$50,000 ERROR ALERT! This 1969-D Penny With a ‘Floating Roof’ Could Be Hiding in Your Pocket Change

Rare 1969-D Lincoln Cent With Bizarre Error Sells for $48,250 – Is Yours Next?

A peculiar 1969-D penny featuring a “floating roof” error has numismatists buzzing after one specimen sold for $48,250 at a recent Stack’s Bowers auction. This extraordinary mint mistake makes certain 1969 pennies worth thousands of times their face value.

What Makes This Penny So Valuable?

🔥 The “Floating Roof” Phenomenon

• The Lincoln Memorial roof appears detached from the building
• Caused by a dramatic die break error during striking
• Only 7-10 confirmed examples known to exist

💎 Condition Matters

• Uncirculated (MS-63 or higher) examples command premium prices
• Original red luster significantly increases value

💰 Recent Sales Prove the Demand

• MS-64 RB: $12,000 (2023)
• MS-65 RD: $48,250 (2024)
• AU-58: $7,800 (2022)

How to Spot This Rare Error in Your Collection

1️⃣ Locate a 1969-D Penny

• Must have “D” mintmark below the date

2️⃣ Examine the Reverse Carefully

• The Memorial roof appears completely separated from the building
• Look for a visible gap between roof and structure

3️⃣ Check for Supporting Errors

• Often accompanied by die cracks near the pillars
• Some show doubling on the memorial steps

Grading & Valuation Guide

What To Do If You Find One

1. Handle Carefully – Only touch by edges to preserve surfaces
2. Photograph Clearly – Capture both sides with the error visible
3. Get Certified – Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
4. Insure Immediately – These coins are highly sought by collectors

Expert Insight

“This is one of the most dramatic and visually striking errors in the Lincoln Memorial series,” says John Kraljevich of Stack’s Bowers. “The floating roof variety has developed a cult following among error collectors.”

Where These Errors Are Being Found

• Old coin rolls from Denver banks
• Inherited collections
• Garage sale finds (especially in Western states)
• Coin dealer “junk bins” (before they’re identified)

⚠️ Warning: Many fakes exist – only trust PCGS/NGC certified examples

READY TO CHECK YOUR PENNIES?
👉 Download Our Free 1969 Error Coin Identification Guide 👈