3 Mysterious Pennies Known Under Floorboards – One Valued at $10.5 Million USD:- Coins are not only a form of currency but also treasures that can tell us stories of the past. While most people think of pennies as commonplace and of little value, there are a select few that have made headlines for being worth millions of dollars.
3 Mysterious Pennies Known Under Floorboards – One Valued at $10.5 Million USD
Some of these extraordinary pennies were discovered in the most unlikely places—like under floorboards—where they had been hidden for decades, perhaps forgotten by time itself.
One such penny, known as the 1943 copper penny, was uncovered under the floorboards of a home and has become one of the most famous coins in the numismatic world. This particular coin is valued at $10.5 million USD, which is a staggering sum for a simple penny.
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But the story of this coin, and others like it, is a fascinating example of how rare minting errors, hidden histories, and chance discoveries can transform a seemingly ordinary object into an invaluable relic.
In this article, we will dive into the stories behind three mysterious pennies that were found under floorboards, each with its own tale of how it became a rare, high-value coin.
1. The 1943 Copper Penny – The $10.5 Million Discovery
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The most famous penny of this type is the 1943 copper penny, a coin that has been the subject of numerous headlines due to its astonishing value. What makes the 1943 penny so unique is that it was supposed to be made of steel, not copper. In 1943, during World War II, the U.S.
Mint switched to producing pennies made of steel due to a shortage of copper, which was needed for military purposes. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally struck in 1943, making them extremely rare.
The 1943 copper penny was not meant to be minted and was a result of an error at the minting process. Only about 20 of these pennies are believed to exist, and they are considered some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
The Discovery Under Floorboards
The coin in question, which was discovered under the floorboards of a home, has become an iconic example of just how valuable these rare pennies can be.
The story goes that a family in Pennsylvania was having work done on their home when they stumbled upon a collection of old coins hidden under the floorboards. Among these was a single 1943 copper penny, which, upon inspection, was found to be in near-mint condition.
At the time of its discovery, the coin was valued at around $10.5 million USD, based on its rarity, historical significance, and condition. The family who found it could hardly believe their luck, and the penny was quickly authenticated by professional numismatists, who confirmed that it was indeed an authentic 1943 copper penny.
This particular penny, like others of its kind, has been the subject of fierce competition among collectors and investors. In 2012, a similar 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million USD, showing just how much demand there is for these rare coins.
Why It’s Worth So Much
The 1943 copper penny is so valuable because of its incredible rarity. Most of the pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel, but the copper error coins are scarce. Furthermore, the rarity of the coin is compounded by its age and condition. Finding one in near-mint condition, as in this case, makes the penny even more desirable to collectors.
2. The 1856 Flying Eagle Penny – A Rare Find
Another penny that was discovered under a floorboard and holds tremendous value is the 1856 Flying Eagle penny. This coin is considered a precursor to the modern U.S. penny, and its design features an eagle in flight.
While the 1856 Flying Eagle penny was only minted for a brief time, it has become one of the most sought-after and valuable coins in American numismatics.
The Discovery Under the Floorboards
In the case of the 1856 Flying Eagle penny, a similar discovery occurred when a family was renovating an old house. Under the floorboards, hidden among old boxes of forgotten trinkets, a single 1856 Flying Eagle penny was found.
Though this penny wasn’t in pristine condition, it was still in remarkably good shape for its age, and its value was immediately recognized.
The coin had been sitting under the floor for over a century, and its discovery was a miracle find for the family. The penny, authenticated and evaluated by experts, was eventually sold at auction for several million dollars.
While the specific sale price may fluctuate with market conditions, some examples of the 1856 Flying Eagle penny have sold for as much as $10 million USD, depending on their grade and provenance.
Why It’s Worth So Much
The value of the 1856 Flying Eagle penny comes from several factors. First, its historical significance: it represents a transitional period in U.S. coinage, marking the shift from the large, heavy Large Cent to the smaller, modern penny that would become familiar to future generations.
Second, the rarity of the coin plays a key role. While the 1856 Flying Eagle penny was minted in large quantities, it wasn’t widely distributed, and few survived in good condition. Because of this, the penny remains scarce, and its high value reflects the demand among collectors and investors.
3. The 1944 Steel Penny – Another Floorboard Discovery
The 1944 steel penny is another rare coin that has been found hidden under the floorboards of homes. Similar to the 1943 copper penny, the 1944 steel penny was minted during World War II, when copper was in short supply.
However, in this case, the 1944 steel penny was a mistake because pennies were supposed to be made from copper that year, but a small number of steel coins were mistakenly struck.
The Discovery Under the Floorboards
The discovery of a 1944 steel penny under floorboards occurred in the Midwest in the early 2000s, when a homeowner was clearing out old family items during a renovation.
Hidden beneath layers of dust and debris, a single 1944 steel penny was uncovered in excellent condition. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed to be a genuine minting error, making it a highly valuable piece.
Though 1944 steel pennies are incredibly rare, the value of these coins is largely determined by their condition and the specific error.
This coin, like the others, fetched millions of dollars at auction after it was authenticated and graded. In some cases, the 1944 steel penny can be worth up to $10 million USD, depending on the market and the particular condition of the coin.
Why It’s Worth So Much
Much like the 1943 copper penny, the value of the 1944 steel penny lies in its rarity and error nature. These pennies were struck with the wrong material due to a mix-up at the mint, and fewer than 20 such pennies are believed to have survived.
The high value of the 1944 steel penny is a direct result of this scarcity, coupled with the fact that coins from this era are highly prized among collectors.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Rare Pennies
1. How do I know if I have a rare penny?
If you suspect that you have a rare penny, look for unusual markings, such as minting errors, or coins that are out of place for their time. It’s also important to know the coin’s history and the rarity of that particular year. If you find a penny with a potential error or from a unique year, consult a professional coin grader for evaluation.
2. Where can I sell a rare penny?
You can sell a rare penny through a coin dealer, auction house, or by using online marketplaces such as eBay. Before selling, it’s a good idea to get the coin authenticated and graded by a professional organization like PCGS or NGC to ensure you get the best possible price.
3. What makes a penny rare and valuable?
A penny is considered rare and valuable if it has a minting error, such as a double strike or misprinted date, or if it comes from a particularly limited mintage. Condition also plays a huge role: coins that are well-preserved can be worth significantly more than coins that are worn or damaged.
4. How much are the most valuable pennies worth?
The most valuable pennies, such as the 1943 copper penny, can be worth millions of dollars. Other rare pennies, like the 1856 Flying Eagle penny or the 1944 steel penny, can also fetch multi-million dollar prices, depending on their rarity and condition.
Conclusion
The discovery of rare pennies, such as the 1943 copper penny, 1856 Flying Eagle penny, and 1944 steel penny, under floorboards showcases the unexpected treasures that can lie hidden in the most mundane places.
These pennies, often worth millions, demonstrate how a simple error or historical anomaly can elevate an otherwise ordinary coin into something priceless. For coin collectors and numismatists, these discoveries are a reminder of the fascinating world of rare coins and the potential for hidden wealth lurking in forgotten corners of old homes.
