A Surprising Discovery in a Game Token
A 1943 steel penny, once used as a token in an arcade game, has stunned collectors after being valued at over $900,000. Found by a Pennsylvania man sorting through his late father’s coin collection, the penny was mistaken for a common game piece for decades. Experts confirmed it’s one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, a bronze 1943 penny accidentally struck during World War II. The discovery, announced on May 30, 2025, has sparked excitement among coin enthusiasts, with many now checking their own stashes for hidden treasures.
Why This Penny Is So Valuable
During World War II, pennies were made from steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a tiny number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze, making them incredibly rare. Only about 20 are known to exist, and their value keeps climbing. The penny in question, found in a box of arcade tokens, is in near-perfect condition, boosting its worth. Its unique history as a game token adds to its charm, making it a standout at auctions. Experts say it could fetch even more than $900,000 when it goes up for sale next month.
Other Rare 1943 Pennies to Know
The 1943 bronze penny isn’t the only valuable one from that year. A few other variations have caught collectors’ attention due to their rarity and high prices. Here’s a quick look at some notable ones:
| Penny Type | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny | $900,000+ | Struck in bronze by mistake |
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | $1,700,000 | Only one known, Denver mint |
| 1943-S Bronze Penny | $1,000,000 | Rare San Francisco mint error |
| 1943 Steel Double Die | $75,000 | Doubled image on front, steel version |
| 1943-S Steel Off-Center | $50,000 | Misaligned design, San Francisco mint |
These coins are tough to find, but their high values keep collectors hunting.
How the Penny Was Found
The Pennsylvania man, who wishes to remain anonymous, found the penny while cleaning out his father’s attic. His father, a lifelong arcade fan, had a habit of saving game tokens. Mixed in with dozens of ordinary steel pennies was the rare bronze one, unnoticed for years. After a hunch led him to a coin dealer, tests confirmed it was a genuine 1943 bronze penny. The man said he was “shocked” to learn its value, having thought it was just a quirky keepsake. Stories like this are rare but remind collectors that treasures can hide anywhere.
Tips for Finding Your Own Rare Coin
Could you have a valuable penny in your collection? Experts say to look for 1943 pennies that aren’t silver-colored, as bronze ones stand out. Check the mint mark (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) and look for errors like doubled images or off-center designs. Coins in great condition are worth more, so avoid cleaning them. If you suspect you have a rare one, take it to a professional coin grader. Checking old jars, family heirlooms, or even arcade tokens could lead to a big payday.
What’s Next for Coin Collectors
The $900,000 penny has lit a fire under the coin-collecting world, with more people digging through their collections. Auction houses are gearing up for a busy season, expecting more rare finds to surface. The Pennsylvania man plans to sell his penny at a major auction in June 2025, where it could break the million-dollar mark. For now, collectors are reminded that even a simple penny, once tossed into a game machine, can turn out to be a life-changing discovery. So, next time you find an old coin, take a closer look it might just be worth a fortune.
