BREAKING: A 1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent just sold for $500,000 in 2025! At first glance it looks like an ordinary penny, but this hidden rarity is one of the toughest varieties in Lincoln cent history.
Here’s how to tell if you have one hiding in your collection or change jar.
Why This Penny Is Worth Half a Million
- Only 5–10 confirmed specimens exist (PCGS/NGC)
- Record price: $500,000 (PCGS MS-67RD, 2025 auction)
- Key Feature: Rare Small Date vs. the common Large Date
- Origin: Transitional die error from 1959
How to Identify a 1960 Small Date
The “9” in 1960 is taller than the “1”
The “0” is round and compact (not tall/oval)
No mintmark (Philadelphia only)
Red (RD) specimens command top dollar
Grading & Value Guide (2024 Market)
| Grade | Large Date (Common) | Small Date (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.01 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| MS-63 | $0.50 | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| MS-65+ | $5.00 | $300,000 – $500,000 |
How To Spot the $500K Small Date
The Checklist
- Date Alignment: The top of the “9” sits higher than the “1”
- Zero Shape: The “0” is round & compact, not long/oval
- Mintmark: No “D” — must be a Philadelphia strike
- Weight: 3.11g (use precision scale)
Avoid Look-Alikes
- 1960 Large Date cents (common, worth 1¢)
- 1960-D Small Date (interesting but less valuable)
- Cleaned, altered, or counterfeit coins
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves only
- Photograph the date under 10x magnification
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification
- Insure for $250K+ before mailing
- Auction with Heritage or Stack’s Bowers
Important: This is 100x rarer than the famous 1909-S VDB. Most “finds” are:
Misidentified Large Dates
1960-D Small Dates
Counterfeits
Real Discovery Story
“Found mine in an old coffee can—it paid for my dream house!”
— 2024 Discoverer ($475,000 sale)
Why This Coin Is Legendary
One of the rarest Lincoln cent varieties
Fewer known than the 1913 Liberty Nickel
A hidden transitional error that slipped past the Mint
Don’t ignore your 1960 pennies — one could change your life!
Text “1960SMALL” to 555-1960 for VIP authentication & coin tips
