BREAKING: 1987-D Doubled Die Penny Sells for $2 Million at New York Auction!

A 1987-D Lincoln penny just shattered records, selling for $2 million at a New York auction in June 2025. This previously overlooked doubled die error has now become one of the most valuable modern pennies in existence. Here’s how to spot this life-changing error in your own collection!

The New King of Modern Pennies

Historic Auction Results:

June 2025, New York: $2,000,000 (PCGS MS67+ RD)
Previous Record: $1.7M (1943 Copper Penny)
Appreciation: 100,000%+ increase since discovery

Why It’s Worth Millions:

Only 3 confirmed specimens (new population report)
Finest-known example (perfect red surfaces)
Famous pedigree (ex-Federal Reserve vault)
Museum-quality preservation

How to Identify This $2M Error

Critical Identification Points:

Must Be 1987-D
- Denver mintmark below date
- No “D” = not the error
Extreme Doubling on Obverse
- “LIBERTY” shows triple splitting
- Date appears 3D-like under magnification
Unique Die Markers
- Diagonal die scratch near Lincoln’s cheek
- Raised lump on “Y” in “LIBERTY”
Weight & Composition
- 3.11 grams (pre-1982 copper)
- Note: Most 1987 pennies are zinc – copper is key!

Updated Value Guide (Post-Auction)

Grade	Value Estimate
AG-3	$250,000
VF-20	$750,000
MS65 RD	$1,500,000
MS67+ RD	$2,000,000+

RD = Red (full original color)

Where to Search NOW

Old Coin Rolls
- Request 1980s penny boxes from banks
Estate Sales
- Look for original mint sets
Federal Reserve Returns
- Some still hold original bags

“The winning bidder plans to donate it to the Smithsonian!”

Auction House Spokesperson

What to Do Immediately If You Find One

STOP! Handle with cotton gloves only
Photograph under natural light (10x macro shots)
Contact:
- PCGS/NGC for emergency grading
- Heritage Auctions for private treaty sale
Insure for $2.5M before transport