Most people wouldn’t think twice about a dusty jar full of old coins tucked away under the sink. But for one lucky homeowner, that forgotten jar turned out to be a life-changing discovery. Among the tarnished pennies and spare change sat a single coin that would make any collector’s jaw drop—a rare Lincoln penny valued at $129,000. As it turns out, these kinds of finds aren’t as rare as you might think. Let’s explore the penny behind this jackpot and another valuable coin you might want to look for.
1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
While most pennies from 1944 were made from copper, a few were mistakenly struck using leftover steel blanks from 1943. The 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after error coins in American numismatics. Its silvery appearance makes it stand out, but many people overlook it, assuming it’s a common coin. Only around 30 of these coins are believed to exist today, and depending on condition, they’ve sold for $75,000 to over $125,000. The example found under the sink had barely seen circulation, boosting its value significantly.
1926-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
Another coin to keep an eye out for is the 1926-S Lincoln Wheat Penny. Minted in San Francisco, this coin had one of the lowest mintages in the series, especially when it comes to coins that were actually circulated. Because so few were preserved in high quality, even a moderately worn 1926-S penny can fetch thousands of dollars. A pristine version could be worth $10,000 or more. While it wasn’t the jackpot coin in the jar, another coin in the same jar turned out to be a 1926-S in fine condition—adding even more value to the discovery.
The dusty jar under the sink might have looked like a collection of worthless old coins, but it held a small fortune. That single 1944 Steel Penny, along with a valuable 1926-S Wheat Penny, turned a routine cleaning chore into a story of unexpected riches. It goes to show that coin treasures can be hiding anywhere—kitchen drawers, old piggy banks, or forgotten jars in dark corners of the house. If you haven’t checked your spare change lately, now’s the time.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I identify a 1944 Steel Penny?
It will look silver, not copper. Use a magnet—steel pennies will stick, while copper ones won’t.
2. What makes the 1926-S Wheat Penny so rare?
It had a low mintage and even fewer coins survive in high condition today.
3. Are error pennies like the 1944 Steel Penny still being found?
Yes, though very rarely. They often show up in inherited coin jars or estate sales.
4. Should I clean old coins I find?
No. Cleaning coins can damage them and significantly reduce their value.
5. Where can I get my old coins appraised?
Certified coin dealers or grading services like PCGS or NGC are your best options.