Imagine dropping loose change into a Coinstar machine… and accidentally leaving behind a $200 coin.
That is exactly what just happened — and the story has shocked the coin collecting community.
The Incredible Coinstar Discovery
Everyone, Joe made an unbelievable find.
While checking the reject slot at the bottom of a Coinstar machine — you know, the small tray where rejected coins drop — Joe spotted something most people would never expect to see:
A 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Yes, the real deal.
Most people walk past Coinstar machines without ever glancing at that little reject tray. But Joe checked — and it paid off big time. 
What Is the Coinstar Reject Slot?
If you’ve never noticed it, here’s how it works step by step:
- You pour coins into Coinstar
- The machine rejects:
- Foreign coins
- Silver coins
- Older or oddly shaped coins
- Rejected coins fall into a small slot at the bottom
- Many people forget to check it before walking away
That’s where treasures hide. 
Why the 1914-D Wheat Penny Is So Valuable
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is considered a key date — one of the most important coins in the entire Wheat Penny series.
Here’s why it matters:
Minted in Denver (D mint mark)
Very low mintage
Essential coin for completing a Wheat Penny set- Rare to find in circulation
Because of this, collectors aggressively seek it out.
How Much Is a 1914-D Wheat Penny Worth?
The value depends heavily on condition, but even lower-grade examples are valuable:
Worn condition: ~$150–$200
Mid-grade: $300–$600
High-grade: $1,000+
Finding one for free in a Coinstar reject slot is almost unheard of.
How Could Someone Miss This?
That’s the shocking part.
Someone either:
- Didn’t recognize what they had
- Didn’t check the reject tray
- Or assumed it was just another old penny
That small mistake cost them hundreds of dollars.
Lesson for Every Coin Hunter
This story proves one important rule:
Always check the Coinstar reject slot.
You’re not just looking for pennies — you’re looking for:
- Silver coins
- Key-date Wheat pennies
- Foreign or error coins
- Real hidden money
Joe checked.
Joe won. 
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to Joe on an absolutely unbelievable find.
A 1914-D Wheat Penny worth around $200, sitting unnoticed in a Coinstar machine, reminds us that treasure is still out there — hiding in plain sight.
Next time you see a Coinstar…
Look twice. Check the tray.
You never know what history (and money) is waiting for you.
