In the world of numismatics, small details can turn a simple coin into a priceless treasure. Recently, an influencer and coin aficionado, known on TikTok as @wheatstoshields, revealed how to identify a rare penny coin that could be worth more than $600,000 due to a peculiar error.
The key is in the 1969 one cent coins minted in San Francisco, recognizable by the “S” mintmark they have near the date.
What makes them extraordinary is an error known as ‘double minting’, a failure in the die that prints the design on the coin, generating a double engraving that makes them unique.
The die is a tool used in the minting of coins and medals, which contains the inverse design of the image that is to be printed on the metal.
These types of errors are very rare and, therefore, the pieces that feature them can reach astronomical prices among collectors.
However, the influencer warns about the risk of confusing these precious pieces with coins affected by ‘machine bending’, a less notable error and, consequently, of lower value.
Given the growing presence of counterfeit coins with this type of flaws, the recommendation for those who believe they have found one of these gems is to certify it through professional organizations such as the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
According to PCGS, a 1969-S coin with the double mintage error and of high quality was valued at $609,000.
The influencer said that people should be very attentive to these details that could turn a seemingly minor find into a real fortune.
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