included a half-dollar minted in New Orleans in 1838 and a $4 gold piece called a "Flowing Hair Stella," which sold for $750,000.
Each of the coins had a value due to their rarity and excellent condition.