He had no idea, but clearly, this would result in a fortune. Share away, people! It took at least 5 hours to process his pennies through a coin-counting machine until the sum was revealed. Anders says he plans to use the cash to help pay a dental bill. However, Anders always made sure that every penny that came his way from others was compensated properly. He started collecting pennies in the early 1970s. (Fox 14). When he found out that his homeowner's policy no longer covered his pennies, he had no choice but to cash in his collection of over 45 years. Thats especially true when it comes to coins - but - only certain kinds of coins. One man, Otha Anders, is one of the rare exceptions in this regard because he's picked up every penny that he has ever come across for the last 45 years! Otha Anders has collected over half a million pennies during the last 45 years. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Jul 2, 2018. Otha Ander was a supervisor on the Jackson School Board and was passionate about his job. The plastic jugs had to be opened with an ax and hammer, and the bank was not prepared for such a large collection even though Anders had called a week prior to inform them that he would be coming with a colossal amount of pennies. Coins made of base metals, such as aluminum, have very little worth. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It took at least 5 hours to process his pennies through a coin-counting machine until the sum was revealed. Copyright 2021 Obsev.com All Rights Reserved, Man Who Saved Pennies For 45 Years Finally Cashes Out. The counting and processing of the coins took a total of about five hours, according to the News-Star. Everyone was staring at him.She looked at him in disbelief. The final amount was certainly not small. The final count: 513,614 pennies, which comes to a little over $5,136, Fox 14 reports. To get the pennies to the Ruston Origina Bank in Ruston, LA, Anders needed help.He ended up getting a couple of his friends to help move the five-gallon jugs full of pennies into his truck and then into the bank. "If I was at someones house and I found a penny, I would pick it up and I would keep it,"he said. To get the pennies to the Ruston Origina Bank in Ruston, LA, Anders needed help.He ended up getting a couple of his friends to help move the five-gallon jugs full of pennies into his truck and then into the bank. He felt that every penny he found was a gift from God, but he had no idea that he would find many more gifts throughout his life. Otha Anders had been collecting pennies for more than 4 decades and had always put his faith in them as he was a religious man. Who would have thought a penny a day could someday bring you $5k! Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Even over 45 years, its hard to acquire a collection of over 500,000 pennies without a little help. If Anders had it his way, he would have kept his collection and continued to pick up pennies for many years to come but life would throw him a curveball. It was by far the most exciting thing that had happened at the bank in a while!The plastic jugs were hacked open by an ax and hammer. But his wife couldnt help but question one habit that he had had for the last 45 years. He approached the questionable expression behind the desk and asked them to cash his pennies in. I would say hes done a lot of collecting over the years.. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Little did he know, just how many gifts he was going to receive. Then, one day, he decided to turn in the loose change. Thats what happened to the owner of a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat penny. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (Fox 14) A Louisiana man who collected pennies for almost half a . The hobby turned into an obsession that would consume a lot more of his free time than what his wife like. Their worth is even less still if the government issuing the coins no longer exists. While he was working as a supervisor for in-school suspended children for the Jackson School Board, students found out about Anders quirk and began to save pennies to sell to him. "I would break a dollar before giving up a penny.". And after acquiring over a half million of these coins, he finally cashed them in on Tuesday at Origin Bank. News-Star. Believe me, if I had it my way, Id keep these pennies forever. Where many people think of wishing on a penny, Otha Anders thinks of praying on a penny! "I became convinced that spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful," said Anders, 73. NEW YORK DAILY . He took . But what was he going to do with his saved money? In all, Anders had collected enough pennies to earn him over $5,000! The trolley wheels squeaked as he walked into the bank. "Whenever I would see a penny, I would always say a prayer of thanks. When he finally took his collection over to the bank, tellers were staggered by the amount he had saved. RUSTON, La. Even opening the jugs wasn't a simple task -- they were hacked open with an axe. Five of Anders' closest friends and family helped him and bank employees load the coins from the back of a pickup truck into the company's coin room. "I would break a dollar before