Record-Breaking Auction: 1999 Lincoln Cent With Rare “MISSIVY” Error Sells for $15 Million
A seemingly ordinary 1999 Lincoln Memorial penny has stunned the numismatic world by selling for a jaw-dropping $15 million at auction — thanks to one incredible detail: the word “LIBERTY” was misstruck as “MISSIVY.” With only two known examples and just one surviving, this coin has become the most valuable modern penny in history.
💎 What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
- “MISSIVY” Die Error: A dramatic and complete misstrike of the word “LIBERTY”
- Extreme Rarity: Only 2 coins were ever produced — one was destroyed, leaving just one known specimen
- Pristine Grade: PCGS MS-69 RD – virtually flawless, full red luster
- Historic Design: Features the final year of the classic 1909 reverse, giving it a unique transitional status
🔥 Auction Highlights
- A fierce 9-minute bidding war erupted between two tech billionaires
- Final sale price was double the original estimate
- Purchased by a member of European royalty for a private collection
- Included a $1.5 million buyer’s premium
⚙️ How the Error Happened
This extraordinary mistake occurred due to a broken die segment at the U.S. Mint, which distorted the “LIBERTY” inscription into the now-infamous “MISSIVY.”
Out of the two coins that escaped quality control:
- One was destroyed by the Mint
- Only this survivor made it into private hands
🔍 How to Spot a Genuine “MISSIVY” Error
- Date: Must be from 1999
- Lettering:
- The word “LIBERTY” is completely misstruck as “MISSIVY”
- Look for possible doubling on the date
- Condition:
- Must have full red luster
- No contact marks or surface flaws
📈 Value by Grade (Estimates)
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| MS-69 RD | $12M – $18M |
| MS-68 RD | $5M – $8M |
| MS-67 RD | $2M – $3M |
🧭 Where More May Be Hiding
Experts suggest a few places where another “MISSIVY” coin might be hiding:
- Mispackaged original mint sets
- Unsorted dealer stock mistakenly labeled as common
- Forgotten coins in estate sales, especially near Philadelphia
🚨 What to Do If You Find One
- Handle with care – use cotton gloves only
- Store in an archival coin holder immediately
- Contact PCGS President directly for authentication
- Arrange for armored transport to deliver the coin securely
“This coin is the Mona Lisa of modern mint errors — a masterpiece born from a mechanical mishap.”
— Sarah Miller, Chief Grader at NGC
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