In a small Ohio town, a 78-year-old man named Harold Grayson made the discovery of a lifetime. While cleaning out an old sock drawer, Grayson found a tiny silver coin that turned out to be worth a staggering $2.4. The coin, a rare Mercury dime from 1916, has changed his quiet retirement into a whirlwind of excitement. This incredible story of luck and history has captured the attention of neighbors, collectors, and news outlets, proving you never know what treasures are hiding in your home.
A Dusty Drawer and a Shiny Surprise
Grayson, a retired school bus driver, decided to organize his cluttered home one Sunday afternoon. He started with a sock drawer in his attic bedroom, expecting to find mismatched socks or forgotten trinkets. Instead, tucked inside a threadbare sock, he spotted a small, shiny coin. “I thought it was just an old dime,” Grayson said with a chuckle. “but it looked different, so I set it aside.” Curious, he took it to a local coin shop the next day, where the owner’s eyes nearly popped out. The dime was a 1905-D Mercury dime, one of the rarest coins in American history.
Why Is This Coin So Special?
The 1916-D Mercury dime is a collector’s dream because so few were minted. Produced in Denver, Colorado, only 264,000 of these dimes were made, and even fewer are in good condition today. The coin gets its name from the winged figure of Liberty on the front, which looks like the Roman god Mercury. Grayson’s dime was in near-perfect shape, making it incredibly valuable. Experts say its rarity and condition drove its auction price to a jaw-dropping $2.4 million at a recent sale in Chicago.
| Coin Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | 1916-D Mercury Dime |
| Mint Location | Denver, CO |
| Total Minted | 264,000 |
| Auction Value | $2.4 Million |
| Condition | Near Mint |
From Sock Drawer to Auction Block
After learning the coin’s value, Grayson worked with a trusted coin dealer to verify its authenticity. The dime was sent to a professional grading service, where it scored high for its sharp details and lack of wear. “I couldn’t believe my something so small could be worth so much,” Grayson said. He decided to sell it through a major auction house, hoping to secure a better future for his family. The auction drew bidders from across the world, and after a heated competition, a private collector snagged the dime for $2.4 million. Grayson plans to use the money to pay off his home, help his grandchildren with college, and take his wife on a dream vacation to Hawaii.
A Lesson in Hidden Treasures
Grayson’s story has inspired many to rummage through their own attics and drawers. Coin experts say finds like this are rare but not impossible. “People often overlook old coins, thinking they’re just pocket change,” said Sarah Thompson, a numismatist from Cleveland. She advises checking dates and mint marks on coins before tossing them aside. Common places to find valuable coins include:
- Old piggy banks or jars
- Family heirloom jewelry boxes
- Forgotten safe deposit boxes
- Antique furniture with hidden compartments
Living the Dream
For Grayson, the discovery feels like winning the lottery. He’s still adjusting to the idea of being a millionaire. “I’ve always lived simply,” he said, sitting on his porch with a glass of iced tea. “This money won’t change who I am, but it sure makes life a little easier.” His neighbors now jokingly call him “Million-Dollar Harold,” and he’s become a local celebrity. Grayson hopes his story encourages others to stay curious and keep their eyes open—you never know what might be hiding in an old sock drawer.
