The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after error coins among coin collectors, and some special coins have achieved prices of over $100,000 at auction.
In this article we will go into detail about the origin, identification, and value of this amazing minting error.
Analysis of the 1969-S Double Die Error
A double die error takes place whenever the die used to mint a coin stamps the coin’s image twice but the two images are slightly off-kilter. The consequence is that all design features on this coin are executed in duplicate. Double striking in this 1969-S Lincoln Penny from the obverse is well illustrated through the doubled inscriptions of the words LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and the date 1969.
HOW TO TELL WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE A 1969-S DOUBLED DIE LINCOLN PENNY
Pay attention to the following aspects to identify this rare coin:
1. Mint Mark: This piece of coin also has a mint mark ‘S’ which denote that it was produced in the San Francisco mint.
2. Doubling Details: On the front side look at the inscriptions of “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the year. The doubling should be seen and felt The amplification should be obvious. This resemble machine doubling which look flat and like a shelf.
3. Genuine Coin: Since this coin is worth so much, there may also be fakes around. It would be best that you engage the services of other grading centres such as the PCGS or NGC to verify it.
Silver Value of a 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
The value of this error coin is determined on the basis of the survivability of this error and the market requirement of the collectors. Below is a summary of recent auction results:
| Grade | Description | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64RD | Mint State with Red luster | $126,500 |
| MS63RD | Slightly lower mint state | $86,250 |
| AU55 | About Uncirculated | $37,200 |
Historical Significance
The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny is otherwise known as a coinage that entered history as one of the exciting riches of collectors. Firstly, the error coins were collected by the Secret Service, and treated as true counterfeits, and then they were melted. This, in turn lessened the number of existing coins which in turn amplified their scarcity and therefore their worth.
The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny also illustrates the principle about how a single mistake made at a mint results in a coin becoming highly sought after. Some of the reasons why the creation of this coin is important make it an interesting and exciting topic to any collector.
FAQs:-
What causes a double die error?
Let’s take our next topic straight into the core of the issue: a double die error.
A die variety occurs when the die is struck more than once in an uneven manner so that there is an impression of the design on the face of the coin.
How can I be certain that my 1969-S penny is a double die?
You should get it certified by a professional grading agency including that of the PCGS or the NGC since they’ll produce the certificate that can be used to identify the coin effectively.
Why did the Secret Service require to seize these pennies?
These double die pennies were first thought to be counterfeits by the Secret Service which is why they took them. Such an action helped to make these coins even more rare.
