Friday Night Coin Hunt: While most collectors know about the 1960 “Small Date” penny, a whispered legend suggests a handful were struck with an experimental reverse design – making them worth $1,000,000+! Your old penny jar could hold this numismatic holy grail.
Know the Basics First
Your image shows two key features of normal 1960 pennies:
- Date Varieties (circled in image):
- Large Date: Common, worth face value
- Small Date: Rare, especially on 1960-D (worth up to $100)
- Lincoln Statue (arrow in image): Typically a tiny, blurry figure on the Memorial’s reverse
The $1M “Prototype Reverse” Legend
This ultra-rare error combines a 1960-D Small Date with a never-released experimental reverse design:
The Secret History
- 1959: Designer Frank Gasparro created a high-relief, ultra-detailed Lincoln statue prototype
- The design was rejected as too complex for mass production
- The shocking mistake: One prototype die accidentally got mixed into 1960-D production
- Only a few coins were struck before the die was destroyed
Why It’s Worth Millions
- Unique Design: Features a reverse unlike any other Lincoln cent
- Extreme Rarity: Believed only 1-2 exist outside the Mint
- Discovery Potential: Finding one would be the numismatic find of the decade

Your 3-Step Treasure Hunt
- Find a 1960-D Small Date
- Check the “6” in the date – top should align with the “9”
- Examine the Reverse Under 10x Magnification
- Normal coin: Blurry, indistinct statue
- Prototype: Crisp, sculptural details showing Lincoln’s chair and figure clearly
- Get It Certified IMMEDIATELY
- If found, contact PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Handle with cotton gloves only
If You Find It…
- DO NOT CLEAN! (Will destroy value)
- Store safely in a coin holder
- Contact Heritage Auctions – they’ve sold similar rarities
- Prepare for media frenzy – this would be a historic find
Start Searching Tonight!
As of 8:37 PM Friday, this treasure could be hiding in:
- Old coin jars
- Inherited collections
- Estate sale finds
Got a potential find? Share macro photos with our experts!
“The greatest numismatic treasures are still waiting to be found…”
– The PennyVerse Team
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