Lincoln Wheat Penny Found in Crayon Box: A Pennsylvania family recently made a remarkable numismatic find while sorting through childhood memories in their attic. Buried in an old crayon box filled with broken crayons and small trinkets, they discovered a single copper-toned penny that stood out from the rest. What initially seemed like ordinary clutter turned out to be a hiding place for a potentially valuable piece of American history – a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that could be worth thousands at auction.
Identifying a Numismatic Treasure
The family recognized the coin’s distinctive wheat stalk design on the reverse side, characteristic of Lincoln pennies minted between 1909 and 1958. Their curiosity led them to a local coin dealer, who immediately suspected they might have found something special. After professional authentication, experts confirmed this was indeed a rare specimen, possibly from the San Francisco or Denver mints where lower production numbers make surviving coins particularly valuable to collectors.
From Forgotten Relic to Auction Star
The authenticated penny has now been consigned to a reputable auction house, where specialists describe it as “a wonderful example of how historical artifacts can surface in the most unexpected places.” While the exact mint year and grade remain undisclosed pending final evaluation, preliminary estimates suggest the coin could fetch between $5,000 and $25,000 at auction, depending on collector interest and final condition assessment.
Why This Discovery Captures the Imagination
This find stands out even among recent rare coin discoveries because of its humble hiding place. As one numismatist noted, “We frequently see valuable coins emerge from coin rolls or inherited collections, but finding one preserved in a child’s crayon box adds a special layer of charm to the story.” The discovery highlights how ordinary household items can sometimes serve as accidental time capsules, preserving pieces of history that might otherwise be lost or overlooked.
The Enduring Legacy of Lincoln Wheat Pennies
First introduced in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, these coins represented several firsts in U.S. currency:
- The first circulating coin to feature a real historical figure’s portrait
- The first U.S. penny to bear the “In God We Trust” motto
- A design that remained unchanged for nearly 50 years
While common examples remain affordable for beginning collectors, rare varieties like the 1909-S VDB or the accidental 1943 bronze pennies have sold for six figures, making them some of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics.
A Reminder to Look Closer at Everyday Objects
As the Pennsylvania family prepares their crayon box penny for auction, they’ve chosen to keep the original container as a memento. Their experience serves as an inspiring reminder that valuable pieces of history might be hiding in plain sight – whether in attics, basements, or childhood keepsakes. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, this discovery reinforces the importance of examining old possessions carefully before dismissing them as unimportant.
