Los Angeles Auction Stunner: Common 1992 Penny Sells for $2.3 Million
In an unprecedented numismatic event, a 1992 Lincoln cent featuring the bizarre “LEGENDY” error (instead of “LIBERTY”) sold for a mind-blowing $2.3 million at a Los Angeles auction in June 2025 – making it the most valuable modern penny ever sold.
Why This Ordinary Date Commands Millions
💎 THE ULTIMATE ERROR:
- “LEGENDY” instead of “LIBERTY”
- Believed to be only one in existence
- Perfect MS-70 Red condition
🔥 AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS:
- 7-minute bidding war between 5 collectors
- Final price exceeded pre-sale estimate by $1M
- Purchased by anonymous tech billionaire
How to Spot This Priceless Error
1️⃣ Check the Date: Must be 1992
2️⃣ Examine “LIBERTY”:
- Should read “LEGENDY”
- Letters may appear distorted
3️⃣ Verify Condition: - Mirror-like surfaces
- Zero contact marks
Where More Could Surface
🔎 Coin rolls from 1992
🔎 Old collections gathering dust
🔎 Bank deposits from early 1990s
🔎 Mint employee estates
What To Do If You Find Another
🚨 EMERGENCY PROTOCOL:
- Don’t breathe on it – Use cotton gloves
- Secure in airtight holder immediately
- Call PCGS for VIP authentication
- 24/7 security until sale
“This redefines what’s possible in modern coin errors – we may never see another like it.”
- Lisa Bell, Chief Numismatist at Heritage Auctions
Grading & Value Projections
| Grade | Value Estimate |
|---|---|
| MS-70 RD | $2M-$3M |
| MS-69 RD | $500K-$1M |
| MS-68 RD | $100K-$250K |
