What began as an ordinary trip to the grocery store for David Mitchell quickly turned into a life-altering discovery, all thanks to a seemingly inconspicuous penny.
In what can only be described as a moment of serendipity, Mitchell, a 36-year-old school teacher from Erie, Pennsylvania, found a 1943 Lincoln penny on the cracked asphalt of the parking lot. This penny, once overlooked by many, would later fetch a jaw-dropping $62,000 at auction — shocking collectors and sparking curiosity among coin enthusiasts everywhere.
The Penny That Changed Everything
Mitchell was heading back to his car when he noticed a small copper object near his tire. “At first, I thought it was just a regular, worn-out penny,” Mitchell shared in an interview with local media. “But something about the way it glinted in the sunlight made me stop.”
Curiosity got the best of him. He picked it up and tossed it into his pocket, thinking little of it at the time.
The Secret Behind the Penny’s Value
What Mitchell didn’t realize was that the coin he had found wasn’t just any penny—it was an incredibly rare 1943 copper Lincoln penny. That year, due to wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint had shifted from using copper to steel to produce pennies. However, a small number of copper planchets (blanks) from 1942 were accidentally left behind and used to strike a few 1943 pennies, creating a minting error.
“It’s a mistake so rare, it’s practically a treasure,” said Blake Richardson, a renowned coin expert. “This specific error is one of the most sought-after in U.S. coinage history, and only a handful of these pennies exist today.”
After noticing the coin’s unusual weight and darker hue, Mitchell decided to do some research when he got home. After consulting with local collectors and experts, he sent the coin to a professional grading company for verification.
The results were clear: it was indeed a genuine 1943 copper Lincoln penny, graded AU-55, which stands for “About Uncirculated” — a grade that signifies the coin was well-preserved and nearly mint condition.
The Auction Frenzy: $62,000 and Counting
The penny was eventually auctioned through Heritage Auctions, one of the most prestigious names in the world of rare collectibles. As news spread, bids began pouring in from collectors eager to own this historical piece. The auction finally ended with a mind-blowing $62,000 bid — far surpassing Mitchell’s wildest expectations.
Experts believe fewer than 20 of these copper pennies are known to exist, making them one of the rarest and most coveted coins among collectors. The combination of its rarity, historical significance, and pristine condition made it a hot commodity on the auction block.
Hidden Value in Everyday Objects
David Mitchell’s discovery is a shining example of how even the most ordinary moments — like walking across a grocery store parking lot — can lead to extraordinary finds. As interest in vintage coins and mint errors continues to grow, collectors are increasingly encouraging people to pay attention to their spare change.
“You don’t have to be a seasoned collector to stumble upon something valuable,” says Richardson. “Whether it’s an old coin jar or just loose change, there’s a world of value right in front of you, often hiding in plain sight.”
A Humble Penny, A Big Lesson
While Mitchell has yet to decide how to spend his newfound fortune, he admits that his discovery has sparked a curiosity about the history of U.S. currency. “I never thought much about coins before,” he laughs, “but now I’m definitely paying more attention. Who knows what you might find in your pocket or under your feet?”
His story serves as a reminder that treasures are often tucked away in the most unlikely of places, and all it takes is one moment of chance to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the $62,000 Lincoln Penny
Q: What makes the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
A: In 1943, due to wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for pennies. However, a small number of leftover copper planchets from 1942 were accidentally used to strike some 1943 pennies, creating a rare and valuable error coin.
Q: How can I tell if I have a 1943 copper penny?
A: The 1943 copper penny looks like a regular Lincoln penny, but it’s heavier and darker due to its copper content. It’s best to have it professionally graded if you suspect you have one.
Q: How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
A: It’s estimated that fewer than 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
Q: Should I clean my coins before selling them?
A: No! Cleaning coins can reduce their value. If you find a potentially valuable coin, leave it in its natural condition and consult a professional grader.
Q: How do I get my coins graded?
A: You can send your coins to professional grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for authentication and grading.
Q: What are some other valuable errors to look out for in coins?
A: Some other valuable error coins include double die coins, off-center strikes, and coins with missing or misaligned designs. Be sure to research or consult a professional if you suspect a coin might be rare.
Final Thoughts
David Mitchell’s $62,000 penny proves that treasure can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re walking through a parking lot, sorting through old coin jars, or sifting through your pocket change, it’s always worth taking a second look. After all, you might just be holding the next hidden gem — or even a piece of history.
