For coin lovers who enjoy going through loose change, it’s exciting to see if you can find something rare. Some people also search rolls of uncirculated coins and sometimes find valuable ones. Back in 2007, a collector from Michigan named Michael Tremonti found a rare 1969-S doubled die penny.
He discovered it while looking through a roll of fifty 1969-S Lincoln cents. Coin expert Ken Potter shared the story and said that Tremonti’s discovery came from a regular coin roll—something many collectors search every day.
A Valuable Find Worth Thousands
Tremonti sent the coin to PCGS to get it officially graded and safely sealed. At that time, Ken Potter estimated that a 1969-S doubled die penny in Mint State could be worth at least $44,000—and possibly even over $100,000 depending on its quality.
Experts believe that only 40 to 50 of these rare coins exist today. That makes Tremonti’s find even more exciting. Most collectors search for years and never come across such a rare example, especially one in such good condition.
Die Variety Expert Ken Potter Authenticates the Coin
Ken Potter was very impressed with Tremonti’s coin and even sent out a press release about it. He recalled being doubtful at first when Tremonti called him. Potter thought it was probably one of the many coins with common strike doubling.
He told Tremonti this, but Tremonti believed he had something different. As they kept talking, Potter realized that Tremonti knew a lot about coin errors. After seeing the coin, Potter confirmed that it was truly a beautiful and uncirculated 1969-S doubled die variety.
History of the 1969-S DDO Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S doubled die penny has an interesting backstory. When it first showed up in 1970, a couple of scammers were also trying to make fake 1969 doubled die coins. Coin expert Ken Potter said it was strange that fake and real versions appeared at the same time.
The first real one was found by Ceil Moorhouse, who got it from rolls supplied by the San Francisco Federal Reserve. The Secret Service took the coin thinking it was fake, but later gave it back after learning it was real.
Government Confusion and Coin Destruction
After the first discovery, the U.S. Secret Service started seizing all 1969-S doubled die pennies. They treated all of them as fake under anti-counterfeiting laws. They didn’t seem to know how important the “S” mintmark was.
Eventually, the Treasury Department got involved and returned some real coins to their owners. Sadly, a few genuine coins were accidentally destroyed during the process. This confusion shows how rare coins sometimes face strange journeys before collectors even realize their full value.
Coin Demand and Growing Popularity
When a rare coin gets media attention, more people want it—and the value goes up. The 1969-S doubled die penny is now one of the most valuable coins with this kind of error. It’s more in demand than even the well-known 1972 doubled die penny.
That’s because the 1969-S version is harder to find. Collectors love coins with bold, visible doubling. These special features make coins like this one incredibly valuable and often the highlight of any auction.
Searching for Hidden Treasures
Tremonti’s story proves that valuable coins can still be found. Whether you’re checking your everyday pocket change or searching through new coin rolls, there’s a chance you might find a rare error. These discoveries keep coin collectors excited and motivated.
You never know—maybe that penny you used for lunch was worth $30,000. The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and anyone with patience and a good eye might get lucky someday.
1969-S Doubled Die Values
Here’s a quick look at some past sales of the 1969-S doubled die penny. PCGS graded Tremonti’s coin as Red MS-64, one of only two at that grade. It sold for $126,500 in a 2008 Heritage auction. Another MS-64 Red sold in 2018 for $126,000.
One coin in MS-65 Red sold in 1996 for $16,500, but its location today is unknown. Even lower-graded examples like a VF-20 once sold for $9,900 in 1998. No matter the grade, this coin always brings high prices at auctions.
Beware of Counterfeit Coins
Today, some fake 1969-S doubled die pennies are being made, especially in China. These counterfeits can look very real. If you’re thinking about buying one online or from someone you don’t know, be extra careful. There’s a big chance it’s not real.
Always buy from trusted coin dealers and only buy coins that have been graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. Getting a certified coin may cost more upfront, but it helps make sure you’re buying the real deal.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny Value Table
| Grade | Color | Auction House | Sale Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-65 | Red | Unknown | 1996 | $16,500 |
| MS-64 | Red | Heritage Auctions | 2008 | $126,500 |
| MS-64 | Red | Stack’s Bowers | 2018 | $126,000 |
| VF-20 | Brown | Sotheby’s | 1998 | $9,900 |
FAQs
What is a doubled die penny?
A doubled die penny is a coin with a visible doubling of its design, caused by a mistake in the die-making process at the mint. This error can increase the coin’s value.
Why is the 1969-S doubled die penny so rare?
Only about 40 to 50 are believed to exist today, making it extremely hard to find, especially in mint condition.
How can I tell if I found a 1969-S doubled die?
Check for strong doubling in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” For confirmation, it’s best to have it looked at by a coin expert or grading service.
Are all 1969-S pennies valuable?
No, only the ones with the clear doubled die error are worth a lot. Most regular 1969-S pennies are only worth face value or slightly more.
Last Thought
Coin collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially when you find something truly rare. The story of the 1969-S doubled die penny shows that even today, valuable coins can turn up in the most unexpected places.
Always check your change, and if you want to search more seriously, consider getting rolls from banks. Whether you’re in it for fun or hoping for a big discovery, keep looking—you might be holding a treasure and not even know it.
