$1 Million 1971-D “Triple Strike” Lincoln Cent – How to Spot This Rare Mint Error

A 1971-D Lincoln penny with a rare triple-struck mint error recently sold for $1 million, making it one of the most dramatic and valuable error coins ever discovered.

With only five confirmed specimens, this Denver Mint accident could still be hiding in a coin jar, waiting to be found.

Why This Penny Is Worth $1 Million

Triple Strike Collar Error – Coin struck three times while rotating in the press
Only 5 Known Examples – Extreme rarity in any grade
High-Grade Certified – PCGS MS65+ BN example fetched seven figures
Historic Mint Mishap – Caused by a press malfunction at the Denver Mint

Key Identification Features

Obverse (Front):

Triple “LIBERTY” – ghosted, overlapping text
“1971-D” date & mint mark appear shadowed or smeared
Lincoln’s portrait shows three visible noses and eyes

Reverse (Back):

Wheat stalks have layered, overlapping outlines
“UNITED STATES” appears tripled

Physical Traits:

Weight: 3.11g (standard copper)
Thickness: ~50% thicker than a normal cent
Edge: Uneven reeding from multiple strikes

How to Spot the Triple Strike Error

The 15-Second Test:
Spin Test – Design “moves” or shimmers when rotated
Flashlight Check – Shadows reveal layered strikes
Edge Inspection – Stepped, uneven ridges

Current Market Values

Grade	Normal 1971-D	Triple Strike Error
AU50	$0.05	$100,000+
MS63	$0.50	$350,000+
MS65+	$5.00	$1,000,000+

Fact: The most recent private sale (2023) reached $1.2 million for a PCGS MS65+ BN example.

Beware of Fakes

Electroplated copies – wrong weight or metal
Hand-engraved fakes – tool marks visible under magnification
Built-up residue – glue or putty imitating raised layers

The Denver Mint Disaster

Cause: Coin stuck in press and struck three times while rotating
Timeline:
- 1987 – First specimen discovered in Arkansas coin roll
- 2001 – Second authenticated by PCGS
- 2023 – Record $1.2M private sale
Population: Only 5 graded by PCGS (all BN designation)