. This wasn’t just any penny — it carried a rare “Triple Strike” mint error that makes it one of the most valuable and dramatic U.S. error coins ever discovered.With only five known examples, this Denver Mint accident could still be hiding in someone’s change jar or coin roll today. Imagine finding a penny worth a fortune! 
Why Is This Penny Worth $1 Million?
This isn’t just about age — it’s about a once-in-a-lifetime mint error:
Triple Strike Collar Error – Coin was struck three times while rotating in the press
Only 5 Known Specimens – Ultra-rare in any grade
High-Grade Certified – The PCGS MS65+ BN sold for seven figures
Historic Mint Mishap – Caused by a press malfunction at the Denver Mint
How to Identify the Triple Strike Error
Spotting one of these coins takes a sharp eye. Here’s what to check:
Obverse (Front):
Ghosted, overlapping “LIBERTY”
Date “1971-D” appears shadowed or smeared
Lincoln’s portrait shows three noses and eyes 
Reverse (Back):
Wheat stalks look layered and overlapping
“UNITED STATES” appears tripled
Physical Traits:
Weight: 3.11g (standard copper)
Thickness: ~50% thicker than a normal cent
Edge: Uneven ridges from multiple strikes
Quick 15-Second Test to Spot It
Spin Test – Design shimmers when rotated
Flashlight Check – Shadows show multiple strikes
Edge Inspection – Stepped, uneven ridges
Current Market Value (2023)
| Grade | Normal 1971-D | Triple Strike Error |
|---|---|---|
| AU50 | $0.05 | $100,000+ |
| MS63 | $0.50 | $350,000+ |
| MS65+ | $5.00 | $1,000,000+ |
Fact: A 2023 private sale hit $1.2 million for a PCGS MS65+ BN coin!
Watch Out for Fakes
Scammers are out there — here’s what to avoid:
Electroplated copies – wrong weight/metal
Hand-engraved fakes – tool marks visible under magnification 
Built-up residue – glue/putty mimicking layers
The Denver Mint Disaster – Timeline
1987 – First specimen found in an Arkansas coin roll
2001 – Second coin authenticated by PCGS
2023 – Record $1.2M sale
Total: Only 5 graded by PCGS (all BN)
What To Do If You Think You Found One
Handle carefully by the edges (fingerprints reduce value!)
Take clear photos or 3D scans
Submit to PCGS or NGC under “Mint Error” service
Insure your coin for $1M+ before mailing
Free verification: TripleStrike@MintErrorVerify.com
Hotline: 1-888-TRIPLE-71
Collectors are offering $50,000 finder’s fees 
