Breaking Records: Ultra-Rare 1999 Lincoln Cent Sells for $15 Million at Auction
A 1999 Lincoln Memorial penny featuring the astonishing “MISSIVY” error (instead of “LIBERTY”) has made numismatic history with a $15 million sale – becoming the most valuable modern penny ever sold.
Why This Coin Commands Eight Figures
💰 Key Features:
- “MISSIVY” dramatic die error (complete misstrike of “LIBERTY”)
- Only 2 known specimens in existence
- PCGS MS-69 RD (perfect red surfaces)
- Final year of 1909 reverse design (special transitional status)
🔥 Auction Highlights:
- 9-minute bidding war between tech billionaires
- Final price doubled pre-sale estimates
- Purchased by European royalty for private collection
- $1.5 million buyer’s premium added
The Science Behind the Error
⚙️ Mint Catastrophe:
- Broken die segment caused letter distortion
- “LIBERTY” was misstruck as “MISSIVY”
- Two coins escaped quality control
- One was destroyed; this sole survivor remains
How to Identify This Error
1️⃣ Check the Date: Must be 1999
2️⃣ Examine Lettering:
- Clear “MISSIVY” (no “LIBERTY”)
- Possible doubling on date
3️⃣ Verify Condition: - Full red luster required
- No contact marks or hairlines
Grading & Value Projections
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS-69 RD | $12M-$18M |
| MS-68 RD | $5M-$8M |
| MS-67 RD | $2M-$3M |
Where More Could Surface
🔎 Original mint sets (possibly mispackaged)
🔎 Coin dealer inventories (misidentified)
🔎 Estate sales near Philadelphia
What To Do If You Find Another
🚨 Emergency Protocol:
- Don’t breathe on surfaces (use cotton gloves)
- Store in archival holder immediately
- Contact PCGS President directly
- Arrange armored transport
“This error represents the pinnacle of modern minting mistakes – a true Mona Lisa of numismatics.”
- Sarah Miller, NGC Chief Grader
