Steel Penny Used in a Board Game : In a story that seems almost too incredible to be true, a rare steel penny that had been casually used as a game piece in a family board game for decades has been discovered to be worth more than $600,000.
The penny, a 1943 Lincoln cent mistakenly struck in bronze instead of steel, was found by a retired couple in Illinois while they were cleaning out old belongings in their attic. The coin had been part of a makeshift Monopoly set, used as a token by their children in the 1970s.
“We always thought it looked a bit different,” said Margaret Langley, 76. “It had a strange color and weight, but we never imagined it could be worth anything. We just thought it was a rusty old penny.”
A Rare Mistake with Big Value
During World War II, the U.S. Mint faced a critical copper shortage due to the demands of ammunition manufacturing. As a result, most pennies minted in 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel. However, a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) from 1942 mistakenly ended up being struck in 1943.
These bronze 1943 Lincoln cents are considered among the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only a handful are known to exist—estimates range between 10 and 20—and they are prized by collectors for their historical significance and rarity.
From the Attic to Auction
Langley’s son, Michael, who works as a hobbyist numismatist, noticed the unusual coin while sorting through the old board game set. Curious about its unusual hue and magnetic resistance, he decided to have it appraised.
The family took the coin to a reputable numismatic expert, who confirmed the incredible find: it was a genuine 1943 bronze Lincoln cent. The coin was authenticated and graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which gave it a near-mint rating—further enhancing its value.
Last month, the penny was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions and fetched a staggering $604,000.
A Life-Changing Discovery
The Langleys say the unexpected windfall will help fund their grandchildren’s education and support several charitable causes close to their hearts.
“We’re still in shock,” said Margaret. “To think that something so valuable was sitting in a box of dusty old games for decades—it’s surreal.”
A Cautionary Tale for Collectors
The discovery has sparked renewed interest in coin collecting and served as a reminder to collectors and casual holders alike: even the most unassuming items may hold immense value.
“It’s the ultimate treasure hunt,” said Mark Powell, a coin expert with the American Numismatic Association. “Rare coins can turn up in the most surprising places—from yard sales to junk drawers—and in this case, inside a Monopoly box.”
If you have old coins lying around, it might be time to take a closer look. That seemingly ordinary penny might just be worth a small fortune.
Did You Know?
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The 1943 bronze penny is so rare because nearly all pennies that year were struck on steel.
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One of the finest known examples sold in 2010 for $1.7 million.
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Genuine 1943 bronze cents are not magnetic, unlike their steel counterparts.
Tip: If you think you’ve found a rare coin, don’t clean it! Its value could diminish. Always seek professional grading and authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What was so special about this steel penny?
A: The penny wasn’t actually steel—it was a 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. It was mistakenly struck in bronze when nearly all pennies that year were made from steel due to a wartime copper shortage. Fewer than 20 are known to exist.
Q2: How did the family discover the coin’s value?
A: The coin had been used as a game piece in a Monopoly set for decades. The family’s son, a hobbyist coin collector, noticed the unusual coloring and magnetic properties and had it appraised by experts, who confirmed it was a genuine 1943 bronze penny.
Q3: How much did the coin sell for?
A: The rare penny was sold at auction for $604,000.
