Most people don’t give a second thought to the pennies rattling around in their pockets or change jars. But one rare coin — the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse — could be worth tens of thousands of dollars and might still be sitting unnoticed in everyday circulation across the United States.
This unique penny has caused quite a stir over the years, even drawing attention from the U.S. Secret Service. For coin collectors and everyday folks alike, finding one could be like winning the lottery.
Rarity
What makes this coin so valuable is a minting error known as a doubled die obverse. This means that when the die (used to strike the coin) was made, the design was imprinted twice at slightly different angles. As a result, the words “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the year “1969” appear clearly doubled on the front (obverse) of the coin.
But here’s the critical detail: the small “S” mint mark beneath the date — indicating it was minted in San Francisco — should not be doubled. If it is, the coin likely isn’t genuine. That’s because in 1969, mint marks were added to dies by hand after the main design was engraved. So any true doubled die won’t have a doubled mint mark.
Scandal
The error was so unusual that early findings of the coin were thought to be counterfeit. In fact, the U.S. Secret Service confiscated several of them until the U.S. Mint confirmed that the coins were authentic mint errors. These pennies had been struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1969, and only a few are known to still exist.
Finding
In one well-publicized case from 2014, a woman in Texas found one of these rare coins while sorting through a roll of pennies. She submitted it to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), and it was graded AU-55 — Almost Uncirculated. That single coin was valued at approximately $24,000.
It’s a reminder that rare treasures can still show up in the most ordinary places — even inside a bank roll or a pocketful of change.
Identification
Want to check your own change? Here’s what to look for on a 1969-S Lincoln Cent:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Doubling | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY”, motto, and date |
| Mint Mark | “S” under the date should not be doubled |
| Date | Must read 1969 |
| Overall Condition | Better condition means higher value |
Make sure not to confuse this error with simple machine doubling, which is much more common and far less valuable. True doubled die coins show crisp, clear separation in the lettering and numbers.
Value
If you happen to find a 1969-S doubled die penny in very fine or near uncirculated condition (AU-50 or better), you could be looking at a coin worth over $40,000 on today’s collector market. Even those in slightly lower condition can still sell for thousands.
Coins that are authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) often fetch higher prices at auction.
Final Thoughts
Coins like the 1969-S Lincoln Cent remind us that sometimes, real value hides in plain sight. With fewer than 100 known examples believed to exist, finding one of these rare pennies is like observing buried treasure.
So next time you’re sorting through spare change, take a moment to check — your next big payday might be staring you right in the face.
FAQs
What is a doubled die penny?
It’s a coin with letters or numbers stamped twice due to a die error.
How rare is the 1969-S doubled die penny?
Very rare — fewer than 100 high-quality examples are known.
How much is the 1969-S penny worth?
It can sell for over $40,000 if in top condition.
Where was the 1969-S penny made?
It was minted in San Francisco — that’s what the ‘S’ stands for.
How do I check if my coin is authentic?
Look for strong doubling on the date and text, not the mint mark.
