A single 1960-D Lincoln Wheat cent featuring a bizarre “STATES A PRIORITIES UNION” error has stunned the coin collecting world. This remarkable minting mistake recently sold for $1.54 million, making it one of the most valuable pennies in existence. Here’s why this coin commands such an extraordinary price.
🔍 The Million-Dollar Mistake
This extraordinary error represents a perfect storm of minting catastrophes:
What Makes It Special?
- Triple Error Combination:
- 45° misaligned die strike
- Brockage error (reverse design stamped onto Lincoln’s face)
- Die clash marks creating the mysterious “STATES A PRIORITIES” text
- Unique Characteristics:
- Shows partial mirror image of wheat ears on Lincoln’s profile
- Features 1960 date with “CE” countermark (likely mint worker initials)
- Weighs 3.4g (heavier than normal due to metal displacement)
📊 Value Breakdown
| Grade | Sale Price | Year | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS-64BN | $1,540,000 | 2023 | Private Collector |
| PCGS AU-55 | $850,000 | 2021 | Coin Fund |
| Raw | $350,000 | 2019 | Discoverer |
🔎 How To Identify This Error
- Mint Mark: Must be 1960-D
- Text: Look for “STATES A PRIORITIES” or partial “UNION”
- Design: Mirror image of wheat ears on obverse
- Weight: 3.3g-3.5g (normal: 3.11g)
- Edge: Thick, uneven rim
🚫 Important Facts Collectors Should Know
✅ Only one confirmed example exists
✅ PCGS-certified as genuine
✅ Found in Denver Mint scrap pile in 1991
❌ No other examples have surfaced in 30+ years
❌ All “similar” coins on eBay are fakes
💡 Why This Coin Is Worth $1.54 Million
- Last year of Wheat Reverse design
- Most dramatic mint error ever found on a Lincoln cent
- Perfect storm of multiple error types
- Documented mint origin story
📚 Want To Learn More?
- Download our free “Mega Error Coin Guide”
- Watch “The $1.5 Million Penny” documentary
- Join our Error Coin Hunters Club
#MillionDollarPenny #CoinErrors #NumismaticTreasure
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