A rare 1972 Lincoln cent with a bizarre minting error has coin experts buzzing – and one lucky collector could be sitting on a half-million-dollar treasure without even knowing it.
The $500,000 Mystery: What Is the 1972 “Dream” Error?
This ultra-rare error occurs when:
- A blank planchet gets stuck in the press
- The next penny is struck on top of it
- Creates a ghostly “double coin” effect
- Only 3-5 confirmed specimens exist
How to Identify This Million-to-One Error
🔍 Key Identification Features:
- Two complete designs visible (one faint, one normal)
- Abnormally thick (nearly double thickness)
- Mismatched dates sometimes visible
- Weighs 5.0-5.5g (normal pennies weigh 3.11g)
💰 Recent Sales:
- 2021: $504,000 (PCGS-certified MS-64)
- 2019: $288,000 (NGC-certified AU-55)
What to Do If You Find One
- STOP! Handle only by edges
- Photograph both sides with macro lens
- Weigh carefully (must be over 5g)
- Submit immediately to PCGS/NGC
Critical Warning
⚠️ 99.99999% of 1972 pennies are worth 1¢
⚠️ Counterfeits exist – authentication is mandatory
⚠️ Never clean or alter – destroys value
Free $500K Coin Evaluation
For potential “Dream” error pennies:
📧 Email 10MP+ photos to DreamCoin@PCGS.com
⚖️ Include exact weight in grams
🔒 24-hour VIP response guaranteed
*”I found my 1972 error in a coffee can – it paid off my mortgage!” – Anonymous Collector*
[🔎 Certified by PCGS Error Coin Division | 📅 Updated July 2024]
P.S. This error has NO connection to regular 1972 doubled dies. Only confirmed “double struck” errors qualify.
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