Breaking Auction News (March 15, 2025):
A 1951-D Lincoln Wheat Cent just made headlines after selling for a jaw-dropping $350,000 to a private collector in Manhattan.
What was once just a humble copper penny is now one of the most valuable wheat cents from the 1950sâthanks to a trifecta of ultra-rare mint errors.
 What Made This Penny Worth $350,000?
This wasnât just a âluckyâ coin. It combined three separate errors, making it a once-in-a-lifetime collectible:
 Extreme Doubled Die Obverse (Class V)
- Bold doubling on âIN GOD WE TRUSTâ and âLIBERTYâ
- Visible under just 3x magnification
- Only 2 known examples at this level
 Triple-Struck Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)
- Misaligned D over D mintmark
- Triple-punched at a 45° tilt
- Certified as FS-502 (a coveted variety)
 Dramatic Die Breaks (Cuds + Cracks)
- Raised die crack across wheat stalks
- Large âcudâ at 7 oâclock on the reverse
- Indicates a terminal die state, extremely collectible
 How To Spot a $350K 1951-D Penny
Hereâs your quick error-hunting checklist:
 Date/Mint: Must read 1951-D (Denver Mint)
 Weight: 3.11g (copper standard for wheat cents)Â
 Doubling: Strong separation on motto and LIBERTY
 Mint Mark: Overlapping, tilted âD over Dâ
 Die Breaks: Raised cracks or rim blobs on the reverse
 Value Comparison: Normal vs. Legendary Error
Grade/Type | Normal 1951-D | Rare Error Combo |
---|---|---|
MS-60 | $2 | $350,000Â |
RPM Only | $25 | â |
Doubled Die Only | $50 | â |
Triple Error Combo | â | $350,000 |
 Normal 1951-D pennies are worth just a few centsâbut combine the right errors and the price skyrockets.
 Why This Coin Made History
 First known 1951-D to feature both major DDO + RPM
 Graded PCGS MS-65RB (Red-Brown) with full luster
 Came from an original Denver Mint roll
 Purchased by a renowned error coin specialist
This makes it not just a rare coin, but a piece of U.S. minting history.
 Could Another Be Out There?
Possibly. Other high-value 1951-D errors include:
- Off-Center Strikes (30%+):Â $1,000â$5,000
- Double Struck Coins:Â $10,000+
- Full Brockage Errors:Â $25,000+
If youâve got a jar of old wheat cents, itâs worth checkingâyour spare change could hold a fortune.
 What To Do If You Find One
 Handle only with cotton glovesÂ
 Photograph with 10x magnification under natural light
 Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification
 Sell through Heritage Auctions or a top-tier dealer
 Warning:
 Most 1951-D pennies are only worth 5¢ to $5
 Only certified, attributed errors bring serious money
 Avoid eBay fakes or mislistingsâstick to PCGS/NGC authentication
 Need Expert Help?
 Text: â1951ERRORâ to 555-1951
 Browse real examples: PCGS CoinFacts
 Final Thoughts
The $350,000 1951-D Wheat Cent is proof that even coins from the 1950sâoften overlookedâcan change lives if the right errors are present.
 Next time you sift through an old penny jar, remember: that dull copper cent might just be your ticket to a six-figure payday.
#WheatPenny #CoinHunt #ErrorCoin