🪙💥 The $66,000 1969-S Double Die Penny — How to Tell If You Have One!

🎥 Watch the Video First!

Before you read the full breakdown, watch Coin Teacher’s latest video where he explains an email from a viewer who might have found a $66,000 penny!
👉 [Watch the Full Video Here] (insert your YouTube link or embed code below)

💌 The Email That Started It All

Coin Teacher received an intriguing message from a viewer named Lex, who wrote:

“I believe I found a 1969-S mint mark double-struck penny, and I need your help.”

That email kicked off this educational deep dive — because if Lex really found one, it could be worth tens of thousands of dollars! 💰

🔍 The Coin to Check: 1969-S Lincoln Cent

This lesson focuses on the 1969 Lincoln penny with the ‘S’ mint mark (for San Francisco).
Most 1969-S pennies are ordinary — but a tiny number show an extreme double-die obverse (meaning the front design was struck twice, slightly misaligned).

🧠 How to Tell the Difference

1️⃣ Normal 1969-S Penny (No Extra Value)

• LIBERTY: Letters appear sharp and single.
• IN GOD WE TRUST: Normal spacing, no shadow effect.
• Date & Mint Mark: Clear, no doubling.

These are regular circulation coins — still fun to keep, but only worth one cent.

2️⃣ Valuable 1969-S Double Die Obverse 💎

Here’s what the real treasure looks like:

• LIBERTY: Strong, obvious doubling on the R, E, and B.
• IN GOD WE TRUST: Noticeable doubling on nearly every letter.
• DATE (1969): May show light doubling, though the letters show it best.
• Mint Mark (S): Not doubled — it was added separately after striking.

📸 Under magnification, the doubled letters look like a clear shadow or second outline.

💰 What It’s Worth

💬 “Even in lower grades, this coin can change someone’s life,” says Coin Teacher.

🧾 Expert Tips

✅ Use a magnifier (10× to 30×) — the doubling is easy to spot once you know where to look.
✅ Don’t clean it! Cleaning destroys collector value instantly.
✅ Authenticate with PCGS or NGC before selling.
✅ Store safely in a coin holder or airtight capsule.