A 1975 Lincoln cent just sold for a staggering $560,000, cementing its place among the most valuable modern U.S. coins. And the craziest part? It started life looking just like any other penny—until experts uncovered its legendary minting mistake.
🧬 Why Is This 1975 Penny Worth Half a Million?
✔️ Double Denomination Error – This penny was struck on a dime planchet (the metal disc used to make dimes), not a normal cent blank.
✔️ Only 3 Known to Exist – This error is rarer than a 1943 copper penny. Scarcity fuels sky-high collector demand.
✔️ Weight Matters – A normal penny weighs 3.11g. This error coin weighs only 2.2g—the weight of a dime.
✔️ Reeded Edge – Unlike standard Lincoln cents with smooth edges, this coin has the reeded edge of a dime.
✔️ Certified Condition – The record-breaking coin was graded PCGS MS65—nearly flawless with vibrant luster.
🔍 How to Spot the $560K Error
✅ 1. Quick 5-Second Test
- Weigh it – Must be exactly 2.2g
- Check the edge – Reeded, like a dime
- Measure it – ~17.9mm diameter, smaller than a penny
🔎 2. Diagnostic Details
- Obverse: Full Lincoln image, but often weakly struck due to planchet mismatch
- Reverse: May appear incomplete or off-center
📈 Current Market Value (As of 2024)
| Grade | 2020 Value | 2024 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $150,000 | $300,000 |
| MS63 | $350,000 | $450,000 |
| MS65+ | $500,000 | $560,000 |
⚠️ Don’t Get Fooled: Common Fakes
❌ Filed-down pennies pretending to be errors
❌ Coins with incorrect weight (must be exactly 2.2g)
❌ No reeded edge = not the real deal
🏛️ The Philadelphia Mint Mix-Up
- Cause: A dime blank was accidentally fed into a penny press
- First Found: In a Nevada casino roll (1981)
- Second Found: Authenticated in 2005
- Third Found: Sold in 2023 by Heritage Auctions for $560,000
- PCGS Census: Just 3 known examples
💼 What to Do If You Find One
- Do NOT clean it – Even wiping it can destroy its value
- Handle by the edges – Use cotton gloves or soft tweezers
- Take detailed photos – Front, back, edge, and weight
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
- Insure before shipping – These are 7-figure assets in the making
🔧 Free Professional Help
- 📸 Email photos to: 1975Error@MillionDollarPennies.com
- 📞 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-1975-PENNY
- 🏆 Finder’s Fee: Collectors offering $50,000+ for fresh discoveries
🔥 Final Tip: This Coin Could Be in Any Old Jar
That little copper coin in your junk drawer? It might be worth more than your car.
Reply “1975MILLION” to join our VIP coin authentication list and get your penny verified for free.
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