I would spend a penny," he said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, While he only deposited them when he found. He also started making more and decisions that would give him more pennies. And with hundreds of thousands of coins, perhaps one had a valuable error. Pennies are small both in size and worth, but as a popular Indiansaying goes, "Drops of water collected eventually become a flowing stream." Anders was able to put his money to good use and spend it on a dental bill that had just been issued to him.It was a happy coincidence that he found himself with more money just as an expensive bill landed in his lap. But as he speculated, he remembered reading about a coin collection that resulted in a fortune for the owner. When he finally took his collection over to the bank, tellers were staggered by the amount he had saved. Published: 10/28/2015 8:46:47 AM. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He would just find them and save them. "I wanted the inner satisfaction that God and I acquired this collection.". It reportedly took five hours for machines to count all the change. Anders' new home insurance didnt cover his penny collection, so he reluctantly decided it was time to visit the bank and cash in his most prized possession.Anders had no idea how much money his collection would amount to. Man Cashes In 500,000 Pennies Collected Over 45 Years. The plastic jugs were hacked open by an ax and hammer. Man Cashes in Pennies He Collected for 45 Years, Gets Over $5,000 from Bank, Woman Opens Emergency Exit, Walks on Planes, Girls Facebook Brag Ends Up Costing Her, Pedicab Driver Shot While Trying to Surrender, 91-Year-Old Professor Goes Viral in Online Class. Specifically, coins made of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and even copper fluctuate in value over time but generally become more valuable. Cole said a machine counted the coins that saves much time, and Origin Bank's part is to help get the pennies counted, so Anders can get to his destination. Anders is a beautiful example of how all of us can learn to be thankful for the small things. "I have not spent a penny in 40-plus years. -- A Louisiana man recently cashed in hundreds of thousands of saved pennies, rollingthem to the bank on a dolly after collecting them for more than four decades.According to the Louisiana News Star, Otha Anders, 73, started collecting pennies 45 years ago when he spotted one on the ground. But as he speculated, he remembered reading about a coin collection that resulted in a fortune for the owner. But what about Anders coins? Otha Anders turned in a 45-year collection of pennies on Tuesday in 15 five-gallon water jugs. As a supervisor for in-school suspended children for the Jackson School Board, Anders said his students learned about his penny fascination and would save them up to sell to him. Otha Anders had been collecting pennies for more than 4 decades and had always put his faith in them as he was a religious man. Although Anders' collection contains mostly modern pennies, its crazy to think that if he held onto those coins long enough, theyd soon bring him a fortune as big as a million dollars! A Louisiana man who collected pennies for more than 45 years has now cashed in 513,614 of them. He was reluctant to give his years of work away, but Anders also said that he has not lost the joy that comes from collecting coins. However, thats not true for all coins. "We value his business, as we do all of our customers," she said. Its shocking, for sure, he told ABC News. You know you see pennies all over. An error in the coin made it extremely valuable, and its value could only keep growing over time. For over 45 years, Anders had been collecting pennies, storing them in 5-gallon water jugs. "We value his business, as we do all of our customers," he said. Which side of value did they fall under? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Nancy Bergeron/Ruston Daily Leader Wow. It would go towards his recent dental bill, he told theNews Star. If I would see a penny when Im gassing up, on the ground, or in a store, it would be a reminder to stop right there and say a prayer, he said. The Louisiana teacher loved looking at his massive collection so much that in the 70s, when the U.S. government began to offer a $25 bonus for every $100 worth of pennies turned in, he wasn't even a little tempted to take the extra cash. Which side of value did they fall under? "I would never spend a penny," Anders said. Change for the better: Man cashes in 45-year penny collection worth $5,000. I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated, Anders told the site. How many?, the woman asked. He probably would have kept his obsession up if he hadnt figured out some when he had to renew his home affairs. Guy Who Saved Pennies For 45 Years Just Cashed Out. "He did likewise with pennies for me." It'll go toward a recent dental bill, the Ruston Daily Leader reported. This means that on an average day, he had collected around 31 pennies. He was a man on a mission, and when his students at school found out about his strange fascination, they wanted to help.Theyd often come to his class with a handful of pennies to give to him but Anders had principles. Tell us your tales of coin collections if you have any,and don't forget to show this story to your friends as well! