A Bismarck man has been charged with felony theft for allegedly receiving more than $2,000 in wheat pennies and not paying for them.

Paul Smestad was charged Wednesday with the Class Cfelony.

South Central District Judge Sonna Anderson set bond for Smestad at $5,000 cash.

A Michigan man reported in November that he had sent $2,532 in wheat pennies - weighing 410 pounds - to someone in Bismarck as part of an eBay transaction.

The pennies, packaged in 12 boxes, arrived at the Bismarck address, but the Michigan man did not receive payment for them.

Wheat pennies, which feature two wheat stalks on the side of the penny opposite Abraham Lincoln's head, were minted from 1909-58. Though they vary in value, many are worth more than one cent.

Burleigh County Assistant State's Attorney Justin Schwarz argued for a $25,000 bond. He said Smestad has a criminal history dealing with thefts dating back to 1989.

Smestad said he has changed in recent years and believes he has a good defense to the charge.

- JennyMichael