It started as an ordinary afternoon when Lisa Henderson, a school teacher from Ohio, decided to clean her aging sedan. While emptying the glove compartment and removing the floor mats, she opened the dusty ashtray — a spot she hadn’t checked in years. Inside, she discovered some loose coins, a faded receipt, and what looked like a dirty copper penny. She had no idea that this small coin would soon bring her over $25,300.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| What was found | 1943 bronze Lincoln cent (rare minting error) |
| Who found it | Lisa Henderson, a school teacher from Ohio |
| Sale price | Sold at private auction for $25,300 |
| Why it’s rare | Accidentally struck in bronze instead of steel during WWII |
| Lesson | Valuable treasures can be hidden in everyday places like an old car |
A Penny That Looked Unusual
Lisa nearly tossed the penny into a jar without a thought. “I was just about to drop it in,” she recalled. “But it looked and felt different.” Unlike normal pennies, it had a darker color and sharper edges. Most importantly, it had the date 1943 — something that made her stop and look closer.
What she had found wasn’t just an old coin. It was a 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, one of the rarest and most valuable pennies ever made.
A Rare Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition and military equipment. So, in 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel coated with zinc. However, by accident, a few leftover bronze blanks were used, and a tiny number of 1943 bronze Lincoln cents were created.
These pennies were never meant to exist, which makes them incredibly rare. Only a handful have been discovered over the years, turning each new find into a major event among collectors.
Confirmed and Sold for Thousands
Lisa took her coin to a local coin dealer, who realized it could be special. The dealer advised her to send it to a professional grading service to confirm if it was real.
The results came back: it was indeed a genuine 1943 bronze Lincoln cent and was in surprisingly good condition. Encouraged by experts, Lisa decided to sell it at a private auction.
Collectors from across the country showed interest, and after competitive bidding, the penny sold for an impressive $25,300 to a collector in California who had been searching for this rare coin for years.
Hidden Treasures in Everyday Places
Lisa’s story is a great reminder that valuable finds don’t always come from banks or museums — sometimes, they’re hiding in everyday spots like an old car, a drawer, or even a purse.
While millions of 1943 steel pennies were made and have little value today, the rare bronze version can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Experts say to look for small details like unusual colors, unexpected dates, or coins that feel heavier or lighter than normal.
Why Rare Coins Are Getting Popular
Lisa’s discovery comes at a time when more people are paying attention to old coins. Shows like “Pawn Stars” and viral social media posts have inspired many to look through their spare change and family keepsakes.
Coin dealers say they’re seeing more people bringing in coins to check if they’re valuable. Lisa’s story proves it’s possible — even a forgotten penny can turn out to be worth a small fortune.
Final Thoughts
For Lisa, the experience still feels unreal. “I never imagined that cleaning my car could lead to something like this,” she said with a laugh. Her story shows why it’s always worth taking a closer look at something that seems ordinary.
Next time you find an old coin that looks unusual, don’t throw it away too quickly. It could be worth far more than you think.
To learn more about U.S. coins and rare minting errors, visit the United States Mint website.
