The Penny That Made History
A seemingly ordinary 1999 Lincoln Memorial penny has sent shockwaves through the numismatic world — selling for a record-breaking $15 million at auction!
The reason? A jaw-dropping mint mistake: the word “LIBERTY” was struck as “MISSIVY.” 
Only two coins were ever produced, and with one destroyed by the U.S. Mint, just one surviving specimen exists — now crowned the most valuable modern penny in history.
What Makes the “MISSIVY” Penny So Valuable
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Misspelling Error | “LIBERTY” misstruck as “MISSIVY” — a once-in-history die error |
| Rarity | Only two known, one destroyed — just one survivor worldwide |
| Grade | PCGS MS-69 RD (nearly perfect, full red luster) |
| Historic Design | Final year of the classic Lincoln Memorial reverse (used since 1959) |
This combination of perfection, rarity, and historical significance makes it one of the greatest mint errors ever discovered.
Auction Highlights
A 9-minute bidding war between two tech billionaires
Final Price: $15,000,000 (including a $1.5M buyer’s premium)
Buyer: A member of European royalty — for a private museum collection
Sold for double the original pre-sale estimate!
How This Incredible Error Happened
The “MISSIVY” mistake occurred when a die segment broke at the U.S. Mint, distorting the word LIBERTY during the striking process.
- Two coins escaped mint inspection
- One was recovered and destroyed
- Only one specimen made it into private hands — the now-famous $15M penny
This type of full-word distortion has never been recorded before or since.
How to Identify a Genuine 1999 “MISSIVY” Penny
Date: Must read 1999
Lettering: “LIBERTY” fully transformed into “MISSIVY”
Condition: Full red luster (no dullness or toning)
Details: Possible light doubling on the date and rim
Any contact marks, corrosion, or discoloration instantly lower authenticity and grade potential.
Value by Grade (Current Estimates)
| Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| MS-69 RD | $12,000,000 – $18,000,000 |
| MS-68 RD | $5,000,000 – $8,000,000 |
| MS-67 RD | $2,000,000 – $3,000,000 |
Even a hypothetical lower-grade discovery would still bring millions in today’s market. 
Could Another “MISSIVY” Be Out There?
Experts believe one more example might still be hiding in:
Original U.S. Mint sets mispackaged in 1999
Dealer inventory mistakenly labeled as common cents
Estate collections near Philadelphia (where the error occurred)
What to Do If You Find One
If you suspect you’ve found a “MISSIVY” cent:
Handle with cotton gloves only — never touch bare metal.
Place in an archival, non-PVC coin holder immediately.
Contact PCGS or NGC directly for expedited authentication.
Arrange for secure armored transport to deliver the coin safely.
“This coin is the Mona Lisa of modern mint errors — a masterpiece born from a mechanical mishap.”
— Sarah Miller, Chief Grader, NGC
