Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 12/20/2006

Question
I have a 1949 D wheat penny that has a silver band around it that says "wonder bread builds strong bodies 8 ways" on the front and "penny for penny your best food buy" on the back. Is there any information on such a penny ever being put in wonder bread?

Answer
Hello, Tonita, is the "silver" band pretty light?  My guess is that it is aluminum.  Is it round or horseshoe shaped?  My guess is that you have what is called an "encased coin."  Many thousands of these were made, as advertising novelties, with the period from 1946 to about 1956 or so the period when the most were made.  

Actually, I just looked in an encased coin newsletter from about 10 years ago and yes, this is indeed a known encased cent, with the same wording as on your piece.  There is an "encased cent" catagory on eBay (www.eBay.com) -- if you do a search for 1949 encased or 1946 encased, you should find some and get to the category.  My guess is that your piece if in decent condition would sell for around $7 to $12 dollars on eBay.  There is an encased coin internet collecting club at www.encasedcollectorsinternatinal.org.  

I don't think anyone knows for sure, but your idea is an interesting one.  Maybe the encased coin came with a package of Wonder Bread.  Or maybe there was a mail in premium (Bazooka bubble gum had such a premium).  Jim Lawniczak