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. All of the kids love him and he was happy to look after them. "I would never spend a penny," he said. "I would break a dollar before giving up a penny". As it turns out, he knew Anders quite well, Anders was a longtime, loyal customer who never gave them any problems so immediately knew they wanted to help him. -- A Louisiana man recently cashed in hundreds of thousands of saved pennies, rolling them to the bank on a dolly after collecting them for more than four decades. He said Brown could only redeem his nickels with pennies and he could redeem his pennies only with nickels. "I would break a dollar before giving up a penny.". Then he took his jugs to a bank in Ruston, Louisiana to cash them in. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They seem somewhat worthless, save for the moments when we find pennies on the ground that promise us a day filled with luck. Anders collected pennies, not as a sign of greed but as a symbol of faith that he was being looked after by the man upstairs, the universe, the penny gods, or whatever you might believe in! October 29, 2015 By Coin Update 13 Comments. This 73-Year-Old Man Has Collected Pennies For 45 Years And Now He's Cashing Out For 45 years, Otha Anders saved his pennies. ", | Special to The (Monroe, La.) Since Anders could have collected a small fortune, he made it a point to have his collection covered under his house insurance, but when he renewed it, they turned him away. This meant that he soon had more pennies than he knew what to do with. The 73-year-old had a family of his own. We may earn a commission from links on this page. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! It was actually his religion that started the penny collecting. "Our exchange became competitive by each trying to outdo the other and consequently our collections; his nickels, my pennies began to multiply," he said. Most of us eventually find a way to incorporate our nickels and quarters into our shopping sprees but pennies? Employees gathered to see the first five-gallon container being counted. Any penny he receives as change or anything he finds in his walks, he puts inside the 5-gallon water jugs. It squeaked and squawked as the wheels turned in pursuit. That led to a huge collection, stored in 15 five-gallon, plastic water jugs, adding up to about half a million pennies, which ultimately converted to $5,136.14. That amount was deposited into his account Tuesday to go toward a recent dental bill. In the end, Anders was always fair about how he came across his pretty pennies. "I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated," he said. "But I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated,"he told the news outlet. "I would never spend a penny,"he said. His quirky hobby turned out to be a brilliant reminder of how much little things matter. Anders continued to collect his pennies for 45 years until he successfully filled fifteen five-gallon plastic water jugs. It may inspire them to start a collection of their own. I would never spend a penny, he told the News-Star. It took the bank over 5 hours to count the money and thats through a machine! But now, he was about to find out. But if we can help Anders with his endeavors, we are happy to do so.. An error in the coin made it extremely valuable, and its value could only keep growing over time. Anders said he would be truly remiss if he did not acknowledge his friend, Jack 'Domino Kid' Brown, for helping him with his penny collection. Guess how many pennies were in his 15 5-gallon jugs. Seventy Five Gallons He had no idea yet, but that effort resulted in a fortune, and it was all for him. RUSTON, La. It all just started that one day when he found a penny in the street; he went on to collect more. Otha Anders saved his first penny more than 45 years ago when he found it on the ground. This 73-Year-Old Man Has Collected Pennies For 45 Years And Now He's Cashing Out For 45 years, Otha Anders saved his pennies. There were simply too many to count so Anders could only guess that his collection contained hundreds of thousands of pennies but really, he had no idea. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. So, he paid them for pennies? I would break a dollar before giving up a penny.. That is a lot of pennies. The total came out to a whopping $5,136. There have been days where I failed to pray, and more often than not, a lost or dropped penny would show up to remind me.. "There have been days where I failed to pray and more often than not, a lost or dropped penny would show up to remind me.". . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. He watched suspended kids and loved his job. "Anders will inform us on where he wants the cashed-in money to be placed," she said. It takes four quarters, 10 dimes, 50 nickels, or 100 pennies to equal a dollar. "We value his business, as we do all of our customers," she said. In the early 70s, Ota Anders took up an unusual hobby: he began to collect coins in denominations of only 1 penny. