Sometimes, old things we forget about can turn into something big. That’s exactly what happened to a man from Michigan, USA. He found a very old cereal box in his grandmother’s attic. Inside, he found a small coin — but it turned out to be a super rare Lincoln Rare Penny Worth worth $90,000! This story shows how everyday objects can sometimes hold amazing secrets.
A Surprise Find in an Old Attic
Dennis Wallace, 43, was cleaning out his late grandmother’s attic. While going through boxes, he found a sealed cereal box from the year 1972. Back then, many cereal companies used to hide small toys or coins inside to surprise kids. Dennis was curious and opened the box — not for the cereal, but to see if there was any prize inside.
What he found shocked him. Inside the box, in a small plastic sleeve, was a shiny penny. It looked normal at first, but that penny was something very special.
A Rare Lincoln Penny Inside
The coin was a 1972 Lincoln penny, but it had something called a “minting error”. That means there was a mistake when the coin was made at the U.S. Mint. These kinds of mistakes can make coins very valuable to collectors.
This specific coin had a “Doubled Die Obverse”, or DDO. This means that some parts of the coin — like the date and the word “LIBERTY” — look doubled or blurry. You can even see the doubling without a magnifying glass! Only around 250,000 of these coins were made, and most are either lost or damaged. That makes the coin Dennis found even more special.
Coin Experts Say It’s Almost Perfect
Dennis took the coin to a coin shop, and experts confirmed that it was the rare 1972 DDO penny. The coin was later sent to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which gave it a grade of MS66 Red. This is a very high grade, showing that the coin is in nearly perfect condition.
Barry Thompson, a coin expert from Chicago, said that coins like this are already worth a lot. But the fact that this one came from an unopened cereal box from 1972 makes it even more valuable. It’s not just the coin — it’s also the story behind it that makes it exciting.
The coin will be auctioned next month, and experts believe it could sell for between $80,000 and $95,000.
Why This Penny Is So Valuable
The 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln penny is popular with collectors because of its clear error and limited number. Even used or damaged versions can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But coins in good condition, like Dennis’s, are extremely rare.
The backstory of the coin — hidden inside a cereal box for more than 50 years — adds even more value. Coin collectors love items with unique and interesting histories.
Cereal Boxes and Hidden Prizes
In the 1960s and 70s, cereal companies in the U.S. often included small gifts inside boxes. These gifts included toys, stickers, and sometimes even coins. Some brands worked with the U.S. Mint to add real coins as part of special promotions.
However, mint error coins like the 1972 DDO penny were never supposed to be given out this way. That’s what makes Dennis’s discovery even more unusual and lucky.
Could You Have Hidden Treasure at Home?
Dennis’s story has made people all over the country check their attics, closets, and old storage boxes. Maybe something valuable is hiding in your house too! Many people have old collectibles, coins, toys, or unopened boxes they forgot about. Who knows — you might find something just as rare and valuable.
As for Dennis, he says he doesn’t plan to keep the penny. He wants someone who truly loves coins to own it. “That box of stale cereal might be the best thing I’ve ever opened,” he said with a laugh.
Conclusion
This amazing discovery shows us that valuable things can sometimes be hiding in plain sight. A simple cereal box from the 1970s held a penny worth almost $90,000. It’s a great reminder to never overlook old things lying around your home. Whether you’re a coin collector or just cleaning your attic, you never know what hidden treasures you might find.
FAQ’S
Why is the 1972 Lincoln penny valuable?
It has a minting error that makes it rare and highly sought after by collectors.
What makes the penny found in the cereal box special?
It’s a rare 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny in nearly perfect condition, worth up to $95,000.
Why did cereal companies include coins in their boxes?
Cereal companies included coins to engage kids and make their products more exciting.
How rare is the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse penny?
Fewer than 250,000 were made, with most damaged or lost, making it highly rare.
Should I check old items for hidden treasures?
Yes, old items like cereal boxes might contain valuable collectibles or coins.
