A 1971-D Lincoln penny recently shocked the coin world when it sold for a jaw-dropping $1 million 😱. This wasn’t just any penny — it carried a rare “Triple Strike” mint error that makes it one of the most valuable and dramatic U.S. error coins ever discovered.
With only five known examples, this Denver Mint accident could still be hiding in someone’s change jar or coin roll today. Imagine finding a penny worth a fortune! 🏆
💰 Why Is This Penny Worth $1 Million?
This isn’t just about age — it’s about a once-in-a-lifetime mint error:
✔️ Triple Strike Collar Error – Coin was struck three times while rotating in the press
✔️ Only 5 Known Specimens – Ultra-rare in any grade
✔️ High-Grade Certified – The PCGS MS65+ BN sold for seven figures
✔️ Historic Mint Mishap – Caused by a press malfunction at the Denver Mint
🔍 How to Identify the Triple Strike Error
Spotting one of these coins takes a sharp eye. Here’s what to check:
Obverse (Front):
👉 Ghosted, overlapping “LIBERTY”
👉 Date “1971-D” appears shadowed or smeared
👉 Lincoln’s portrait shows three noses and eyes 👀
Reverse (Back):
👉 Wheat stalks look layered and overlapping
👉 “UNITED STATES” appears tripled
Physical Traits:
📏 Weight: 3.11g (standard copper)
📏 Thickness: ~50% thicker than a normal cent
⚪ Edge: Uneven ridges from multiple strikes
🧪 Quick 15-Second Test to Spot It
✅ Spin Test – Design shimmers when rotated
✅ Flashlight Check – Shadows show multiple strikes
✅ Edge Inspection – Stepped, uneven ridges
📊 Current Market Value (2023)
| Grade | Normal 1971-D | Triple Strike Error |
|---|---|---|
| AU50 | $0.05 | $100,000+ |
| MS63 | $0.50 | $350,000+ |
| MS65+ | $5.00 | $1,000,000+ |
💡 Fact: A 2023 private sale hit $1.2 million for a PCGS MS65+ BN coin!
⚠️ Watch Out for Fakes
Scammers are out there — here’s what to avoid:
❌ Electroplated copies – wrong weight/metal
❌ Hand-engraved fakes – tool marks visible under magnification 🔎
❌ Built-up residue – glue/putty mimicking layers
📜 The Denver Mint Disaster – Timeline
🗓 1987 – First specimen found in an Arkansas coin roll
🗓 2001 – Second coin authenticated by PCGS
🗓 2023 – Record $1.2M sale
📉 Total: Only 5 graded by PCGS (all BN)
🛠 What To Do If You Think You Found One
👉 Handle carefully by the edges (fingerprints reduce value!)
👉 Take clear photos or 3D scans
👉 Submit to PCGS or NGC under “Mint Error” service
👉 Insure your coin for $1M+ before mailing
📸 Free verification: TripleStrike@MintErrorVerify.com
📞 Hotline: 1-888-TRIPLE-71
💰 Collectors are offering $50,000 finder’s fees 🤑
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