In a small Midwest town, an old fishing tackle box tucked away in a dusty garage turned into a life-changing discovery.
What looked like a pile of rusted hooks, weathered bobbers, and tangled fishing lines turned out to be hiding something extraordinary—a rare 1943 steel penny that recently sold for a jaw-dropping $875,000 at auction.
A Coin Hidden in Plain Sight
The discovery came when 72-year-old Frank M., a retired postal worker, was cleaning out his late father’s garage in Missouri. Among the forgotten fishing gear, he noticed a tiny compartment in the tackle box containing several old coins wrapped in wax paper. At first glance, the coins seemed ordinary, but one caught his eye—a dull, silver-colored penny that felt much lighter than the others.
Unaware of its value, Frank brought the coin to a local coin dealer, curious if it might be worth anything. The dealer, stunned at what he saw, immediately identified it as a 1943 steel Lincoln penny—one of the most fascinating coins in U.S. numismatic history.
What Makes the 1943 Steel Penny So Special?
During World War II, copper was in high demand for military purposes, especially for manufacturing ammunition. To conserve this valuable resource, the U.S. Mint decided to strike pennies in 1943 using zinc-coated steel instead of the traditional copper.
While over a billion steel cents were minted that year, what makes them truly notable is how many were lost to rust or mistaken for dimes due to their silver-like appearance. Finding one in excellent condition—especially with clear features, minimal corrosion, and no damage—is increasingly rare.
Some 1943 steel pennies are worth a few dollars. However, coins in pristine condition or with unusual characteristics—such as striking errors or exceptionally preserved surfaces—can fetch enormous prices.
Auction Bidding War Takes Off
Frank’s coin was authenticated and graded as one of the finest-known examples, boasting an unusually high level of preservation. The mint mark and details were crisp, and the coin had clearly avoided the corrosion common in most surviving steel cents.
Once listed at a prominent coin auction house, the coin sparked intense interest among collectors. What started as modest bidding quickly turned into a frenzy. Within hours, the coin had attracted international attention. It eventually sold to a private collector for $875,000—far beyond what anyone initially expected.
A Life-Changing Surprise
Frank described the experience as surreal. “I thought it might buy me lunch,” he laughed in an interview. “I never imagined it would change my retirement.”
His story has since gone viral, prompting others to recheck their old jars of change, family heirlooms, and forgotten drawers. Coin experts say this serves as a powerful reminder: treasure doesn’t always sparkle—it might be hiding in the last place you’d think to look.
Why You Might Still Find One
Unlike rare coins locked away in bank vaults or museum collections, steel pennies were once everyday currency. And while most have disappeared, some remain in circulation or stored away in basements, attics, and—apparently—tackle boxes.
Experts encourage people to keep an eye out for 1943 pennies, especially those that appear silver in color. A true steel cent from that year will not be attracted to a magnet and often weighs less than the standard copper versions. But be warned—not all 1943 pennies are valuable. Only those in top condition or with rare variations bring high values.
Final Thoughts
The story of Frank and his tackle box find has sparked new interest in coin collecting and reminded everyday Americans that history—and fortune—might be closer than they think. For now, the 1943 steel penny stands not only as a relic of wartime innovation but also as a symbol of unexpected discovery.
So the next time you’re cleaning out an old drawer or fishing through forgotten boxes in the garage, take a closer look. You just might be holding a small piece of history worth a fortune.