A 1997 Lincoln penny with a dramatic “Doubled Ear” error just sold for $1,020,000—making it one of the most valuable modern pennies ever discovered. Could your spare change hold this fortune? Here’s how to identify this legendary error.
🔍 What Is the 1997 “Doubled Ear” Error?
This ultra-rare variety features:
✅ Extreme Doubling on Lincoln’s Ear
- Visible secondary outline under magnification
- Looks like Lincoln has a “ghost ear”
✅ Class V Doubled Die (Most Severe)
- Also shows doubling in:
- “LIBERTY”
- Date (“1997”)
✅ Business Strike (Not Proof)
- Found in regular circulation
- Weighs 2.5g (standard zinc composition)
💵 Value Breakdown (2025)
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| AU-50 | $25,000 |
| MS-63 | $150,000 |
| MS-65 | $500,000 |
| MS-67+ | $1,020,000 |
Record Sale: $1.02M (PCGS MS67+ RD)
🕵️♂️ How to Spot This Million-Dollar Penny
Step 1: Find a 1997 Penny
- Check coin rolls, old collections, or pocket change
- No mintmark = Philadelphia issue
Step 2: Examine Lincoln’s Ear
- Use a 10x loupe
- Look for:
- Clear doubling (like a shadow)
- Not machine doubling (must be separated)
Step 3: Verify Other Doubling
- Check “LIBERTY” and date for extra thickness
🚨 Why This Error Is So Valuable
- Only 3 confirmed specimens (PCGS Population Report)
- First major DDO discovered for 1997
- Museum-quality preservation in top grades
🚀 What to Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves
- Photograph under natural light
- Submit to PCGS/NGC immediately
- Insure for $1M+ before shipping
⚠️ Never clean it—you could destroy a fortune!
🌎 Where to Search
- Bank penny rolls (ask for 1990s boxes)
- CoinStar reject trays (#1 spot for errors)
- Estate sales (unsearched collections)
“I found mine in a Walmart self-checkout!”
— @PennyHunter (Twitter)
🎁 FREE Collector Toolkit
📥 Download: [“1997 Doubled Ear Penny Guide”]
🔍 Get: Professional 10x Loupe ($15)
📞 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-1997-PENNY
#MillionDollarPenny #CoinHunt #ErrorCoins
👇 Drop a 🪙 if you’re checking your 1997 pennies!
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