A rare 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny, valued at an incredible $78,500, was recently discovered in an old desk drawer. This exciting find has thrilled coin collectors everywhere, proving that valuable treasures can hide in unexpected places. In this article, we’ll explore the story behind this amazing discovery, why the 1969-S Doubled Die penny is so special, and how you can spot one yourself.
The Surprising Discovery
A Hidden Treasure in a Drawer
The lucky find happened when someone was cleaning out an old desk inherited from a family member. The drawer was filled with random items like pens, papers, and small trinkets. Among them was what looked like an ordinary 1969-S penny. However, the person noticed something unusual about the coin and decided to take a closer look.
Confirming the Find
Suspecting it might be special, the discoverer took the penny to a professional coin expert. After careful examination, the expert confirmed it was a genuine 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny in excellent condition. This high-quality condition helped boost its value, and it later sold at an online auction for $78,500 after intense bidding.
What Makes the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny Special?
Understanding the Error
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny is a rare error coin from the San Francisco Mint. The error happened during the minting process when the die (the tool used to stamp coins) was misaligned. This caused a noticeable doubling effect on the front (obverse) of the coin, especially on the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1969.”
Why It’s Easy to Spot
The doubling is clear and bold, making it stand out. The text looks like it was stamped twice, slightly offset, creating a shadow-like effect. This unique error is hard to fake, which adds to the coin’s value and appeal.
Key Features of the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes this coin unique:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969 |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco Mint) |
| Error Type | Doubled Die Obverse (not a minor mechanical error) |
| Visible Doubling | Clear doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1969” |
| Material | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 50 verified coins |
| Value Range | $30,000 to over $100,000 (depending on condition) |
The coin’s excellent condition was a big reason for its high $78,500 sale price.
Why Is This Penny So Valuable?
Extremely Rare
Very few 1969-S Doubled Die pennies were made, and even fewer are still in good condition. High-quality, uncirculated examples are especially rare, making them highly sought after.
Popular with Collectors
Error coins like this one are a favorite among coin collectors. The bold doubling and the coin’s rarity make it a must-have for serious collectors, driving up its value.
Condition Is Key
The better the condition, the more valuable the coin. Coins graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, especially if they’re in top condition.
How to Spot a 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
If you want to check your own coins, here’s what to look for:
1. Doubling on the Date
The “9” in “1969” should show clear doubling, with a slight shadow or extra outline around the numbers.
2. Doubling on “LIBERTY”
The word “LIBERTY” will have a noticeable doubling effect, especially on the letters “L” and “B,” which may look like they were stamped twice.
3. Check the Mint Mark
The “S” mint mark (below the date) should not show doubling. The doubling is only on the front of the coin, so focus there.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a 1969-S Doubled Die penny, follow these steps:
1. Get It Verified
Fake coins exist, so have your penny checked by a trusted grading service like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
2. Get It Graded
A professional grade (from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect) will determine the coin’s value. Higher grades mean higher prices.
3. Sell Smart
Once verified and graded, sell through a reputable auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, or work with a trusted coin dealer.
Conclusion
The discovery of a 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny worth $78,500 in an old desk drawer shows that hidden treasures can be anywhere. If you have old pennies lying around, take a closer look—you might have a rare coin worth a fortune! By knowing what to look for and how to verify a find, you could uncover a valuable piece of numismatic history. Happy hunting!
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1969-S penny is real?
Check for bold doubling on the date and “LIBERTY.” Have it verified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Is a worn 1969-S Doubled Die penny still valuable?
Yes, even circulated coins can be worth thousands, though top-condition coins fetch the highest prices.
Are all 1969-S pennies rare?
No, only the Doubled Die Obverse pennies are rare and valuable. Regular 1969-S pennies are worth just their face value.