Many people overlook loose change, thinking it’s just spare cash. But hidden among everyday coins could be a rare treasure worth thousands. One such example is the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse, a coin so rare and valuable it once got the attention of the U.S. Secret Service.
Still occasionally found in circulation, this penny could turn your pocket change into a life-changing find.
Here’s everything you need to know about why this coin is special, how to spot one, and how much it could be worth today.
Error
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent stands out because of a rare minting mistake called a doubled die obverse. This means the front side of the coin — where Lincoln’s portrait is — has doubled text and numbers. You’ll notice strong doubling in:
- liberty
- in god we trust
- the date “1969”
Interestingly, the mint mark “S” is not doubled, which is how experts know it’s a true doubled die and not a common form of machine doubling.
This error happened during the coin die creation process, not during the stamping of the coins. Because of that, it’s a rare and legitimate mint mistake, not just damage or wear.
Confiscation
When collectors and dealers first started finding these coins, many thought they were fakes. The doubling was so dramatic that even federal agents didn’t believe it. The U.S. Secret Service actually confiscated some of these coins, believing they were counterfeit.
Eventually, the U.S. Mint confirmed the coins were real, accidentally produced at the San Francisco Mint in 1969. Once verified, these coins quickly became some of the most sought-after error coins in U.S. history.
Finding
In May 2014, a woman in Texas found one while checking a roll of pennies. She sent it to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), and it was graded AU-55 (Almost Uncirculated). That single penny was valued at $24,000 — not bad for a coin that originally cost just one cent.
Identification
If you think you’ve found one, here’s how to check:
- Make sure the date reads 1969 and has an “S” mint mark below the date
- Check for clear, strong doubling in liberty, in god we trust, and the date
- The mint mark should not be doubled — if it is, it’s probably machine doubling and not valuable
Why? Because back in 1969, mint marks were punched onto the dies by hand after the die was made. So the doubling only appears on the design, not the mint mark.
Value
Depending on the condition, this coin could be worth a small fortune:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| AU-50 (Almost Uncirculated) | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| MS-60 or better | $50,000+ and rising |
| Proof or Certified | Over $75,000 in rare cases |
These values depend on collector demand, certification, and the overall condition of the coin.
Opportunity
This coin is proof that a simple penny can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. And while rare, the 1969-S doubled die penny is still out there — possibly sitting in a jar of change, a forgotten piggy bank, or a roll from your local bank.
So next time you see a 1969 penny with an “S” mint mark, take a closer look. You might just be holding a $40,000 piece of American minting history.
FAQs
What makes the 1969-S penny valuable?
A rare doubled die error on the obverse makes it highly collectible.
How can I identify a true 1969-S doubled die?
Look for strong doubling in ‘LIBERTY’ and the date, with no doubling on the ‘S’ mint mark.
Was the coin ever thought to be fake?
Yes, the Secret Service once seized them believing they were counterfeit.
What is the coin worth today?
It can fetch $40,000 or more depending on its condition.
Can I still find this penny in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some may still be found in pocket change or old rolls.
