Otha Anders, nicknamed the “coin master,” walked into a bank with a dolly full of pennies,
turning heads with the clatter of coins. A former supervisor on the Jackson School Board,
Anders was well-liked by students and fully supported at home, though his penny-collecting hobby was unusual.
What began as a pastime grew into a lifelong mission. Anders believed every penny was a gift from God,
reminding him to stay thankful. On days he skipped prayer, he often stumbled upon a coin, which he took as a divine nudge.
“Spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful,” he shared with USA Today.
For 45 years, Anders filled five-gallon jugs with pennies, amassing what he guessed were hundreds of thousands. When he finally
brought them to the bank, employees spent five hours breaking open containers and counting the coins with hammers, axes, and machines.
The final total came to $5,136.14—about $114 saved per year. Anders used the money for a dental bill, a family trip, and church donations.
His story is one of patience, faith, and gratitude, proving that even a single penny can hold powerful meaning.
