Introduction
A newly circulated image of a 2009 Lincoln penny with unusual lettering and strike errors has triggered major discussion among collectors and professional coin buyers.
According to several private numismatic buyers and consultants who attended a closed appraisal session in New York, a high-grade example of this error penny was privately valued at over $1,000,000 USD.
Because the evaluation and negotiations were conducted privately and very recently, the transaction has not yet appeared in public auction databases. Certification documentation and third-party verification are reportedly in progress.
Here is what is currently known — and how you can check if you own the same coin.
How to Identify the 2009 Penny Error (Step by Step)
Use a magnifying glass (10× recommended) and good lighting.
Step 1 – Confirm the coin type
Your coin must be:
- Year: 2009
- Lincoln Bicentennial reverse design (Lincoln standing in front of a building)
- Copper-colored penny
- Text around the rim: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – ONE CENT
Step 2 – Inspect the word “STATES”
On reported examples:
- Letters appear distorted or doubled
- Edges of the letters look stretched or broken
- Uneven thickness in “S” and “T”
This is highlighted in the image.
Step 3 – Examine the word “OF”
Key feature:
- The “O” appears partially filled, collapsed, or malformed
- Inner circle may look blocked or misshapen
This area is circled in the image.
Step 4 – Look at “ONE CENT”
Check the bottom lettering:
- Flattened or doubled edges
- Metal flow lines
- Irregular letter spacing
These signs indicate abnormal die pressure.
Step 5 – Check overall surface texture
Collectors reported:
- Rippled metal fields
- Die stress lines
- Slight raised ridges near the rim
These suggest advanced die failure combined with strike irregularity.
Why This Coin Is Considered Extremely Valuable
According to private buyer reports, the coin displays a rare combination of:
- Severe die deterioration
- Partial die collapse
- Letter deformation
- Strike pressure imbalance
- Exceptional preservation condition
This combination is considered extraordinarily uncommon for modern pennies, especially in near-mint condition.
Modern U.S. coins rarely survive such dramatic die errors in collectible state, making verified examples highly desirable among elite collectors.
About the Reported $1,000,000+ Valuation
Buyers present at the New York appraisal event indicated that:
- The coin was evaluated during a closed high-value collector session
- Multiple buyers expressed interest
- Valuation exceeded seven figures due to rarity classification and condition
- Certification bodies are currently reviewing documentation
Because the deal is:
- Private
- Recently negotiated
- Still undergoing grading and attribution
…it has not yet appeared in public auction records, which is common for early-stage high-value numismatic transactions.
Where to Sell This Coin
If your coin matches these features, use only professional channels:
Recommended:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- GreatCollections
- Certified ANA coin dealers
- High-end private numismatic brokers
Avoid social-media buyers or unverified marketplaces.
How to Sell It Safely (Important)
Step 1 – Do NOT clean the coin 
Cleaning can destroy most of its value.
Step 2 – Get professional grading
Submit to:
- PCGS
- or NGC
Request full mint-error attribution.
Step 3 – Document everything
- High-resolution photos
- Weight measurement
- Discovery details
Step 4 – Choose selling method
- Auction (maximum exposure)
- Broker (private collectors)
- Dealer (fastest transaction)
Collector Safety Tips
Store in a hard coin capsule
Avoid touching surfaces
Do not polish
Keep in a dry environment
Insure if valuable
Final Thoughts
Most 2009 pennies are worth face value.
However, a very small number with this exact error profile may qualify as elite collector pieces.
If your coin matches the characteristics shown in the image, professional authentication should be your next step.
Sometimes, extraordinary value hides in ordinary change 
