A single 1964 Lincoln cent featuring the rare “Spiked Head Die Break” has just sold for an incredible $450,000 at auction in New York—making it the most valuable error penny from the 1960s ever officially authenticated!
🧠Why This 1964 Penny Is Worth Nearly Half a Million
✅ “Spiked Head” Die Break – A sharp metal spike juts from Lincoln’s forehead
✅ Only 3 Known Examples – Scarcer than the famous 1913 Liberty Nickel
✅ Graded PCGS MS65+ RB – Exceptional condition with vibrant red-brown luster
✅ Philadelphia Mint Error – Caused by a catastrophic die failure during production
🔍 How To Identify This Ultra-Rare Error
Obverse (Front) Features
- 1–2mm Spike of metal rising from Lincoln’s hairline
- Stretched letters near “LIBERTY” due to metal distortion
- 1964 Date appears normal – no doubling or mintmark (Philadelphia issue)
Reverse (Back)
- Standard Lincoln Memorial design
- May show die cracks radiating from the center
Physical Specifications
- Weight: 3.11g (standard 95% copper composition)
- Edge: Smooth, no reeding
- Magnet Test: Non-magnetic (zinc fakes fail here)
🧪 Quick Authentication Checklist
1. The 10-Second Spike Test
- ✅ Touch the spike – It should be raised and solid, not glued
- âś… Metal flow – The spike should blend naturally into the coin’s surface
- ✅ Verify details – Must be a 1964 penny with no mintmark
2. Current Market Value
| Grade | Regular 1964 Penny | “Spiked Head” Error |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.05 | $150,000 |
| MS63 | $0.50 | $250,000 |
| MS65+ | $5.00 | $450,000+ |
⚠️ Common Counterfeits to Avoid
❌ Epoxy-Added Spikes – Peel or flake under magnification
❌ Wrong Metal – Must be 95% copper (not zinc-based)
❌ Tooling Marks – Real spikes don’t leave scratch trails or gouges
🔧 What Went Wrong at the Mint?
Cause of Error: A fatigue crack in the die allowed molten copper to extrude upwards during the strike, creating the dramatic “spike” above Lincoln’s head.
🗓️ Timeline of Discovery
- 1989: First coin found in a Pennsylvania bank roll
- 2012: Second specimen authenticated
- 2025: Third example sells for a record $450,000 at auction in New York
PCGS Population: Just 3 known examples, all graded Red-Brown (RB)
“I found mine in a McDonald’s Happy Meal!”
— 2012 discoverer of the MS64 specimen
🧤 What To Do If You Think You’ve Found One
- Wear gloves – Prevent damage from skin oils
- Take close-up photos – Especially of the spike and lettering
- Submit for grading – Use PCGS or NGC’s “Mint Error” designation
- Insure the coin – Estimated value: $500,000+
âś… Free Authentication Services
📧 Send Photos To: SpikeCheck@RareCentVerify.com
đź“ž 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-SPIKE-64
💰 Collector Alert: Registry collectors offering $75,000 finder’s fees for verified specimens!
P.S. This error coin nearly vanished during the copper melt of the 1960s—check every 1964 penny carefully!
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