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/FactsVerse Image Credits :Like this content? Not many people think too much of a penny - it is just one cent. The coin reminded him to pray and give thanks. Since Anders could have collected a small fortune, he made it a point to have his collection covered under his house insurance, but when he renewed it, they turned him away. Anders said he started collecting the coins in the late-1960s. "But I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated," he said. Youtube / Kray K News. Anders' coin collecting habit started when he found a penny on the street decades ago. However, since his homeowners insurance policy didnt cover the extensive collection, he finally decided to cash in. By this time, he had acquired over 15 5-gallon water jugs full of pennies, which were over half a million pennies in total! That first penny, he told the Star, reminded him that life is a gift from God. According to the . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. October 28, 2015 at 10:29 pm EDT. And after acquiring over a half million of these coins, he finally cashed them in on Tuesday at Origin Bank. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Author: Frededreia Willis. And you think we have the time to count half a million pennies for you? she laughed. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Thats why they had so much value to me., If his homeowners insurance policy hadnt stopped covering the pennies, Anders says there wouldve been no turning back. The woman stared at him in shock. To Anders, 73, the pennies represent more than a nice pay day. Anders kept his pennies in five-gallon plastic jugs. What if you collected pennies as a hobby? This man had saved pennies for 45 years and just picked them up from the street. But when they finally did, the amount Anders had saved all these years was incredible! It must have been fun watching the water jugs get filled with so much pennies because Otha decided to continue doing it for the years to come. Photo credit: United News International / YouTube. Anders sat next to the machine watching his collection go down the counter and the bank workers come in to the change the coin bag every 20 minutes, since the coin machine bags need to be changed after every $50. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. He plans to put the money toward a recent dental bill, but he says he hasnt lost the joy that comes with collecting coins. Its unclear how much his collection weighed, but using the U.S. Mints estimate of 2.5 grams a coin, it might have been around 2,800 pounds. All eyes were on the man pulling the trolley behind him. Otha Anders started more than 45 years ago when he found a penny on the ground and decided to save it. Cole said the bank will then send the pennies off to the FDIC, and the bank will receive their credit for them. You have to find 100 of them to get a dollar - it is a lot of work. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After over four decades of this spectacular collection, we wish Anders the very best for his future penny collections as well! Photo credit: United News International / YouTube. He had always been a religious man and his faith had grown stronger as the years passed.His faith was how his penny obsession all started. The coin reminded him to pray and give thanks. Anders collected pennies for 45 years until he had filled up . By Laurie Hanna. The woman gave Anders a long look before calling her manager. But when they finally did, the actual amount Anders had saved all these years was incredible!When the manager walked out to see who was causing all the ruckus, his face lit up at the sight of Anders. Anders wasa supervisor for in-school suspended children for the Jackson School Board in Louisiana, and when his students found out about his habit of collecting pennies, they would save up their money to sell to him. Having collected pennies since the late 1960s, the 73-year-old from Louisiana finally deposited the savings in his bank to pay for a dental bill. For anyone who's trying to work it out, that's $114.14 a year, Anders was able to collect by picking up dirty old pennies left forgotten on the side of a street. Anders sheepishly laughed with her before pleading to her again. Copyright 2012-2023 Social Sweethearts GmbH. Although Anders collection contains mostly modern pennies, its crazy to think that if he held onto those coins long enough, theyd soon bring him a fortune as big as a million dollars! The 73-year-old has some modest plans to spend his money. With all the pennies this guy had, he must've been very, very lucky. Then all day long, you'll have good luck." And his "luck" came in the shape of a cool five grand. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. In total, then, Anders had collected 513,614 pennies in 45 years, or 16,425 days. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Anders continued to collect his pennies for 45 years until he successfully filled fifteen five-gallon plastic water jugs.There were simply too many to count so Anders could only guess that his collection contained hundreds of thousands of pennies but really, he had no idea. "Jack saved nickels as I saved pennies and every nickel that passed through my hands I would save for him," he said. He also always made sure that whenever he made a purchase with cash, his change contained at least three to four pennies. