You might be holding a $100,000 coin and not even know it. One of the rarest and most shocking U.S. coin errors ever discovered is the 2001-D Penny with a dime reverse—a “mule” coin mistake that collectors are going crazy for!
🔍 What Is the 2001-D Mule Penny?
This is a mint error where two different coin designs were accidentally used together:
- Front (Obverse): Regular Lincoln penny (dated 2001 with “D” mint mark)
- Back (Reverse): Roosevelt dime design (torch, oak branch, olive branch)
👉 It looks like a penny on one side and a dime on the other—but it’s all copper and the size of a penny.
🧠 Why Is It Worth So Much?
✅ Extremely Rare – Only 10 to 15 known to exist
✅ Accidental Error – A one-time mistake at the Denver Mint
✅ Record Sales:
- $96,000 (PCGS MS-64)
- Over $100,000 (private sale)
- $78,000 (Heritage Auctions)
🔎 How to Spot a Real 2001-D Mule Penny
Look for these signs:
🪙 Front:
- Lincoln portrait
- 2001 date
- “D” mint mark (Denver)
🪙 Back:
- Dime reverse (torch, branches)
- No Lincoln Memorial
📏 Size & Weight:
- Diameter: 19mm (penny size)
- Weight: 2.5g (use a digital scale!)
💡 If it weighs like a dime (2.268g) or is silver-colored—it’s likely a fake.
📈 How Much Is It Worth?
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| AU-50 (Almost Uncirculated) | $50,000+ |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | $75,000–$90,000 |
| MS-65 (Gem Condition) | $100,000+ |
🔍 Tip: The better the condition, the higher the price!
🛡️ Watch Out for Fakes
🚫 Fake Versions Include:
- Dimes plated with copper
- Laser-etched dimes
- Counterfeit slabs (fake grading cases)
✅ How to Stay Safe:
- Only buy certified coins from PCGS or NGC
- Verify weight: Must be 2.5g
- Compare photos to trusted references
- Never trust random sellers or pawn shops
💸 Where to Sell One
If you find this coin, don’t sell it cheap! Here’s where to get top dollar:
- Heritage Auctions (biggest coin auction house)
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions (mint error specialists)
- Private Collectors (via trusted dealers)
🚫 Avoid pawn shops, kiosks, or Facebook scams.
🔔 Start Your Search!
Here’s how to begin:
✅ Check all your 2001-D pennies
✅ Use a digital scale
✅ Look closely at the reverse side
✅ Compare with online examples (or post photos in forums!)
💬 Quick Question:
Would you rather find 1 penny worth $100,000 or 100 rare pennies worth $1,000 each?
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