posted 10-15-2013 02:25 PM               

Red cent: Mars Curiosity rover snaps high-res pic of penny payload

A penny on Mars has grown rich with red dust while riding on a NASA rover.

An ultra high-resolution photo recently sent back from the Red Planet revealed the red cent is covered in Mars dust, despite it being mounted vertically on the space agency's Curiosity rover for the past 14 months. The penny's patina however, was not the primary focus of the photograph that captured its current condition.

Previously: NASA Mars rover Curiosity carries coin for camera checkup

posted 10-15-2013 05:46 PM               

Numismatists or coin collectors grade and value coins based on their condition. Recently on eBay, a 1909 "VDB" penny, just like the one now on Mars but in better condition, sold for $1,300. So, would the Mars dust that's now coating the penny stuck to NASA's Curiosity rover enhance or detract from the coin's value? Is it now a pretty penny or not worth a red cent?