A Surprise in a Dusty Drawer
A rusty old drawer in a Colorado garage held a secret that stunned its owner. Tom Reynolds, a 55-year-old electrician, was cleaning out his late father’s workshop when he found five Lincoln Wheat Pennies tucked in an envelope. One of them, a 1914-D penny, turned out to be worth over $3 million at a recent auction. The discovery, made just last month, has set the collecting world on fire and has folks across the U.S. checking their drawers for hidden treasures.
Why These Pennies Are Gold
Lincoln Wheat Pennies, first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln, are loved by collectors. But certain years and mint marks make some worth a fortune. The 1914-D penny, struck in Denver, is one of the rarest, with only a few hundred known to exist. Tom’s penny was in great shape, almost like it was minted yesterday. Four other pennies from his find, including a 1922 “No D” and a 1909-S VDB, were also rare, each valued at hundreds of thousands. Together, the five coins fetched over $3 million at auction.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Coin | 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Other Coins | 1922 No D, 1909-S VDB, 1931-S, 1910-S |
| Total Value | Over $3 Million |
| Condition | Near Mint to Uncirculated |
| Rarity | Fewer than 500 Known for 1914-D |
The Road to Riches
Tom had no idea the coins were valuable when he found them. “They were just sitting in an envelope with some old stamps,” he said. Curious, he took them to a local coin shop, where the owner’s eyes widened. The coins were sent to a grading service, which confirmed their authenticity and condition. The 1914-D penny was the star, graded as one of the finest ever seen. Auction houses jumped at the chance to sell the collection, and bidders from around the world drove the price sky-high. “I couldn’t believe it,” Tom said. “It’s life-changing.”
A Collector’s Dream Find
What makes these pennies so special? It’s all about scarcity and history. The 1914-D penny was minted in low numbers, and most were worn out in circulation. The 1922 “No D” penny is famous for a minting error where the Denver mint mark was missing. The 1909-S VDB, with the designer’s initials, was only made in small batches. “These coins are like finding rare art,” said coin expert Lisa Moreno. “A garage drawer is the last place you’d expect them.” Their excellent condition made Tom’s find a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
Changing Tom’s Life
The auction money has turned Tom’s world upside down. He plans to pay off his mortgage, help his kids with college, and maybe buy a new fishing boat—something his dad would’ve loved. “This feels like a gift from my father,” Tom said, smiling. His story has gone viral, with people sharing it online and checking their own coins. Social media is buzzing with tips on spotting rare pennies, though experts warn to watch out for fakes. Getting coins checked by professionals is the only way to know their true value.
Could You Have a Treasure?
Tom’s find has sparked a nationwide coin hunt. Experts say other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies could still be out there—in old jars, boxes, or even loose change. Key years to look for include 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 No D, and 1931-S. “You never know what’s hiding in plain sight,” Moreno said. “But always get a professional opinion before getting your hopes up.” For Tom, the pennies were more than money—they were a connection to his dad and a reminder that treasures can hide anywhere, even in a dusty garage drawer.
