Moving into a new home always brings surprises Some are pleasant like finding extra storage or a great view Others are downright shocking like discovering a coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars That’s exactly what happened to a young couple in Pennsylvania when they stumbled upon a rare penny tucked away in the attic of their rental house This unexpected find might just change their lives forever
The Accidental Discovery in a Rental House
The couple had just signed a lease on a charming yet slightly outdated home in a quiet neighborhood While unpacking and settling in they decided to explore the attic to check for storage potential The attic was dusty and filled with old furniture and boxes Left in the back corner was a small wooden drawer that appeared untouched for years
Inside they found some old tools a faded map and a small leather pouch Curious they opened it and found what appeared to be a regular penny However its shiny silvery tone caught their attention The date on the coin read 1943 and it felt lighter than normal That small difference sparked a curiosity that would soon lead to a major discovery
What Makes the 1943 Penny So Special
Most pennies we see today are made of copper or copper-plated zinc But during World War II copper was in short supply due to its heavy use in producing ammunition and military equipment To address this the US Mint started producing pennies using steel coated with zinc in 1943
However a few leftover copper planchets from 1942 accidentally made it into the minting machines creating the now-famous 1943 copper penny These rare coins are considered minting errors and are extremely valuable among collectors Only a small number of these were ever produced making them one of the most sought-after coins in US history
The Authentication Process
Realizing they might have found something rare the couple took the coin to a local coin shop The dealer was stunned and suspected it could be one of the few remaining 1943 copper pennies but he advised them to get it authenticated by a top grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
After submitting the coin to PCGS they waited a few anxious weeks Finally they received confirmation The coin was genuine and graded in very fine condition The official documentation verified it as a 1943 copper penny produced at the Philadelphia Mint This made their discovery not just rare but also historically significant
Estimated Value of the Coin
The value of a 1943 copper penny can vary depending on its condition and mint location For instance the 1943-D copper penny minted in Denver is the rarest with only one known to exist It sold for more than $17 million in a private sale Other versions from Philadelphia or San Francisco have fetched between $100000 and $500000 at public auctions
The couple’s penny being from the Philadelphia Mint and in good condition is expected to bring in around $300000 to $400000 when it goes to auction later this year Experts say the final amount could be higher depending on collector interest and market demand
Why Coin Collecting Is Booming Again
Stories like this have reignited interest in coin collecting across the country Coin collecting is one of the oldest hobbies in the world and it’s gaining new fans every day People love the mix of history mystery and potential financial gain that comes with it
Each coin tells a story and many older coins especially those with minting errors or low mintage numbers can be worth far more than face value Whether it’s wheat pennies silver dimes or buffalo nickels collectors are always on the lookout for the next big find
How to Know If You Have a Valuable Penny
You might be wondering if there’s a rare coin hiding in your own home Here are some tips to help you spot a potentially valuable penny
- Check the Year: Start by looking for older coins particularly those from 1909 to 1958 These include “Wheat Pennies” which are collectible Some key years like 1909-S 1914-D and 1943 copper are especially valuable
- Look at the Material: A 1943 penny should be made of steel and stick to a magnet If yours doesn’t stick and looks copper it could be a rare find
- Find the Mint Mark: Letters like D (Denver) S (San Francisco) or no mark (Philadelphia) under the date indicate where the coin was made Some mint marks are rarer than others
- Assess the Condition: Coins that are shiny undamaged and well-preserved will usually be worth more than those that are worn or corroded
- Get Professional Grading: If you think you have a valuable coin consider getting it professionally graded and authenticated
Other Rare Pennies to Watch For
The 1943 copper penny isn’t the only rare coin worth money Here are a few more that could be sitting in your piggy bank or old coin jar
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny: This was the first Lincoln cent and features the designer’s initials Only a limited number were minted
- 1955 Double Die Penny: Known for its visibly doubled date and lettering this error coin can fetch thousands of dollars
- 1969-S Double Die Obverse: Similar to the 1955 version but rarer and often more valuable
- 1983 Double Die Reverse: A lesser-known error coin with noticeable doubling on the back side
What to Do If You Find a Rare Coin
If you think you’ve discovered a valuable coin here’s what you should do
1 Don’t clean the coin Cleaning can damage it and reduce its value
2 Store it safely Keep it in a soft case or coin flip to protect it from scratches and moisture
3 Take clear photos and document where you found it
4 Consult a coin expert or visit a reputable coin shop for a preliminary assessment
5 Consider sending it to PCGS or NGC for official grading
Final Thoughts
The story of the rare penny found in a rental house is not just a tale of luck It’s a reminder that valuable treasures can be hiding in the most unexpected places With just a little curiosity and awareness anyone can become a modern-day treasure hunter
You don’t have to be an expert to start checking your spare change or rummaging through old drawers and boxes Who knows your next big find could be sitting in plain sight A single coin could turn an ordinary day into one you’ll never forget
So next time you clean out your attic or help a family member organize their belongings keep an eye out for old coins Your fortune might be just one penny away.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 copper penny so valuable
It was a minting error made from copper during a year when steel was used instead
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper
Use a magnet—if it doesn’t stick and looks copper it could be rare
Where should I get a rare coin authenticated
Trusted services like PCGS or NGC are best for professional grading
Can cleaning a coin affect its value
Yes cleaning can damage a coin and reduce its market value
What are other rare pennies to look out for
Keep an eye out for the 1909-S VDB 1955 Double Die and 1969-S Double Die.
