A small copper penny has turned one lucky man into a local legend in Texas. A rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, found in a convenience store’s change tray, sold for an incredible $224,000 at auction. This coin, still floating around in circulation, has everyday folks across America hunting through their spare change, hoping to strike it rich. The story of this tiny treasure is sparking excitement and proving you might be carrying a fortune without even knowing it.
A Quick Stop Leads to a Big Find
Last fall, 53-year-old mechanic Tom Rivera stopped at a gas station in Dallas to buy a soda. He paid with a dollar bill and got some coins back, including a worn penny that caught his eye. “It looked old, but I didn’t think much of it,” Rivera said. He tossed it in his truck’s cupholder and forgot about it until his nephew, a coin collector, visited weeks later. The nephew spotted the penny and freaked out—it was a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper, one of the rarest coins in the world. Rivera had no idea he’d been driving around with a jackpot.
Why Is This Penny So Special?
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a tiny number of copper pennies were accidentally minted, making them super rare. Experts estimate only about 20 of these exist today. Rivera’s penny, despite some wear from years in circulation, was in good shape, which boosted its value. At an auction in Houston last month, collectors battled to own it, finally selling for $224,000. The coin’s history and scarcity make it a prize for anyone lucky enough to find one.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Material | Copper (Error) |
| Total Known | About 20 |
| Auction Value | $224,000 |
| Condition | Circulated, Good |
From Cupholder to Collector’s Prize
Rivera took the penny to a local coin shop, where experts confirmed it was the real deal. The coin was sent to a grading service, which verified its authenticity and scored it for condition. “I was shaking when they told me it was worth six figures,” Rivera said. He decided to auction it to help his family and fix up his small home. The bidding was intense, with a private collector snagging the penny for $224,000. Rivera plans to pay off debts, save for his kids’ future, and maybe buy a new truck. “That penny changed everything,” he said.
Could You Find One Too?
The news of Rivera’s find has people checking every penny they get. Experts say more 1943 copper pennies could still be out there, hiding in cash drawers or coin jars. To spot one, look for these clues:
- 1943 date on the front
- Copper color (not silver or steel)
- Lincoln’s face and wheat stalks on the back Coin dealers warn against cleaning old pennies, as it can hurt their value. If you think you’ve found one, take it to a professional for a closer look.
A Penny Hunt Sweeps the Nation
Rivera’s story has kicked off a nationwide treasure hunt. From kids emptying piggy banks to retirees sifting through old tins, everyone’s looking for the next big find. “It’s rare, but it happens,” said Lisa Carter, a coin expert in Austin. She suggests checking change at stores or banks, where old coins sometimes pop up. Rivera, now nicknamed “Penny Tom” by his coworkers, is amazed at the buzz. “I just bought a soda,” he said, laughing. “Now I tell everyone to look at their pennies—you might be holding a fortune.”
