A 1960-D Lincoln Wheat cent with a bizarre minting mistake has stunned the coin world by selling for a jaw-dropping $1.54 million. Known as the “STATES A PRIORITIES UNION” penny, this unique error has earned its place as one of the most valuable U.S. coins ever discovered.
Here’s why this single penny is worth more than a luxury home. 🏡💎
🔍 The Million-Dollar Minting Mistake
This extraordinary coin combines three rare errors in one—a “perfect storm” of minting chaos.
🛠️ What Makes It Special?
Triple Error Combination:
- 45° Misaligned Die Strike – design shifted dramatically off-center.
- Brockage Error – reverse design imprinted onto Lincoln’s face.
- Die Clash Marks – creating the mysterious text: “STATES A PRIORITIES UNION.”
Unique Characteristics:
- Partial mirror image of wheat ears on Lincoln’s profile.
- Date shows 1960-D with a mysterious “CE” countermark (possibly initials of a mint worker).
- Weighs 3.4g (slightly heavier than normal due to metal displacement).
📊 Record-Breaking Value
| Grade | Sale Price | Year | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS-64BN | $1,540,000 | 2023 | Private Collector |
| PCGS AU-55 | $850,000 | 2021 | Coin Fund |
| Raw (uncertified) | $350,000 | 2019 | Original Finder |
🔎 How to Identify the 1960-D “Million-Dollar Penny”
✅ Mint Mark: Must be 1960-D (Denver Mint).
✅ Text: Look for strange doubling—“STATES A PRIORITIES” or partial “UNION.”
✅ Design: Mirror image of wheat ears on the obverse (front).
✅ Weight: Between 3.3g and 3.5g (normal is 3.11g).
✅ Edge: Thick, uneven rim caused by metal displacement.
🚫 Important Facts Collectors Should Know
- ✅ Only one confirmed example exists worldwide.
- ✅ Certified genuine by PCGS.
- ✅ Originally discovered in a Denver Mint scrap pile in 1991.
- ❌ No other examples have surfaced in over 30 years.
- ❌ Beware of fakes on eBay—this coin is one-of-a-kind.
💡 Why This Penny Is Worth $1.54 Million
- Last year of the Wheat Reverse design.
- Combines multiple dramatic errors never seen together before.
- Documented mint origin story—adding historical significance.
- Collectors consider it the most dramatic Lincoln cent error ever found.
📚 Want to Learn More?
📥 Free Download: Mega Error Coin Guide
🎥 Watch the Story: “The $1.5 Million Penny” documentary
👥 Join the Community: Error Coin Hunters Club
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