Your pocket change might be worth a small fortune. 
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous modern error coins, and certified examples have sold for over $44,000 at auction. If you’ve got a 1969-S penny sitting in a jar, here’s how to tell if it’s the life-changing variety.
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous modern error coins, and certified examples have sold for over $44,000 at auction. If you’ve got a 1969-S penny sitting in a jar, here’s how to tell if it’s the life-changing variety.
How to Identify the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
Step 1: Check the Mint Mark
- Must have an “S” mint mark below the date (San Francisco Mint).
- 1969 coins from Denver or Philadelphia are not the valuable ones.
Step 2: Look for Dramatic Doubling (use a 10x magnifier)
- LIBERTY → letters appear doubled, bold, and shadowed.
- IN GOD WE TRUST → heavy doubling on the “G” and “D.”
- 1969 date → digits show clear overlapping.
Step 3: Compare With a Normal Coin
- A standard 1969-S has crisp, single-strike lettering.
- The rare doubled die shows raised, overlapping text—not flat or shelf-like.
1969-S Doubled Die Value Guide
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63+) | $25,000 – $40,000+ |
| Auction Record | $44,000 (MS-64 RD, Heritage) |
Fact: Even a worn, circulated 1969-S doubled die can still bring five figures at auction!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Machine Doubling Confusion
- Machine doubling = flat, shelf-like doubling.
- True doubled die = raised, distorted letters.
Cleaning the Coin
- Cleaning will slash the value by 90%+.
- Always keep original surfaces intact.
What To Do If You Find One
Handle carefully — use cotton gloves or touch only the edges.
Store in a protective coin flip or capsule.
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication. (Fees $50–$100, worth it for a potential $40K+ coin.)
Sell smart:
- For coins worth $10,000+, use Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
- For uncertified finds under $10K, eBay is possible but riskier.
Final Word: Your Pennies Could Be Worth $40,000+
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse penny is one of the Holy Grails of modern coin errors. With fewer than 50 known examples, every discovery is big news.
Check your change, coin rolls, and inherited collections—you could be holding a $40,000 rarity without even knowing it.
