Man collects pennies for 45 years, stumping bank tellers when he finally cashes in
The Incredible Story of a Man Who Collected Pennies for 45 Years
Many people enjoy collecting items as a hobby, whether it’s stamps, baseball cards, or rare coins. But one man took his passion for collecting to an extraordinary level—by gathering pennies for an astonishing 45 years.
A Lifetime of Saving Pennies
Have you ever thought about how many pennies you might collect in a month if you saved every single one you came across? Now, imagine extending that habit to an entire year. The numbers would start to add up quickly. Now, consider doing it for 45 years—that’s exactly what Otha Anders, a teacher from Louisiana, did.
Starting in the late 1960s, Anders began collecting pennies—not for wealth, but simply because he enjoyed the process. He didn’t accept pennies from others, insisting on earning every single one himself. Even when the government offered $125 for every $100 in pennies turned in, he declined. For him, the collection wasn’t about the money—it was about the meaning behind each coin.
Pennies as a Reminder to Pray
Anders saw every penny as a small but powerful reminder to express gratitude. Whenever he found a penny on the ground—whether at a gas station, on the sidewalk, or in a store—it became a signal for him to stop and say a prayer.
“If I would see a penny when I’m gassing up, on the ground, or in a store, it would be a reminder to stop right there and say a prayer,” Anders told ABC News. “I never failed to do that. That’s why they had so much value to me.”
Over the years, Anders noticed that on days when he was less mindful of being thankful, a penny would often appear, nudging him to stop and reflect. He became convinced that these moments were divine reminders to always practice gratitude.
Filling Up Water Jugs with Pennies
Rather than storing his pennies in small containers or jars, Anders took a more ambitious approach—he filled large five-gallon water jugs. Initially, his goal was to fill just five of these jugs, but as his collection grew, so did his determination.
By the time he decided to cash in his collection, Anders had filled a staggering 15 five-gallon jugs with pennies. It became clear that if he didn’t turn them in soon, he might never stop collecting.
Taking the Collection to the Bank
After realizing that his homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover his growing collection, Anders decided it was time to cash in. He contacted Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, where he had been a longtime customer, to inform them of the massive deposit he was about to make.
The bank was more than willing to assist, but the process was no small task. Each water jug had to be opened with an ax, and it took over five hours to count all the pennies. By the end, Anders’ collection totaled 513,614 pennies, which amounted to $5,136.14.
A Testament to Dedication and Gratitude
While the financial sum was significant, for Anders, the real value of his collection lay in the personal journey behind it. His commitment to collecting pennies wasn’t just about accumulating money—it was a lifelong practice in patience, gratitude, and perseverance.
His story serves as an inspiring reminder that even the smallest actions, when done consistently over time, can lead to extraordinary results.
Want to see Otha Anders discuss his incredible collection? Watch the video below and don’t forget to SHARE this story with your friends and family!
