Imagine turning a simple soda run into a six-figure payday. That’s exactly what happened to a Texas mechanic who unknowingly pocketed a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny—one of the most coveted coins in American history. Found in a handful of change at a gas station, this little copper coin later sold at auction for an incredible $224,000, proving that treasure might just be hiding in your spare change.
A Gas Station Stop Turns Into Gold
Last fall, Tom Rivera, a 53-year-old mechanic from Dallas, made a routine stop at a gas station. After paying for a drink, he tossed the coins he received into his truck’s cupholder—never realizing one was worth more than most cars on the road.
Weeks later, his nephew, a hobbyist coin collector, spotted the penny and immediately knew it was something special. The worn coin turned out to be a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper—an ultra-rare error coin from World War II.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is So Valuable
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve metal for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks (planchets) were accidentally used, creating a small batch of 1943 copper Wheat Pennies—now considered some of the rarest coins in the world.
- Total Known to Exist: About 20
- Material: Copper (instead of steel)
- Auction Value: $224,000
- Condition: Circulated but well-preserved
Collectors and historians prize these coins for their rarity and historical context.
From Cupholder to Collector’s Dream
After the discovery, Rivera had the coin examined at a local coin shop. It was then authenticated and graded by a professional numismatic service. The buzz was immediate. When it hit the auction block in Houston, bidding wars broke out—and the final price settled at $224,000.
He plans to use the money to pay off debts, invest in his children’s future, and maybe even buy a new truck.
How to Spot a 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 1943 |
| Color | Copper (reddish-brown, not silver) |
| Magnetic? | No – real copper is non-magnetic |
| Back Design | Wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT” |
⚠️ Important: Never clean an old coin—doing so can decrease its value!
Penny Fever: A Nation on the Hunt
Rivera’s lucky find has sparked a nationwide penny hunt. From kids shaking out piggy banks to seniors dusting off old coin jars, everyone’s looking for that one lucky cent.
“Rare coins like these are out there—it’s just a matter of spotting them,” says Lisa Carter, a coin dealer from Austin.
Pro Tip: Ask your bank for penny rolls or sort through coins from stores. Older coins can show up anywhere—even vending machines or couch cushions.
Final Thoughts: A Fortune in Your Pocket?
The story of Tom Rivera and his $224,000 penny is a reminder that some of the greatest treasures don’t come from treasure maps—but from everyday life.
Before you toss that handful of change, take a closer look. Your next penny might be a piece of history—and maybe your ticket to a life-changing windfall.