Coins are more than just money—they are pieces of history that can tell fascinating stories of the past. While most people see pennies as common and of little value, a few rare ones have turned out to be worth millions of dollars.
Some of these valuable pennies were observed in unexpected places, like under old floorboards, where they had been hidden for decades, possibly forgotten by time itself. Each of these findings has a unique story, from minting errors to historical significance, making them some of the most sought-after coins in numismatics.
Here are three mysterious pennies found under floorboards that turned out to be worth millions.
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1943 copper penny
One of the most famous rare pennies is the 1943 copper penny, which was observed under the floorboards of a home. This coin has made headlines for being worth an astonishing 10.5 million dollars.
Why is the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and switched to steel because copper was needed for military equipment. However, a minting error led to a small number of pennies being mistakenly made from copper in 1943 instead of steel.
Only about 20 of these pennies are known to exist, making them one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins ever.
The finding under the floorboards
A family in Pennsylvania was renovating their home when they found a collection of old coins hidden under the floorboards. Among them was a single 1943 copper penny in near-mint condition.
After being authenticated by experts, the coin was valued at 10.5 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever observed. In 2012, another 1943 copper penny sold for 1.7 million dollars, proving just how rare and valuable these coins are.
1856 flying eagle penny
Another rare penny discovered under floorboards is the 1856 flying eagle penny, a historic coin that represents a major transition in U.S. currency.
Why is the 1856 flying eagle penny valuable?
This coin is significant because it marked the shift from the large, bulky large cent to the modern-sized penny. While the U.S. Mint produced many of these coins, they were not widely circulated, making surviving examples extremely rare.
The finding under the floorboards
During the renovation of an old house, a family stumbled upon a single 1856 flying eagle penny hidden among old trinkets under the floorboards. Though it was over 150 years old, the coin was in surprisingly good condition.
Once authenticated, the penny was sold at auction for several million dollars. Some examples of this coin have fetched as much as 10 million dollars, depending on their condition and provenance.
1944 steel penny
Similar to the 1943 copper penny, the 1944 steel penny was another minting error that became extremely valuable.
Why is the 1944 steel penny valuable?
By 1944, the U.S. Mint had returned to making pennies from copper, but a small number of steel pennies were accidentally struck due to a mix-up. Fewer than 20 of these coins are believed to exist, making them one of the rarest U.S. pennies.
The finding under the floorboards
In the early 2000s, a homeowner in the Midwest was cleaning out old belongings during a renovation when they found a 1944 steel penny hidden beneath the floorboards. Upon closer inspection, experts confirmed it was a genuine minting error, making it highly valuable.
Some 1944 steel pennies have sold for up to 10 million dollars, depending on their condition. The combination of their rarity and historical significance makes them highly sought-after by collectors.
Why are these pennies worth millions?
The value of these rare pennies comes down to a few key factors:
- minting errors – Coins that were struck using the wrong material or design are extremely rare.
- limited surviving examples – Many of these coins were not intended to be released, and only a handful remain today.
- historical significance – These coins tell important stories about American history and coin production.
- collector demand – Serious collectors and investors are willing to pay millions for these rare finds.
Final thoughts
Finding one of these rare pennies is like winning the lottery. They are more than just old coins—they are pieces of history with fascinating stories behind them.
If you ever come across an old coin, especially one that looks different from the usual pennies, it may be worth checking with a professional numismatist. You never know—you could be holding onto a million dollar treasure.
FAQs
How much is a 1943 copper penny worth?
A 1943 copper penny can be worth up to 10.5 million dollars, depending on its condition.
Why is the 1856 flying eagle penny valuable?
It marked the transition to the modern-sized penny and was not widely circulated.
How rare is the 1944 steel penny?
Fewer than 20 exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. pennies ever produced.
Where was the 1943 copper penny found?
A family in Pennsylvania observed it under their floorboards during a home renovation.
Can I find rare coins in my house?
Yes, rare coins have been found in old homes, under floorboards, or in forgotten collections.
