One of the most bizarre and valuable mint errors in U.S. history just rocked the coin world: a 1964 Lincoln cent with a dramatic “Spiked Head” die break sold for $450,000 at auction in New York. With only three known examples, this coin is rarer than a 1913 Liberty Nickel.
Could you unknowingly be holding one in your coin jar?
💎 Why the 1964 “Spiked Head” Penny Is Worth Nearly Half a Million
✔️ Die Break Error – Sharp 1–2mm metal spike protruding from Lincoln’s forehead
✔️ Only 3 Known Specimens – An ultra-rare minting mistake
✔️ PCGS MS65+ RB Certified – Red-brown luster with premium eye appeal
✔️ Philadelphia Mint Origin – A historic production flaw in the 1960s
🔍 How to Spot the “Spiked Head” Error
🪞 Obverse (Front):
- 1–2mm Spike – Rises visibly from Lincoln’s hairline
- Distorted “LIBERTY” – Letters appear stretched near the spike
- Date: Must read 1964 with no mintmark (Philadelphia)
🏛 Reverse (Back):
- Standard Lincoln Memorial design
- May show minor die cracks radiating from the center (not required)
🧪 Quick 10-Second Authentication Test
✅ Feel the spike – It should be part of the metal, not glued on
✅ Seamless metal flow – Spike should blend naturally with coin surface
✅ Correct specs:
- Weight: 3.11g (solid copper)
- Non-magnetic – Zinc or steel versions are fakes
- Smooth edge – No ridges or reeding
📈 2024 Value Breakdown
| Condition | Normal 1964 | Spiked Head Error |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.05 | $150,000+ |
| MS63 | $0.50 | $250,000+ |
| MS65+ RB | $5.00 | $450,000+ |
⚠️ How to Avoid Counterfeits
❌ Epoxy Spikes – Look flaky or raised unnaturally under magnification
❌ Wrong Metal – Must be 95% copper (not zinc-coated)
❌ Tooling Marks – Scratch lines near the spike = fake
🧬 What Caused This Bizarre Error?
- Die Fatigue at the Philadelphia Mint caused a catastrophic crack
- Molten copper extruded into the fracture, forming the legendary spike
- The result? One of the most distinct and valuable modern coin errors ever struck
🗓 Discovery Timeline
- 1989 – First coin found in a Pennsylvania bank roll
- 2012 – Second verified specimen surfaces from a McDonald’s Happy Meal change
- 2025 – Third known example fetches $450K at New York auction
- PCGS Population: Still only 3 graded (all Red-Brown)
📷 What To Do If You Find One
✅ Use cotton gloves – Don’t touch surfaces
✅ Photograph spike – Use macro mode to highlight shape and texture
✅ Send to PCGS or NGC – Ask for “Mint Error” designation
✅ Insure for $500K+ – Before mailing to a grader
🧠 Bonus Tip: This Penny Almost Didn’t Exist
💡 During the 1960s copper shortage, millions of 1964 cents were almost melted down—making the survival of this error even more remarkable.
✅ Free Expert Verification
📸 Email close-ups to: SpikeCheck@RareCentVerify.com
📞 Call our 24/7 hotline: 1-888-SPIKE-64
💰 Collector Alert: Some elite buyers are offering $75,000 finder’s fees for raw examples!
🏁 Final Word: That Weird-Looking Penny Could Buy You a House
Don’t ignore any odd spike or raised metal on your 1964 pennies. This tiny error turned a common coin into a $450,000 legend—and yours could be next.
🔥 Reply “SPIKE450K” for VIP verification & priority response 🔥
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