That’s exactly where one of the most valuable modern pennies ever was hiding — a 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny that just sold for an unbelievable 
$2,585,000!
Discovered in a Chicago Starbucks, this humble cent became a millionaire-maker overnight. Could your next coffee run hide the same treasure? Let’s dive in.
Why This $2.5 Million Penny Is So Special
This isn’t a normal cent — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime mint error nicknamed the “Double Declaration” penny because of multiple striking mistakes:
Front (Obverse): Reads “UNITED STATES OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” — a doubled-die strike
Motto Error: Misspelled “POURIBUS UNUM” instead of E Pluribus Unum
Back (Reverse): Shows “185 ONE CENT” from a misaligned die
Population: Only 3 known examples — all now in major museums 
Because it’s a Bicentennial commemorative coin loaded with visible errors, collectors are willing to pay millions.
Record-Breaking Sales
| Certification | Grade | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS | MS-65 + |  $2,585,000 (2024) |
| NGC | MS-63 | $1,250,000 (2023) |
| Raw Example | AU-50 |  $750,000 (2022) |
That’s over 500,000× its face value for a single penny! 
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Pocket Change
Front (Obverse)
• Look for the doubled text: UNITED STATES OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• Lincoln’s face may appear slightly blurred
Back (Reverse)
• Misspelled “POURIBUS UNUM”
• “185 ONE CENT” strike across the base
Weigh It
• Should be 2.5 g (copper-plated zinc) 
• Fakes often weigh too much or too little
Magnet Test
• Genuine coins are not magnetic
• If it sticks → 
fake
Pro Tip: A cheap USB microscope ($10–$20) helps reveal doubling details clearly.
The Starbucks Discovery
2022 – A Chicago barista finds a weird penny in a tip jar
Almost sells it for $50,000 to a local dealer
Instead, sends it to PCGS, receives MS-65 + grade
Later sold at Heritage Auctions for $2.58 million
Talk about life-changing spare change! 
Beware of Fakes
Because of its fame, counterfeits are everywhere. Protect yourself:
Wrong metal composition (fails weight/magnet tests)
Blurry “POURIBUS” text or missing doubling
Only trust PCGS or NGC-certified coins
Ask for provenance papers + video verification
Found One? Do This Next
Handle by the edges only
Take clear 4K photos in natural light
Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
Sell via Heritage Auctions or private treaty
Pro Move: List or auction it around Lincoln’s Birthday (Feb 12) — collector demand skyrockets! 
Free Collector Resources
Download: “Lincoln Error Coin Bible” (PDF Guide)
Tools: PCGS / NGC Submission Forms
VIP Hotline: Text LINCOLN2M to 555-0209 for instant coin help
Final Thoughts
From a Starbucks tip jar to a multi-million-dollar auction — this penny proves that treasures can appear in the most ordinary places.
So next time you get change, take a closer look. 
That tiny cent could be worth more than a mansion! 
