Rare $1,000,000 Coin : In a story that sounds more like the plot of a movie than a real-life event, a coin collector in Pennsylvania recently discovered a rare $1,000,000 coin — lodged inside a parking meter. Yes, you read that right. A multimillion-dollar piece of American history was found in one of the most mundane places imaginable.
An Ordinary Day Turns Extraordinary
John Richards, a part-time metal detector hobbyist and full-time history teacher, was walking downtown after work when he noticed a jammed parking meter outside an old brick building. As he fiddled with the coin return slot, a small coin dropped into his hand. What looked at first glance like a dirty nickel quickly caught his trained eye.
“I knew it wasn’t just any coin,” Richards recalled. “It felt heavier. The design was… off, in a good way. My hands literally started shaking.”
The Shocking Discovery
Richards took the coin home and cleaned it gently, revealing what numismatic experts would later confirm to be a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel — one of only five known to exist. The coin, known for its mystique and multimillion-dollar value, had somehow ended up inside a modern parking meter.
He immediately contacted a trusted coin dealer and had the coin authenticated by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The verdict? Genuine. Estimated value? Over $1,000,000.
A Coin Not Meant to Exist
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most sought-after coins in American history. Official mint records show that the Liberty design was discontinued in 1912, yet five 1913 coins mysteriously appeared — likely struck by a Mint employee without authorization. Their rogue status has only added to their appeal and value.
How Did It End Up in a Parking Meter?
The big mystery now: how did a coin worth more than a house end up in a parking slot?
Investigators and numismatists alike are puzzled. Some suspect it may have been stolen decades ago and accidentally spent by someone unaware of its worth. Others believe it could have been dropped by a collector in haste, or even planted as part of a publicity stunt — though no such campaign has come to light.
Regardless of how it got there, it’s now officially in the hands of the rightful finder, and no current claims of theft or loss have surfaced.
What Happens Next?
Richards has already received offers from collectors and museums, with one anonymous buyer reportedly offering $1.2 million. However, he says he’s taking his time.
“This coin has been on an unbelievable journey,” he said. “I want to make sure it ends up somewhere it can be appreciated, not just locked away in a vault.”
What This Means for Everyday Treasure Hunters
This unexpected discovery is a powerful reminder: valuable coins really are still out there — sometimes in the most unremarkable places. Whether in a parking meter, a garage sale box, or the bottom of an old coffee can, rare coins continue to resurface.
Here’s what to take away from this million-dollar find:
- Always check your change — especially older coins.
- Learn what makes coins valuable (rarity, condition, mint errors, historical significance).
- Don’t dismiss strange-looking coins — they could be worth more than you think.
- Handle with care — cleaning improperly can ruin a coin’s value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What kind of coin was found in the parking meter?
A: It was a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of only five known examples in existence. The coin is considered one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins ever discovered.
Q2: How much is the coin worth?
A: Experts have valued the coin at over $1,000,000, though some buyers have reportedly offered even more due to its rarity and the story behind its discovery.
Q3: Who found the coin and where?
A: The coin was found by John Richards, a history teacher and part-time coin enthusiast, in a parking meter in Pennsylvania during an ordinary walk after work.
Q4: How could such a valuable coin end up in a parking meter?
A: No one knows for sure. Some theories include accidental spending by an uninformed person, a decades-old theft, or a forgotten piece from a private collection. No official theft reports have surfaced tied to this specific coin.
Final Thoughts
A $1,000,000 coin discovered in a parking meter isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s proof that treasures from the past are still hiding in plain sight. All it takes is curiosity, a little knowledge, and a watchful eye. So next time you feed a meter, take a second look — you never know what fortune might fall into your hand.