Do you ever pick up loose change you find lying around? It may not seem like much at first, but over time, those coins can add up quickly.
Now, imagine picking up every penny you found for an entire month. How much do you think you’d collect? What about for a whole year? Now, stretch that out to 45 years.
That’s exactly what Otha Anders, a Louisiana teacher, did. For 45 years, he saved every penny he came across and eventually astonished his bank when he brought them in.
Otha Anders didn’t start collecting coins in the late 1960s to make a fortune. He simply enjoyed it. Despite the government offering $125 for every $100 of pennies turned in, Anders wasn’t tempted. The collection was worth more to him than just its monetary value.
Collecting Pennies as a Spiritual Practice
For Anders, pennies became more than just currency; they turned into a reminder to pray. “If I saw a penny at the gas station, on the ground, or in a store, it reminded me to stop and pray,” Anders told ABC News. “I always did that. That’s why these pennies meant so much to me.”
Throughout his decades of collecting, Anders was strict about not accepting coins as gifts. “I never let anyone, not even my wife or kids, give me pennies without paying for them,” he explained. “I wanted the special feeling that came from building this collection between me and God.”
A Symbol of Gratitude
Over time, Anders realized the deeper significance behind his habit. He found that on days when he wasn’t feeling particularly grateful, a penny would appear, serving as a gentle reminder to be thankful for the blessings in his life.
As his collection grew, he stored the pennies in large water jugs, setting an initial goal of filling five. But once he reached that target, he kept going. Anders knew that if he didn’t eventually take them to the bank, he’d never stop collecting.
When the time finally came, Anders had filled 15 massive 5-gallon jugs with coins. "I aimed to fill five big water jugs, but I just kept going," he said. "If I hadn’t taken them to the bank, I might have never stopped."
A Valuable Collection
While Anders cherished his pennies for their spiritual and personal significance, he eventually realized their financial value. Concerned that his home insurance wouldn’t cover the collection, he decided it was time to cash in.
Anders reached out to Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, where he had been a long-time customer. When he told them he was bringing in a large amount of pennies, they were ready to assist, though the task was daunting.
“We value all of our customers, and Mr. Anders is no exception,” said Jennie Cole, the bank’s Vice President. “We were happy to help him achieve his goal.”
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