If you own a 1943 copper penny and are looking to sell it, Vincent Latham Sr. is interested in taking a look at it and possibly making an offer.

“If it does not stick to a magnet, you can retire,” said Latham of THR & Associates which in Manteca looking for gold, rare and collectible coins as well as various other items to buy.

Latham and staff are at the Best Western Hotel in Manteca today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Besides gold, Latham said they are interested in .925-weight sterling silver and diamonds that are at least half carats.

They are also interested in silver coins, dimes, quarters and half dollars from 1793 to 1964. The year 1793 is significant to collectors and buyers because of the 1793 Treasure Act which mandated that coins be of .90 percent silver content.

Another rare penny that THR & Associates would consider is a 1909 wheat penny “with an S under the 1909 (date) and the letters VDB in the back” of the coin, Latham said. The VDB are the initials of Victor David Brenner who was the coin designer, he explained. That’s the coup de grâce for this particular coin, he said.

Other types of items they are looking for: any and all coins made before 1965, paper currency – all denominations – before 1934; wrist and pocket watches such as Rolex, Tiffany, Cartier, Elgin and Philippe; new or old jewelry, guitars and instruments by Fender, Gibson, Martin or Rickenbacker; sports memorabilia such as pre-1970 baseball cards and vintage autographs; historical documents including manuscripts or anything written or signed by “anyone of importance;” military items such as bayonets and swords from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World wars I and II with premiums offered for all Confederate items; and comics featuring super heroes which are “especially sought after.” They are interested in comics that were priced 10 cents, or 12 and 15 cents.

Some of the company’s “favorite picks from past shows” and how much they were worth include: a Bonnie & Clyde Wanted poster (part of a three-piece lot which commanded $1,000); a Batman #1 comics ($1,000), an autographed Beatles photograph ($400), a 1960 Les Paul guitar ($100,000), Johnny Cash’s bed ($30,000), and a 100 Troy oz. gold bar ($145,000).

Best Western Hotel in Manteca is located on the west side of southbound Highway 99 off ramp along East Yosemite Avenue.