🤑The $1 Million “Horned Lincoln” 1970-D Penny: How a Tiny Mint Error Made History 

Imagine finding a penny in your change worth more than $1,000,000. Sounds impossible, right? Well, the incredible 1970-D “Horned Lincoln” penny has stunned collectors after selling for over a million dollars at auction.

This bizarre coin combines two rare minting errors in one, creating a one-of-a-kind treasure. Here’s why experts and collectors are calling it one of the wildest discoveries in modern U.S. coin history.

 Why the Horned Lincoln Is Worth a Fortune

The 1970-D “Horned Lincoln” penny is valuable because it has two dramatic errors—a combination almost never seen on U.S. coins.

 Double Error Rarity – “Struck-through grease” + “spiked head” die break
 Shocking Visual – Lincoln looks like he has a horn on his forehead 
 Denver Mint – Only 3 confirmed examples are known
 Elite Grade – A PCGS-certified MS65 Red-Brown example sold for $1,050,000 

 How to Spot the Horned Lincoln Penny

Think you might have one hiding in your collection? Here’s what to look for:

 Obverse (Front):

• “LIBERTY” is faint or missing (caused by grease-filled die).
• A raised metal spike (the “horn”) appears on Lincoln’s head.

 Reverse (Back):

• Normal wheat design.
• Weight: 3.11 grams (95% copper).
• Mint Mark: A bold “D” under the date.

 Quick Test: Is Your Penny Worth $1 Million?

 Look for the raised “horn” (not a scratch or damage).
 Check LIBERTY – letters should be weak or missing.
 Verify the “D” mint mark under the year 1970.

 Value Breakdown: When Errors Multiply

Alone, each error has value—but together they skyrocket.

Condition Counts:

 The Minting Mishap

How did this wild penny happen?

• Grease clogged part of the die → caused faint lettering.
• A die crack formed on Lincoln’s head → creating the “horn.”

 Timeline of Discoveries:

• 1987 – First example found in a Colorado bank roll.
• 2001 – Second example confirmed & certified.
• 2023 – One sells for over $1M at Heritage Auctions.

 What To Do If You Think You Found One

 DO:

• Handle carefully (only by the edges) 
• Take high-resolution photos 
• Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification 
• Use insured shipping if sending it out 

 DON’T:

• Clean or polish the coin 
• Add fake grease or damage the surface 
• Alter the mint mark 

 Final Tip: Check Your Coin Jar!

The 1970-D Horned Lincoln penny proves that life-changing treasures can still be hiding in everyday change. 

Imagine turning a penny into $1 million+ just by looking closely. Check your piggy bank, coin jars, or old rolls—you might be sitting on a fortune in copper.