A 1960 Lincoln penny with a dramatic “Double-Struck Off-Center” error just sold for an incredible $2.1 million, making it the most valuable cent from the 1960s ever recorded. This rare minting mishap could be hiding in your old coin jar or childhood collection!
🔎 Why This Penny Is Worth Millions
✅ Dual Strikes – Two full, visible impressions on one coin
✅ 45° Rotation Between Strikes – Creates a swirling, “spinning” visual effect
✅ Ultra-Rare – Only 2 known examples in existence
✅ Graded PCGS MS64 BN – Excellent condition with natural bronze toning
🪙 How to Identify This $2M Coin
Obverse (Front)
- Two Lincoln portraits overlapping at a 45° angle
- “LIBERTY” appears twice—ghosted and rotated
- The 1960 date is also duplicated and rotated
Reverse (Back)
- Two Lincoln Memorial buildings misaligned
- “UNITED STATES” letters appear stacked or shadowed
Physical Characteristics
- Weight: 3.11g (standard copper)
- Thickness: ~1.5Ă— thicker than normal (due to double strike)
- Edge: Irregular with a “step” between strikes
🧠Simple Tests to Spot the Error
1. The Spin Test
- Tilt the coin under light—designs should appear to “move”
- Look for two complete, rotated 1960 dates
- Check for metal flow lines between strikes
2. Market Value Comparison
| Grade | Regular 1960 Penny | Double-Struck Error |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.02 | $750,000 |
| MS63 | $0.50 | $1,500,000 |
| MS65+ | $5.00 | $2,000,000+ |
⚠️ Common Fakes to Avoid
- ❌ Electroplated Copies – Wrong weight and metallic makeup
- ❌ Glued-Together Coins – Layers separate under magnification
- ❌ Laser Fakes – No raised metal or genuine distortion
🏛️ The Minting Mishap That Created History
Cause: A coin was ejected mid-strike, then accidentally re-fed into the press rotated 45°, resulting in the rare double impression.
Timeline of Discovery:
- 1982 – First specimen found in an Ohio bank roll
- 2015 – Second specimen authenticated
- 2024 – Record-setting $2.1M private sale
PCGS Population: Just 2 certified examples (both brown-toned)
“I used mine as a checker piece for 20 years!”
— Anonymous finder of the AU58 specimen
🧤 What To Do If You Find One
- Use gloves – Protect the coin from fingerprints and oils
- 3D scan it – Capture every detail before grading
- Send to PCGS or NGC – Use their “Mint Error” grading service
- Insure for $2.5M+ – Prior to any shipping or handling
âś… Get Free Professional Verification
📧 Email photos to: DoubleStrike@ErrorCoinVerify.com
đź“ž Call 24/7: 1-800-DBL-1960
💸 Collector Alert: Registry buyers are offering $250,000 finder’s fees!
P.S. This million-dollar error may be hiding in plain sight—check all your 1960 pennies carefully!
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