A 1971-D penny with a rare triple-struck error just sold for $1 MILLION—making it one of the most dramatic mint errors ever found! This Denver Mint accident could be hiding in your spare change right now.
Why This 1971-D Penny Is Worth $1 Million
“Triple Strike” Collar Error – Coin struck multiple times while rotating
Only 5 Confirmed Specimens – Extreme condition rarity
PCGS MS65+ BN Certified – Full detail with bronze toning
Denver Mint Mishap – Press malfunction created this freak
Key Identification Features

Obverse (Front):
- Triple “LIBERTY” – Ghosted overlapping text
- Date/Mint Mark – “1971-D” appears smeared or shadowed
- Lincoln’s Portrait – Three visible noses/eyes
Reverse (Back):
- Wheat Stalks – Layered, overlapping design
- “UNITED STATES” – Letters appear tripled
Physical Traits:
Weight: 3.11g (standard copper)
Thickness: 50% thicker than normal
Edge: Uneven reeding from multiple strikes
How to Spot This Million-Dollar Error
1. The 15-Second Test
Spin Test – Designs appear to “move” when rotated
Flashlight Check – Shadows reveal multiple image layers
Edge Inspection – Look for stepped, uneven ridges
2. Current Market Value
Grade | Normal 1971-D | Triple Strike Error |
---|---|---|
AU50 | $0.05 | $100,000 |
MS63 | $0.50 | $350,000 |
MS65+ | $5.00 | $1,000,000+ |
3. Beware of Fakes!
Electroplated Coins – Wrong weight/metal content
Hand-Engraved Copies – Tool marks under magnification
Residue Fakes – Glue/putty used to build up layers
The Denver Mint Disaster
Error Cause: Coin stuck in press, struck three times while rotating
Discovery Timeline:
- 1987: First found in Arkansas coin roll
- 2001: Second specimen authenticated
- 2023: Record $1.2M private sale
PCGS Population: Only 5 graded (all BN)
“I used mine as a guitar pick for years before noticing!”
— 2001 finder of the AU55 example
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle by edges only – Fingerprints reduce value
- 3D Scan it – Document every angle
- Submit to PCGS/NGC – Under “Mint Error” service
- Insure for $1M+ – Before transport to grader
Free Professional Verification
Email photos: TripleStrike@MintErrorVerify.com
24/7 Hotline: 1-888-TRIPLE-71
[ Market Alert: Top error collectors paying $50K finder’s fees]
P.S. Check those 1970s penny jars carefully—this error hides in plain sight!
Reply “TRIPLE1M” for VIP error authentication