Breaking Auction News:
The coin world was stunned when a 1977 Lincoln Cent with an extraordinary mint error—reading “COD WE TRUST” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST”—sold at Heritage Auctions for $5.2 million.
Yes, you read that correctly: a single penny just rewrote numismatic history. 
Why This Penny Is Worth Over $5 Million
This record-breaking sale wasn’t about luck—it was about a perfect storm of rarity, error, and condition:
One-of-a-Kind: Only one confirmed specimen exists (so far).
Shocking Mint Error: A dramatic die gouge turned “GOD” into “COD”—never seen before.
Flawless Preservation: Graded MS-70 Red by PCGS—a perfect grade.
Mystery Factor: Experts suspect it may have been struck during a secret mint test run.
“This is the holy grail of modern error coins,” says Dr. Michael Tremonti, Chief Numismatist at PCGS.
“Its flaw is as iconic as its condition is rare. We believe more could still be out there—maybe even in your change jar.”
Could YOU Have One? How to Check
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
1. Check the Date
Must read 1977, with no mintmark (Philadelphia issue).
2. Inspect the Motto
Look closely at “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Normal: Reads “GOD.”- Rare: Reads “COD.”
3. Evaluate Condition
- Full red copper color
- No visible wear or scratches
- Sharp, crisp lettering and Lincoln’s profile
Million-Dollar Error Coin Comparisons
| Coin | Auction Price |
|---|---|
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | $1.2 Million |
| 1943 Bronze Cent | $1.7 Million |
| 1974 Aluminum Cent | $2 Million |
| 1977 “COD” Error Cent | $5.2 Million  |
This sale makes the 1977 “COD” Penny the most valuable modern U.S. error coin ever.
Found One? Here’s What To Do Immediately
Do NOT clean it. Even wiping with a cloth could erase millions in value.
Instead:
- Take high-resolution photos (macro or 4K+)
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication (grading fees may exceed $5,000, but worth it)
Contact major auction houses like Heritage, Sotheby’s, or Stack’s Bowers
Where More Could Be Hiding
If more examples exist, they might be sitting unnoticed in:
- Old estate coin collections (especially ex-mint employee estates)
- Unsearched bank rolls from the late 1970s
- Safe deposit boxes and attic coin jars
- Family hoards passed down through generations
Beware of Counterfeits
The hype around this coin has led to a flood of fakes. Protect yourself by remembering:
Don’t trust eBay “raw” listings or DIY tests
Only PCGS or NGC certification confirms authenticity
Demand provenance records before paying big money
Bonus Free Guide
Download: “1977 Error Penny ID Kit” – Includes side-by-side error photos, magnification tips, and pro collector secrets.
Don’t let millions slip through your fingers. Check your 1977 pennies today—you could be sitting on a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.
Final Thoughts
The $5.2 million “COD WE TRUST” penny proves that even the smallest details can turn pocket change into a fortune.
So before you spend that 1977 cent, take a closer look… it might just make you a multi-millionaire overnight. 
#RarePenny #CoinErrors #MillionDollarFind
