In a story that sounds almost too good to be true, a simple playground trip turned into an unforgettable moment of discovery.
What began as a typical afternoon outing quickly became newsworthy when a young woman noticed a dirty, worn coin sticking out from under the sand—a coin later confirmed to be a rare Lincoln penny valued at around $100,000.
An Unexpected Find
This took place in a quiet suburban park in Ohio, where 31-year-old Amanda Lewis was watching her niece play on the swings. While sitting on a nearby bench, she spotted something shining faintly beneath the sand near the slide. Initially, she thought it was just a bottle cap or an ordinary penny, but the coin’s aged look and edges caught her attention.
Curious, Amanda picked it up, wiped off the sand, and examined it closely. “It was covered in dirt. I almost threw it away,” she admitted. Instead of putting it in her pocket, she snapped a photo and shared it later that day in a local coin collectors’ group. The reactions came fast and strong.
A Rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Experts in the group quickly identified the coin as something extraordinary. They encouraged Amanda to get it officially authenticated. After a professional numismatist examined it, the discovery was confirmed—it was a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny.
Most pennies from 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel because copper was reserved for the war effort. However, a handful of bronze planchets were mistakenly used that year. Only about 10 to 15 of these rare pennies are known to exist, making them some of the most valuable U.S. coins.
“This is one of the holy grails for coin collectors,” said numismatic specialist Daniel Carter. “Finding one in everyday circulation is nearly impossible. Finding one in a playground? That’s unheard of.”
The Coin’s Condition and Value
Though the coin was dirty and showed signs of corrosion from being buried outdoors, enough detail remained to authenticate and grade it. It wasn’t in perfect condition, but it still attracted strong interest from collectors nationwide.
Soon after, a leading auction house contacted Amanda, showing interest in selling the coin. Early estimates suggest the penny could fetch about $100,000, depending on the final grading and buyer demand.
A Life-Changing Afternoon
Amanda, a part-time librarian with no previous experience in coin collecting, described the discovery as surreal. “I never thought something like this could happen. It’s still sinking in,” she said.
She has since placed the coin in a safety deposit box while deciding what to do next. Whether she sells it or keeps it, the coin has already made a significant impact on her life.
The Broader Lesson
Amanda’s experience reminds us that valuable treasures can appear in the most unlikely places. Although finding a $100,000 coin is rare, it shows that ordinary spots like playgrounds can hold historical gems overlooked by many.
Experts recommend that anyone who finds old or unusual coins avoid cleaning them harshly and seek advice from professionals. Sometimes, a dirty, forgotten penny could be worth more than expected.
Final Thoughts
The rare Lincoln penny found in a sandbox is a modern-day treasure story, capturing the excitement of unexpected discovery and the fascination with rare coins. For Amanda, a simple day at the park will always be remembered not for the playground, but for the coin that changed her life.
FAQ
Q1: How rare is the 1943 bronze Lincoln penny?
Only about 10 to 15 are known to exist, making it extremely rare.
Q2: Why were most pennies in 1943 made from steel instead of bronze?
Copper was reserved for the war effort during World War II, so pennies were made from zinc-coated steel.
Q3: What should I do if I find an old coin?
Avoid cleaning it aggressively and have it examined by a professional numismatist.
Q4: Can a dirty coin still be valuable?
Yes, even coins that look worn or dirty can be worth a lot if they are rare or have historical significance.