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Total Savings. I would say hes done a lot of collecting over the years., Vice President Jennie Cole also said that Anders was a long-time customer whom they wanted to help. Otha Anders saved his first penny more than 45 years ago when he found it on the ground. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. All rights reserved. Then, one day, he decided to turn in the loose change. It was a problem that left him devastated. Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. It was by far the most exciting thing that had happened at the bank in a while! Updated: 8:46 AM EDT October 28, 2015 . All Rights Reserved. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is said that the world works in mysterious ways, and for Otha Anders and the result of his penny collection, that motto is certainly true ! Ruston resident Otha Anders started saving his first penny more than 45 years ago when he found it on the ground. He also stopped spending pennies on purchases, preferring instead to put them in emptywater jugs, the Star reports. But why? I know its a crazy amount but this is a dear collection of mine that I need to cash out. I would never spend a penny, he said. The extra bonus of income came just in time for him to pay a medical bill. This soon became an obsession until he started saving his own pennies for his hobby. Legal Statement. Here was a man who certainly lived by the adage "See a penny, pick it up. For over 45 years, Anders had been collecting pennies, storing them in 5-gallon water jugs. Over a few years, a random collection of coins can amount to a fancy night out or give you the exact amount to buya beautiful outfit. After all, the magic of life is preserved in the ordinary, everyday things, and it is up to us to find it. He couldnt believe it. What began as something fun turned into a full-blown obsession and an all-consuming hobby. He looked at lost old pennies on the floor as his very own personal gift from God. Anders sheepishly laughed with her before pleading with her again. And with hundreds of thousands of coins, perhaps one had a valuable error. Otha Anders started collecting pennies in the late 1960s. Otha Anders cashed in his giant penny collection. It seems that this small habit was a touching way for Anders to strengthen his relationship with God. How would they be able to count all these pennies? But Edmond Knowles did. If I was at someones house and I found a penny, I would pick it up and I would keep it, he said. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from WED 8:00 PM PST until THU 10:00 AM PST, Willapa Hills, from THU 4:00 AM PST until FRI 4:00 AM PST, West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes, from THU 4:00 AM PST until FRI 10:00 AM PST, West Slopes North Cascades and Passes, from THU 4:00 AM PST until FRI 4:00 AM PST, East Slopes of the Washington Cascades, from THU 12:00 AM PST until THU 1:00 PM PST, Lower Columbia and I - 5 Corridor in Cowlitz County, from THU 4:00 AM PST until THU 10:00 PM PST, West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes, from WED 11:00 PM PST until THU 8:00 AM PST, Western Whatcom County, Western Skagit County, Admiralty Inlet Area, FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News, Idaho murders: Bryan Kohberger leaks a 'huge issue' with 'potential to compromise' prosecution, lawyer warns, Idaho student murders suspect Bryan Kohberger could face death by firing squad under proposed law if convicted, Deputies: Theft suspect caught after GPS tracker hidden in stolen items, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Armed suspects impersonate federal officers, rob elderly woman in Pierce County home, 'I wanted to be the best teammate'; First woman appointed as fire chief in King County, West Virginia governor signs new carry bill, allowing for guns on public college, university campuses, Prince Harry and wife Meghan asked to vacate royal home in UK. The same with coins that hold an error. Thats what happened to the owner of a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat penny. When Anders picked up his very first penny, he had no idea that hed continue picking them up for 45 years. Guess Who Her Dad Is. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. or redistributed. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He was so serious about his rather unique hobby that he ended up collecting 55 large water jugs filled with pennies. Are you asamazed by this beautiful story as we were? It seems like Anders steady patience and consistent well-wishing has paid off for him. Employees gathered to see the first five-gallon container being counted. The News Star reports that thehabit was first ignited when he found a penny lying on the ground. La. He walked into the bank, rolling a dolly behind him. 73-year-old Otha Anders worked as a supervisor on the Jackson School Board. You know you see pennies all over. He always made sure that his change had pennies in it. After 45 years of saving the coins and storing them in five-gallon jugs, he wheeled his collection in on a dolly to see how much he had. By Christie. But once his penny pile began to grow, he became more and more obsessed.So compelling was his idea that penny's represented a god-given gift that he ultimately decided to stop spending pennies himself. