The Coin Master of Jackson

When Otha Anders walked into the bank pushing a dolly stacked with jugs, the soft clatter of coins turned every head. Known in his community as the “coin master,” Anders had spent decades as a supervisor on the Jackson School Board. Even students in trouble admired and respected him.

At home, his family embraced his unusual penny-collecting hobby. What began as a simple pastime gradually grew into something far deeper.

A Penny for Gratitude

For Anders, each penny carried spiritual meaning. He believed every coin he found was a gentle reminder from God to be grateful. If he ever skipped his daily prayer, he often stumbled upon a lost penny—an unexpected nudge to pause and give thanks. Over the years, this ritual became a way of life.

“Spotting a lost or dropped penny was an additional God-given incentive reminding me to always be thankful,” Anders shared with USA Today. What most people overlooked, he treated as small treasures of gratitude.

Decades of Careful Collecting

For 45 years, Anders stored his growing collection in five-gallon water jugs, carefully setting each coin aside. When he finally decided to cash them in, bank employees faced an extraordinary task.

Using hammers, axes, and coin-counting machines, it took five hours to open the jugs and tally the coins. As the total climbed, everyone watched in awe.

Patience Pays Off

The final count came to $5,136.14—a tangible reward for 45 years of patience, faith, and devotion. Anders chose to use the money wisely: paying a dental bill, taking his family on a trip, and donating to his church.

The Power of Small Things

Anders’ story is a powerful reminder that gratitude, consistency, and faith can transform even the smallest things—like a single penny—into something extraordinary over time.