Most of us have dabbled in collecting something at some point in our lives, but have you ever considered the humble penny as a collectible?
Imagine if you picked up every penny you stumbled upon for a month, a year, or even 45 years.
The thought itself is intriguing, isn’t it?
This is the story of Otha Anders, a dedicated teacher from Louisiana with a rather unique pastime.
For an astonishing 45 years, Anders dedicated himself to collecting pennies.
Unlike most collectors, his aim wasn’t to accumulate wealth.
In the late 1960s, when he started, it was simply a hobby he enjoyed.
His dedication was so strong that even when the government offered a lucrative deal of $125 for every $100 of pennies, Anders remained unswayed.
The collection, to him, was priceless.
But there was more to this hobby than just collecting coins.
For Anders, each penny he found was a reminder to pause and reflect through prayer.
Sharing his thoughts with ABC News, he said, “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. I never failed to do that. That’s why they had so much value to me.”
This spiritual connection to his collection added a layer of profound significance to each penny he found.
Anders’ approach to collecting was deeply personal.
He never accepted pennies from anyone else, not even his family.
“But I never allowed anyone, not even my wife nor children, to give me pennies without being compensated,” he explained.
This was more than just a collection; it was a testament to his personal journey and relationship with his faith.
He wanted to ensure that every penny in his collection was a result of his own efforts and a symbol of his connection with the divine.
Over the years, this practice of pausing to pray upon finding a penny evolved into a ritual of gratitude for Anders.
He noticed that on days when he wasn’t feeling particularly thankful, a penny would appear, as if by divine intervention, to remind him of his blessings.
“I became convinced that spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful,” he reflected.
This ritual became a cornerstone of his daily life, intertwining his faith with his unique hobby.
Anders’ collection grew exponentially, filling up large water jugs.
His initial goal was to fill five five-gallon jugs, but his enthusiasm didn’t wane after reaching this milestone.
He continued collecting until he had filled 15 of these jugs.
It was a moment of realization for him – if he didn’t take them to the bank, he would never stop collecting.
The financial aspect of his collection was secondary, but it was significant nonetheless.
After discovering that his homeowner’s insurance wouldn’t cover the collection, Anders decided it was time to cash in.
He informed Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, where he had been a loyal customer for many years, about his intention to deposit his massive collection.
The bank, recognizing the uniqueness of his endeavor, was more than willing to assist.
“We value his business, as we do all of our customers,” said the bank’s Vice President Jennie Cole.
“But if we can help Anders with his endeavors, we are happy to do so.”
The process of counting the coins was no small feat.
The jars, sealed tight over the years, had to be opened with an ax, and the counting process took over five hours.
It was a laborious task, but one that revealed the true extent of Anders’ dedication and patience over the years.
In the end, the total count was astounding.
Anders had collected 513,614 pennies over those 45 years, which amounted to a little over $5,136.
This remarkable sum was a testament not just to the financial value of persistence and patience, but also to the personal and spiritual significance that each penny held for Anders.
His story is a beautiful reminder of how small, consistent acts can accumulate into something truly substantial over time.
See Anders’ penny collection for yourself in the video below.
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