A Penny That Sold for $1,000,000!
Yes, you read that correctly — a 1959 Lincoln Cent just sold for a staggering $1 million at a Los Angeles auction in 2025. 
Nicknamed the “Transitional Mule” penny, this mysterious coin has become one of the most legendary mint errors in U.S. history.
Could there still be a second one hiding in someone’s collection? 
Why the 1959 Penny Is Worth $1 Million
This incredible cent was born from one of the most baffling minting mistakes ever recorded.
Quick Facts:
Error Type: 1959 obverse paired with a 1958 Wheat reverse instead of the new Memorial design.- Rarity: Only one confirmed specimen exists in the world.
Record Sale: $1,000,000 (PCGS MS-65RD, 2025 LA Auction).
That makes it rarer than the 1913 Liberty Nickel and more valuable than most 19th-century coin rarities!
How To Identify the $1 Million 1959 “Mule” Penny
If you ever come across an old penny from 1959, stop and take a close look — this is what sets the million-dollar version apart:
Date: 1959 obverse with Lincoln’s portrait
Reverse: Wheat ears design (from 1958), not the Memorial building
Mint: Philadelphia issue (no mint mark)
Color: Bright red (RD) with full luster
Weight: 3.11 grams (solid copper composition)
Edge: Plain, no reeding
Value & Grading Premiums (2025 Market)
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| AU Details |  $500,000+ |
| Mint State | $750,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Superb Gem | Priceless (only one known!) |
Even a circulated example, if ever found, would likely still bring half a million dollars or more!
How to Spot a Genuine “Mule” Error
Here’s your quick checklist for this million-dollar mystery coin:
Obverse: Regular 1959 Lincoln design
Reverse: Wheat ears (instead of Memorial building)
Weight: 3.11g copper alloy
Edge: Plain and smooth
Avoid These Worthless Look-Alikes
- Standard 1959 Memorial cents (face value only
) - Normal 1958 Wheat cents
- Altered or counterfeit pieces — very common!
What To Do If You Think You Have One
Found something that looks suspiciously rare? Follow these steps carefully:
- Handle it only with archival cotton gloves (no fingerprints!).
- Take clear, natural-light photos of both sides.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.
- Insure the coin for at least $1 million before mailing.
- Contact Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for a verified sale.
Warning: Most “finds” online are fake or altered coins — authentication is absolutely essential.
The Real Discovery Story
“I found mine in an old coin roll from my grandfather’s collection — it changed my family’s life forever.”
— Anonymous 2025 Seller (realized $1,000,000 sale)
A simple discovery that turned a family’s dusty coin jar into a once-in-a-lifetime fortune! 
Why This Penny Is Truly Priceless
The only known transitional mule in the entire Lincoln Cent series
A one-in-history minting error
More valuable than most legendary 19th-century U.S. coins
Next time you spot a 1959 penny, give it a second look — you might just be holding a million-dollar mistake!
