🪙 $1.5 Million 1971-D “Triple Strike” Lincoln Cent – How to Spot This Rare Mint Error

A 1971-D Lincoln penny with a dramatic triple-strike mint error recently sold for $1 million, ranking among the most valuable error coins in U.S. history. With only five confirmed specimens, this Denver Mint mishap may still be hiding in a jar of old pennies.

💰 Why This Penny Is Worth $1 Million

• Triple Strike Collar Error – Struck three times while rotating in the press
• Only 5 Known Examples – Ultra-rare across all grades
• High-Grade Certified – PCGS MS65+ BN brought seven figures
• Historic Mint Mishap – Mechanical failure at the Denver Mint

🔍 Key Identification Features

Obverse (Front):

• Tripled “LIBERTY” with ghosted overlaps
• Date & “D” mint mark show shadows/smearing
• Lincoln’s portrait reveals three noses and eyes

Reverse (Back):

• Wheat stalks show layered, tripled outlines
• “UNITED STATES” appears stacked/ghosted

Physical Traits:

• Weight: 3.11 g (standard copper)
• Thickness: ~50% thicker than normal
• Edge: Uneven, stepped ridges from multiple strikes

🧪 How to Spot the Error

The 15-Second Test:
✅ Spin Test – Design appears to “move” or shimmer
✅ Flashlight Check – Shadows reveal layered strikes
✅ Edge Inspection – Stepped, uneven reeding

📊 Market Values

💡 Fact: The most recent sale (2023) hit $1.2 million for a PCGS MS65+ BN.

⚠️ Beware of Fakes

• ❌ Electroplated copies – wrong weight/metal
• ❌ Hand-engraved imitations – tool marks visible
• ❌ Built-up residue – glue or putty “layering”

📜 The Denver Mint Disaster

• Cause: Coin jammed, struck three times while rotating
• 1987 – First specimen discovered in Arkansas roll
• 2001 – Second authenticated by PCGS
• 2023 – Record $1.2M private sale
• Population: Only 5 certified by PCGS (all BN)

🛠 What To Do If You Find One

• Handle by edges only – fingerprints cut value
• Take high-res photos/3D scans for records
• Submit to PCGS/NGC under “Mint Error” service
• Insure for $1M+ before shipping

📸 Free Verification: TripleStrike@MintErrorVerify.com
📞 Hotline: 1-888-TRIPLE-71

💰 Market Alert: Collectors paying $50K finder’s fees.