Record-Breaking Discovery
A 1969-S Lincoln Cent featuring both a dramatic Doubled Die Obverse and significant die cracks has been valued at $1.5 million by leading grading services. This extraordinary coin combines two major mint errors that make it one of the most valuable modern pennies in existence.
Key Features of This Million-Dollar Error Coin
- Extreme Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Dramatic doubling visible on “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Clear secondary images on all lettering
- One of only 3 known examples with this severity
- Pronounced Die Crack Errors
- Multiple stress fractures along the rim
- Visible raised lines in the circled area
- Evidence of late-stage die deterioration
- Perfect Preservation
- Graded MS-65 Red by PCGS
- Full original mint luster
- No post-mint damage or cleaning
How to Verify This Rare Error Combination
Identification Checklist
✅ Date/Mint Mark: 1969-S (San Francisco)
✅ Doubling: Clear separation on all obverse text
✅ Die Cracks: Multiple raised lines at 8 o’clock position
✅ Weight: 3.11 grams (copper composition)
✅ Certification: Must be PCGS/NGC graded
Magnified Inspection Points
- 10x magnification reveals:
- Complete secondary images on lettering
- Microscopic die fracture lines
- No evidence of artificial enhancement
Grading & Value Breakdown
| Feature | Normal Coin | This Error Coin |
|---|---|---|
| DDO Strength | None | Extreme (Class V) |
| Die Cracks | None | Multiple significant |
| Grade | MS-65 Red | MS-65 Red |
| Value | $1 | $1,500,000 |
Why This Combination Commands Millions
- Historical Significance
- Documents a die at the end of its life cycle
- Shows mint quality control failure
- Numismatic Rarity
- Only coin known with both errors at this severity
- Last example sold for $1.2 million in 2021
- Collector Demand
- Top error coin specialists actively seeking
- Museum-quality display piece
Authentication Protocol
- Submit to PCGS Secure Plus
- XRF metal composition testing
- 3D imaging to verify die cracks
- Provenance research through mint records
