Sad Wheat Penny Story

Its tough when they have sentimental value. My brother has a Large Ball jar filled with our Great Grandfathers gambling pennies. He would sit around once a week and play poker with his buddies using only pennies (we also found out years later than our uncle caught him cheating pretending to ante without adding to the pot). My brother isn't a coin collector but still has that jar of pennies unopened since he got it 20 years ago when we were teenagers. I asked him to let me look through them to see if there he has anything of value but he declined. He wants to keep it how grandpa left it. The jar of pennies is more important than the pennies.

I feel your pain mailman. Many don't have the same appreciation for family legacies. Even though another collector may come across your Wheaties and be understandably elated, their elation won't be as great as your opposite feelings. Hope it works out with your brother... remember the good times!

The wheaties were only a small portion of my grandfather's collection. When I look at the bigger picture, 95% of his collection still remain in my father's and my own possession. I guess it's really not as bad as it seems. It's just one of those thing where had I known he was going to spend them, I would have just given him regular pennies and kept the wheats...or just not have given them to him in the first place.

Sad story mailman but your last post is reassuring. I would say just hang onto the other 95% and give your brother melt value for his portion and keep the coins yourself. That way you can ensure the rest of the collection stays in your family where it's appreciated while still making sure your brother gets his part. Sorry for your loss, take care!

My grandfather had a large glass jar of wheat cents that was around ever since I was a child. When he passed away they held an auction and they got lost in the chaos and were sold in a lot. I got the rest of his collection, but I'll never know if there was a gem in there.

For being groomsmen in my wedding, I gave my three younger brothers each a Buffalo nickel, Mercury dime, and a Wheat penny (all three collect coins on occasion) I don't remember specifics about year/mintage. All three lost them at the wedding...silly of me to give it to them the morning of such a busy day...live and learn.

I have came across several coins at stores. I got a 1929s Buffalo at market and this kid was getting a candy bar and I saw the buffalo in his hand and I bought him the bar and clerk was mad as she wanted it. I got a full horn, choice coin with no damage. Kids have help me before in the past, I feel bad for the collector he got them from. I also got a 20s merc au full bands at a store once. Also 5 Peace dollars at market, but I paid her $90. inc a 27d and 34d from someone spent them there. and she gives me the LWC and odd coins

they weren't your brother's and he decided they didn't mean anything to him.....sad to hear but reality. I could talk all day abt 'family' and the difference we have with respect to financial matters.