A tiny handful of 1999-D pennies were struck with the reverse of a Roosevelt dime, creating one of the most shocking mint errors in modern U.S. history.

If you find this mule error, it could be worth $100,000–$200,000+. Yes… a single penny. 😱

🔍 What Exactly Is the 1999 “Penny–Dime Mule” Error?

A mule error happens when two completely different coin designs are paired together during minting. In this case:

• ✅ Obverse: Normal 1999-D Lincoln cent (with Lincoln’s bust)
• ✅ Reverse: Roosevelt dime design (torch, olive branch & “ONE DIME”)

This kind of “catastrophic die mix-up” almost never happens — and only 1 to 3 examples may exist!

💵 Why This Penny Is Worth Over $100,000

Collectors will pay huge premiums because:

⭐ Extreme Rarity

Only a few may have left the Denver Mint.

⭐ Historic Mint Error

One of the most dramatic coin mistakes of the 1990s.

⭐ Strong Market Demand

Investors and error-coin specialists aggressively compete for mules.

⭐ Auction Precedents

The Sacagawea Dollar / Washington Quarter mule sold for $200,000+.

🕵️ How to Tell If YOU Found the $100,000 Mule Penny

Follow this fast 3-step guide:

1️⃣ Look for a 1999-D Penny

• Search old piggy banks, jars, coin rolls
• Must show the “D” mintmark (Denver)

2️⃣ Flip the Coin Over

• Normal reverse: Lincoln Memorial 🏛️
• $100K mule reverse: Dime design with torch + “ONE DIME” 🔥🌿

If you see the dime design — STOP. Don’t touch the surface.

3️⃣ Check for Other Clues

These can increase value even more:

• Wrong metal (struck on a dime planchet)
• Off-center or partial double strike
• Thin, silver-colored planchet
• Light weight (dime planchets weigh 2.27g)

📈 Value Estimates for the 1999 Mule Penny

This is easily one of the most valuable modern pennies ever minted.

🚀 Found One? Do THIS Immediately

✔ Handle only by the edges (use cotton gloves)
✔ Take clear photos of both sides
✔ Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
✔ Contact Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers

❌ NEVER clean the coin — cleaning can destroy $100,000 in value instantly.

🌎 Where These Rare Errors Might Be Hiding

You still have a chance of finding one in:

• 1990s coin jars
• Estate-sale boxes
• Bank penny rolls
• Flea markets
• CoinStar reject slots
• Old piggy banks (“found mine in a 20-year-old one!”)

🎁 Free Tools for Coin Hunters

📥 Download: 1999 Penny Mule Error Checklist
🔍 Recommended 10× Loupe: Only $8
📸 Free Appraisal: Text MULE to 555-1999