Orillia girl finds 1859 penny while snorkelling in Lake Couchiching

Aurora Palmateer found the Canadian penny from 1859 while snorkelling near the dock at her grandparents’ house in Rama last week.

An Orillia girl has found a unique treasure in Lake Couchiching.

While snorkelling near the dock at her grandparents’ house in Rama last week, Aurora Palmateer found a Canadian penny from 1859.

"I thought it was just a piece of metal," the seven-year-old said. "When I actually looked at it, I saw that it wasn't a normal coin."

Palmateer's grandfather, Dave Grant, says he never expected her to find such a relic.

"She was swimming around looking for shells," he said. "All of a sudden, she pops up and says, 'Look, Papa. I think this is yours.'"

Grant says he was shocked to see the coin, and he immediately wondered about its worth.

"We are going to try and sell it," he said. "We are going to put it in her college fund."

After doing some research, Grant has learned the penny is one of the first coins minted in Canada.

"I couldn't believe it," he said. "I've never seen anything like it."

The coin is in almost "perfect" shape, he says. The text is clear and easy to read.

"I'm thrilled that she found something like this," he said. "I'm really amazed."

If it turns out the coin isn't worth much, Grant says his granddaughter will hold onto it as a keepsake.

"It will be something she can have to remember this memory," he said.

Palmateer says she has been keeping an eye out for more special coins ever since. She hopes the coin will one day pay her way to pursue a career as a singer.

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