The Mystery That Shook the Coin World
A simple 1989 Lincoln Memorial penny has ignited one of the most shocking debates in U.S. coin history. Dubbed the “Police Error” Penny, this mysterious coin sold for $500,000 after experts claimed it may have been struck over a police evidence bullet fragment.
Whether fact or urban legend, it’s one of the most bizarre, controversial, and valuable modern U.S. coins ever discovered.
The Shocking Backstory: The “Police Error” Legend
According to collectors and insiders, this one-of-a-kind coin:
- May have been struck over a bullet fragment from a New York Police Department (NYPD) evidence locker.
- Displays a tiny metal “bullet dot” embedded in Lincoln’s cheek.
- Shows radiating die cracks resembling shattered glass — as if from an impact.
- Has no official confirmation from the U.S. Mint, making it even more mysterious.
Its story has divided numismatists, with some calling it a hoax and others a once-in-a-lifetime minting accident.
Why Collectors Are Paying $500,000+
The “Police Error” Penny isn’t valuable just for its rarity — it’s a piece of forensic folklore.
Key Characteristics:
- Unique “bullet dot” in Lincoln’s cheek
- Shattered die cracks radiating outward
- No mintmark (Philadelphia Mint origin)
- Graded PCGS MS-66 RB (Red-Brown) — exceptional preservation
- Only 3–5 authenticated specimens known worldwide
Recent Auction Sales
| Grade | Sale Price | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS MS-66 RB |  $500,000 |
2024 | Private Sale |
| PCGS MS-65 BN | $250,000 |
2023 | Public Auction |
How to Spot a Genuine “Police Error” Penny
If you suspect you have one of these wild rarities, here’s what to check for:
Date Verification
- Must be 1989
- No mintmark (Philadelphia issue only)
Lincoln’s Cheek Inspection
- Look for a tiny raised “dot” or indentation
- Examine for radiating die cracks — they’ll look like fractured glass spreading outward
Authentication is Critical
- Only coins graded by PCGS or NGC are trusted
- Beware of laser-forged replicas and altered coins flooding the online market
Where More Might Be Hiding
Treasure hunters believe there could still be undiscovered examples:
Old NYPD evidence lockers or discarded storage crates
Philadelphia Mint scrap bins (if any escaped destruction)
Private crime memorabilia collections and estate sales
What to Do If You Think You Found One
Handle Carefully: Never clean or polish the coin — even slight damage can destroy its value.
Consult Legal & Numismatic Experts: If bullet fragments are present, there could be forensic implications.
Authenticate Immediately: Submit through PCGS or NGC for official error grading.
Sell Through Trusted Channels: Use Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or private treaty sales with legal oversight.
“This isn’t just a coin — it’s a piece of forensic history.”
— Dr. Alan Voss, Numismatic Crime Investigator
Why This Penny Fascinates Collectors
The “Police Error” Penny blends numismatics, mystery, and true crime intrigue — a perfect storm that captivates both collectors and historians.
Its origin story, tied to law enforcement and the possibility of real forensic evidence, ensures it remains one of the most talked-about error coins ever discovered.
