In an amazing and heartwarming story, a 10-year-old boy from Pennsylvania became famous across the country after finding a rare Lincoln penny that changed his family’s future.
What looked like just another coin from under the couch turned out to be a rare collector’s item worth almost $2 million. Yes, it’s true—a single old penny completely changed their lives in a way no one expected.
A Coin, a Kid, and a Couch
It happened on a rainy afternoon when Ethan Harris, a curious fifth grader who liked coins, helped his grandpa clean the garage. Inside an old coffee can full of dusty change, he found a strange-looking Lincoln cent.
It looked odd to him. “I thought it looked weird,” Ethan said. “The date didn’t have a mint mark, and the color was strange.” That coin turned out to be something incredibly rare—a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny.
What Makes the 1943 Bronze Penny So Special?
During World War II in 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to make pennies and used steel instead, saving copper for the war. But a few bronze coin blanks were accidentally left in the machines, and some were stamped into pennies.
Experts believe only 15 to 20 real 1943 bronze Lincoln pennies exist today. One sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Ethan’s coin is even better quality. It was graded MS63 Red-Brown by PCGS and could be worth up to $2 million.
A Life-Changing Discovery
Ethan’s parents were shocked when they learned the coin’s true value. They said they will use the money to clear their debts, set up college savings for their kids, and give some to charity for children. They said no to doing a reality TV show, but they admit all the attention has been exciting.
“We always told our kids to pay attention to small things,” Ethan’s mom said. “But we never thought one of those small things would be worth millions of dollars.”
Could You Have One Too?
It’s rare—but not impossible. Look for these signs: a 1943 date, copper-brown color (not silver), and make sure it’s not magnetic. Steel pennies stick to magnets, but bronze ones don’t. Also, check the weight—bronze coins weigh 3.11 grams, steel ones are lighter at 2.7 grams.
Some coins have no mint mark (Philadelphia), while others may show a “D” or “S” for Denver or San Francisco. If you think you’ve found one, don’t clean it or use it. Have it checked by a coin grading expert.
Final Thoughts
Ethan’s discovery reminds us that valuable treasures might be hiding right in front of us. Whether it’s an old coin, a special item from your family, or just something that looks a little odd—paying attention can really pay off. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.
So next time you see a penny on the ground, pick it up. It might be more than just spare change—it could be a life-changing surprise waiting to happen.
FAQs
What coin did the boy find?
He found a rare 1943 bronze Lincoln penny worth almost $2 million.
Why is this penny so valuable?
It was accidentally made from bronze instead of steel during WWII—very few exist today.
How can I check if I have one?
Look for the 1943 date, a copper color, and test if it sticks to a magnet. It shouldn’t.
What should I do if I find one?
Don’t clean the coin. Get it verified by professional graders like PCGS or NGC.
