Found in an Old Purse: What began as a routine spring cleaning project turned into an astonishing discovery for one Ohio woman. While sorting through her late grandmother’s belongings, she stumbled upon an old, forgotten purse tucked away in a box of keepsakes. Inside, among faded receipts and vintage cosmetics, she found something far more valuable—a 1943 Lincoln penny that could be worth a small fortune.
An Unexpected Find with Big Potential
At first glance, the penny seemed unremarkable—just another old coin mixed in with spare change. But upon closer inspection, the woman noticed something unusual: unlike typical copper Lincoln cents, this one had a silvery appearance. Intrigued, she did some research and learned that most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a tiny number were mistakenly struck in copper, making them some of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
The Mystery of the 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was diverted for military use, leading the U.S. Mint to produce pennies from zinc-coated steel. Yet, a few copper planchets (blank coins) from 1942 accidentally remained in the presses, resulting in a handful of rare 1943 copper pennies slipping into circulation. Today, only about 20 are known to exist, with some selling for over $200,000 at auction. If authenticated, the penny found in this old purse could join that exclusive group.
From Sentimental Keepsake to Valuable Collectible
The handbag itself, a modest vintage piece, might fetch $20 at a thrift store. But the penny inside could be worth exponentially more—potentially five figures or beyond, depending on its condition and authenticity. Coin experts have expressed keen interest in examining the discovery, as genuine 1943 copper pennies are among the most sought-after errors in numismatics.
A Word of Caution for Aspiring Treasure Hunters
While stories like this spark excitement, experts advise against assuming every old coin is a hidden gem. Many steel 1943 pennies were later plated or altered to resemble the rare copper versions, leading to misidentifications. The best course of action is to have any suspicious coins professionally graded by reputable services like PCGS or NGC before drawing conclusions.
Why These Discoveries Captivate Collectors
Finds like this highlight the thrill of numismatics—the possibility that a seemingly ordinary item could hold extraordinary value. Social media and coin forums buzz with similar stories, inspiring people to check their own collections for overlooked rarities. In an era of economic uncertainty, rare coins also serve as tangible assets, blending historical fascination with investment potential.
A Reminder to Look Closer
This remarkable discovery proves that treasures can hide in the most unexpected places—whether in an old purse, a dusty attic box, or a forgotten jar of loose change. For those willing to examine their belongings with a curious eye, history (and perhaps a windfall) might be waiting just beneath the surface.
Also Read: Coin Discovered in Guitar Case Turns Out to Be a Rare War-Era Nickel
