Man Deposits 45 Years’ Worth of Coins, Surprising the Bank

Ever stop to pick up a penny that fell to the ground? Those little coins might not seem like much, but over time they can add up. What if you collected every penny you found for a month? Or for a year? Otha Anders took this idea to a whole new level.

Otha Anders, a Louisiana teacher, had an unusual pastime. He began collecting pennies in the late 1960s, not for wealth or fortune, but for the sheer joy of it. Despite the government’s offer to pay $125 for every $100 worth of pennies handed in, Otha refused. He cherished his collection.

Why pennies? For Otha, each penny served as a reminder to say a prayer. Whenever he found one—whether on the ground, in a store, or at a gas station—he would stop and offer a prayer. This simple act became an important ritual, a way for him to express gratitude to God.

Otha had a steadfast commitment to his collection, and even his own relatives never gave him pennies as gifts. He cherished the spiritual fulfillment this exercise brought him and his connection to God. It became a method for him to take stock of his blessings and express gratitude for what he had. Otha’s collection expanded rapidly over time. His initial goal was to fill five five-gallon jugs with pennies.

He stored the money in enormous water jugs. But as soon as he accomplished that goal, he felt the need to continue collecting. Eventually, when the time came to take the coins to the bank, he knew it was the right moment.

When Otha eventually returned to his bank, he brought in fifteen five-gallon jugs full of pennies. Origin Bank in Ruston, Louisiana, was more than happy to assist him, and the number was astounding. They genuinely appreciated his business and helped him with his unusual project.

Otha’s penny collection held significant financial value in addition to sentimental and spiritual importance. But when he found out that his homeowner’s insurance coverage didn’t cover his unique collection, he faced a difficult situation. At that point, he realized it was time to transfer the coins to the bank, a safe haven.

Otha’s story teaches us valuable lessons about appreciating the small things in life and finding meaning in them. His devotion to gathering pennies and saying prayers not only brought him joy but also had a profound effect on those around him. It serves as evidence of the importance of tiny deeds in our lives and the strength of gratitude.

So, the next time you see a coin on the ground, take a moment to stop. Reflect on your blessings and be grateful for the small things in life. You never know how a simple act or a few coins can significantly impact your life.