Old Steel Penny Used In Arcade Game Now Worth Over $900,000

A Surprising Discovery in a Game Token

A 1943 steel penny, long mistaken as an ordinary game token, has astonished the coin collecting world after being appraised at over $900,000. The coin was discovered by a man from Pennsylvania while going through his late father’s collection. For years, it was assumed to be a common arcade piece.

Upon further inspection, coin experts confirmed it to be a 1943 bronze penny—one of the rarest coins ever produced in the U.S. during World War II due to a minting error. Announced on May 30, 2025, this incredible find has reignited interest among collectors, with many now checking their own collections for overlooked gems.

Why This Penny Is So Valuable

During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using steel instead of copper to conserve metal for wartime needs. However, a few bronze blanks were accidentally used in 1943, creating an extremely rare batch of bronze pennies. Only about 20 examples are believed to exist, which significantly increases their value.

The recently discovered coin is in excellent condition and had been tucked away with a pile of arcade tokens, adding an intriguing backstory. Due to its rarity and pristine state, experts believe it could sell for even more than $900,000 at auction next month.

Other Rare 1943 Pennies to Know

Several other versions of the 1943 penny are also considered extremely rare and valuable. Here’s a breakdown of notable types:

Penny Type	Estimated Value	Why It’s Valuable
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny	$900,000+	Minted in bronze by accident
1943-D Bronze Penny	$1,700,000	Only one known example from Denver
1943-S Bronze Penny	$1,000,000	Rare error coin from San Francisco
1943 Steel Double Die	$75,000	Front image printed twice
1943-S Steel Off-Center	$50,000	Off-center error from San Francisco mint

These extraordinary coins continue to inspire treasure hunters across the globe.

How the Penny Was Found

The man who found the penny, choosing to stay anonymous, discovered it while sorting through his father’s attic. His father had been an avid arcade enthusiast and had collected various game tokens over the years. Hidden among dozens of steel pennies was a slightly different-looking coin—the rare 1943 bronze penny.

Following a gut feeling, he brought the coin to a professional dealer who confirmed its authenticity. The discovery shocked the man, who had only considered the coin a nostalgic memento.

Tips for Finding Your Own Rare Coin

Wondering if you might have a valuable penny tucked away? Here’s what experts suggest:

• Look for 1943 pennies that appear brownish instead of the usual silver color.
• Check the mint marks—“D” for Denver and “S” for San Francisco can add extra value.
• Watch for printing mistakes like double images or off-center strikes.
• Never clean old coins, as condition matters for value.
• Visit a certified coin appraiser if you suspect you’ve found something rare.

Rare coins can show up in inherited jars, old drawers, or even with arcade memorabilia.

What’s Next for Coin Collectors

This $900,000 penny discovery has created a buzz in the numismatic community. More collectors are now combing through their coins, hoping to uncover hidden treasures. Auction houses are anticipating a surge in rare coin listings, and the Pennsylvania man is set to sell his find in a major auction scheduled for June 2025.

Experts believe it could fetch over a million dollars. The story serves as a reminder that something as ordinary as a penny could change your life—so it’s always worth taking a second look.

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