An unexpected discovery of a Lincoln penny behind an antique clock has generated interest among collectors and casual owners of vintage items. This article explains what happened, why the find matters, and practical steps for authenticating and handling similar discoveries.
Hidden Lincoln Penny Found Behind Antique Clock
The coin was found tucked into a cavity behind an old mantel clock during a routine cleaning. Finds like this are not uncommon in estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores. The immediate reaction from collectors often leads to a local surge in inquiries and rapid online interest.
Not every tucked-away penny is valuable, but coins discovered in antiques can sometimes be rare varieties, proof strikes, or well-preserved pieces that escaped circulation. The context of the find influences collector interest as much as the coin itself.
Why Collectors Care About Hidden Coins
Collectors pay attention to coins found inside antiques for several reasons. First, storage inside an object can preserve a coin’s condition by limiting environmental damage. Second, the story or provenance linked to a discovery can add interest and market appeal. Third, some hidden coins turn out to be rare dates or mint varieties.
Collectors and dealers will often investigate the following:
- Coin date and mintmark
- Condition and original finish
- Patina and signs of circulation
- Any connection to the item’s history or provenance
Key Points for Collectors
- Context matters: a coin found in an antique may have a documented story to share with buyers.
- Condition impacts value dramatically; avoid cleaning the coin.
- Authentication by a qualified grader increases buyer confidence.
How to Inspect a Hidden Lincoln Penny
If you find a penny behind an antique clock, follow cautious, practical steps. Improper handling can reduce value or damage the coin.
- Handle only by the edges and wear cotton gloves if possible.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can strip original surfaces and drastically lower value.
- Document the find: take clear photos of the coin and its location inside the clock before removing it.
- Note any markings or labels inside the clock that could relate to provenance.
Simple Inspection Checklist
- Record the coin’s date and mintmark with a magnifier.
- Weigh and measure if you have precise tools; consult reference guides online for standard dimensions.
- Look for doubling, unusual mint marks, or design quirks that could indicate a rarer variety.
The Lincoln cent was first issued in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. The 1909-S VDB is a well-known rare variety that draws strong collector interest.
Authenticating a Lincoln Penny Found in an Antique Clock
Authentication is the most important step if the coin appears to be a rare date or the condition looks unusually good. Certified grading adds trust and often increases market value.
Steps to authenticate:
- Take high-resolution photos (obverse and reverse) in neutral light.
- Consult reputable coin reference sites or price guides to identify the date and mintmark.
- Contact a local coin dealer for a preliminary opinion, or submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for certification.
Professional graders check for counterfeits, altered surfaces, and confirm grade. Expect turnaround time and fees; get an estimate before submission.
Selling or Keeping: Practical Options
Deciding whether to sell a found coin depends on your goals and the coin’s value. Here are common routes:
- Local coin shop: Good for quick sales or initial appraisals.
- Auction house or specialist dealer: Better for high-value or rare pieces where provenance helps price.
- Online marketplaces: Wider audience but requires careful listing and secure shipping.
- Keeping as part of a personal collection: If the coin has sentimental value or you expect appreciation.
Practical Selling Tips
- Get multiple opinions on value before selling.
- Keep provenance documentation and photos from the discovery.
- Choose insured shipping and require signature on delivery for online sales.
Small Case Study: Estate Sale Find and Outcome
A homeowner cleaning out a family estate discovered a Lincoln penny inside the back panel of a Victorian mantel clock. They photographed the coin in place and contacted a local dealer before removal. The dealer identified the coin as a common date but in unusually high grade for its age due to sheltering inside the clock.
After professional grading and a short auction listing, the owner sold the coin to a private collector for a modest premium above typical market price. The documented find story helped attract bidders and set buyer confidence.
Final Practical Advice for Owners of Antiques
If you own antiques, especially those that have been in a home for decades, take a careful approach to any hidden finds. Document, avoid cleaning, and seek expert advice when a coin looks uncommon or in excellent condition.
Quick checklist before you act:
- Document the find with photos and notes.
- Handle minimally and store in a non-reactive envelope or flip.
- Seek an expert opinion before selling or cleaning.
Following these steps preserves value and gives you options when a hidden Lincoln penny turns up behind an antique clock.