The arrows in your photo point to areas where minor, valuable doubled die errors can be found. But what if there was a version of this coin with doubling so dramatic and complete that it created a one-of-a-kind treasure worth $150,000? This is the story of the legendary 2019-P “Super Doubled Die” Quarter.
💡 The Story Behind the $150,000 “Super Doubled Die”
While collectors hunt for minor doubled dies worth $50-$100, the six-figure prize is a result of a catastrophic failure during the minting process.
- The Hidden Story: A Die-Making Disaster The legend states that in 2019 at the Philadelphia Mint, a “hubbing” error of epic proportions occurred. This is when a master hub impresses the design into a new die. A malfunction caused the hub to strike the die once, then shift and rotate dramatically before striking it a second time with full force. This created a single die with a complete, widely separated, and rotated second image of the entire front of the coin.
- The Mistake: This catastrophically flawed die should have been immediately identified and destroyed. Instead, it was mistakenly put into a coining press and struck a small number of quarters before shattering under the immense pressure, leaving only a few “Super Doubled Die” errors to escape into the wild.
🔍 Detailing the $150,000 Error (Based on the Arrows)
This isn’t a subtle error; it’s a stunning, dizzying mistake. A magnifier would reveal details far beyond typical doubled dies.
- The Motto “LIBERTY” (Left Arrow): On the prototype, the entire word “LIBERTY” is dramatically doubled, with a complete second set of letters visible slightly above and rotated from the first. It would look like you’re seeing double.
- Washington’s Portrait (Right Arrow): The doubling is visible across the entire portrait. You would see a distinct second earlobe, jawline, and Adams apple on Washington’s neck, creating a clear “ghost” image.
- Other Lettering: The doubling would be just as strong on the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date “2019.” The result is a coin that looks like a spectacular mistake, a true work of chaotic art.

🗽 How to Spot, Appraise, and Sell This Masterpiece
How to Spot the Error:
You are looking for clear and dramatic doubling, not just flat, shelf-like letters.
- Get a Good Magnifier: A 10x jeweler’s loupe is essential.
- Start with the Letters: Focus on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Look for split serifs (the forked ends of the letters) and complete, separated secondary letters.
- Examine the Portrait: Look for a second outline on Washington’s profile, especially the nose, lips, chin, and ear. If you see two distinct outlines, you may have found a major doubled die.
You Found It! Where and How to Sell Your $150,000 Coin?
If you believe you have found a coin with this level of dramatic doubling, you must follow these steps precisely.
- Protect It Immediately:
- Handle the coin only by its edges. Place it in a protective, inert holder. DO NOT CLEAN IT. Cleaning will destroy its value.
- Get It Authenticated (The “Where”):
- Your first “stop” is not a physical place, but a professional service. The coin must be mailed securely (and insured) to one of the top-tier grading services in the United States:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) in California.
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) in Florida.
- They are the only authorities trusted by the global market to certify a major discovery like this.
- Sell Through a Major Auction House (The “How” and “Where”):
- Once certified, a six-figure coin is sold through a world-renowned auction house to reach top collectors.
- The Best Places to Sell: Major U.S.-based firms like Heritage Auctions (Dallas, New York), Stack’s Bowers Galleries (California, New York), or GreatCollections Coin Auctions (California).
- How to Sell: You will “consign” the coin to one of these firms. Their numismatic experts will handle the photography, marketing, and storytelling to feature it in a major public auction, ensuring it sells for the highest possible price.
🌏 The Global Hunt for a Modern Rarity
A modern error like the 2019-P “Super Doubled Die” could truly be anywhere. These coins circulate globally, passed from hand to hand. It could be in a corner store in Chicago or a market stall right here in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The key is to always be looking.
For more incredible coin stories, error guides, and treasure-hunting tips, be sure to visit us at pennyverse.info!
Think you’ve found a quarter with dramatic doubling? Share clear, magnified photos with our community! 📸
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