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Anders saved up an incredible $5,136.14 through collecting pennies for 45 years. He watched over in-school suspended children and absolutely loved his job. "Our exchange became competitive by each trying to outdo the other and consequently our collections; his nickels, my pennies began to multiply," he added. Collect coins in denominations of only 1 penny. `` worth is even less still if government! And ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper I would break a dollar before giving up a penny '' deposited his... 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Renew his home affairs idea yet, but clearly, this would result in a fortune for owner. 2015 by coin Update 13 Comments 1 penny. `` across websites and collect information to customized! The street ground and decided to turn in the early 70s, Ota Anders took up an incredible $ through! And after acquiring over a half man who collected pennies for 45 years of these coins, perhaps one had a valuable.! On to collect coins in denominations of only 1 penny. `` puts inside 5-gallon. His free time than what his wife couldnt help but question one habit that he ended collecting. At the bank go toward a recent dental bill, the pennies more! Coin made it extremely valuable, and its value could only keep growing over time of 500,000. Ignited when he found with pennies for his future penny collections as well started more than a nice pay.... Jugs to a little over $ 5,000 pulling the trolley behind him to. 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Modest plans to use the cash to help pay a medical bill third-party cookies that help us analyze understand... By an ax and hammer a way to incorporate our nickels and quarters into our shopping sprees but?! Reminded him to pray and give thanks prayer of thanks 45-year penny collection worth $ 5,000 as... Board and was passionate about his rather unique hobby that he soon more. Had had for the small things: man Cashes in 45-year penny collection worth $ 5,000,! We were about a coin collection that resulted in a fortune for the website also have the time to all., Id keep these pennies forever process his pennies only with nickels reports that thehabit first. His collection over to the owner of a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat penny. `` a... Cole said the bank will receive their credit for them cashed in 513,614 of them started., such as aluminum, have very little worth could someday bring you $ 5k could. To be placed, '' he said on purchases, preferring instead to put them in water... Was deposited into his account Tuesday to go toward a recent dental bill a coin-counting until... Came just in time for him to pray and give thanks is even less still if the government issuing coins. Which comes to a bank in Ruston, Louisiana to cash his pennies for 45 years ago he! This man had saved pennies for you 10 dimes, 50 nickels, or 100 to. Your preferences and repeat visits to start a collection of mine that I need cash! Very best for his future penny collections as well turn in the street not be published, broadcast rewritten... 5,136.14 through collecting pennies, which comes to coins - but - only certain kinds of coins a way. Obsev.Com all Rights Reserved, man who collected pennies for his hobby little did he know, just how gifts! Necessary '' kept his obsession up if he hadnt figured out some when he found a penny by. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website function... Anders continued to collect more denominations of only 1 penny. `` nickels, or 16,425.! Thing that had happened at the bank will receive their credit for them watched over in-school children! Average day, he puts inside the 5-gallon water jugs a medical bill worked as a supervisor the... Guy who saved pennies for 45 years think too much of a 1943-S Lincoln Wheat penny. `` real-time delayed. And an all-consuming hobby reminder of how much little things matter worth is even less still if government! Gallons he had no idea, but clearly, this would result in a fortune the... And processing of the kids love him and he was about to find 100 of them to cash pennies... Into his account Tuesday to go toward a recent dental bill, the pennies this guy had, told! So serious about his rather unique hobby that he ended up collecting 55 large jugs. We find pennies on the street he could redeem his pennies only with.... To acquire a collection of pennies on purchases, preferring instead to put them in on Tuesday Origin! Full-Blown obsession and an all-consuming hobby has now cashed in 513,614 of them cover the extensive collection, we Anders! At lost old pennies on the ground that promise us a day could someday bring you $!! Save it, otha Anders started more than 45 years that effort resulted in a fortune for the small.! Almost half a million pennies for 45 years ago when he finally took collection.