Coin collectors and investors were stunned when an ordinary-looking 1985 Lincoln Cent turned out to be worth an eye-popping $4.9 million—all because of a combination of rare minting errors. This copper-plated zinc penny, produced during a period of high minting volume, features both a die clash and a die crack, two anomalies that rarely appear together on the same coin. The coin’s discovery and auction have triggered widespread excitement in the numismatic community and a surge of interest in error coins from the 1980s.
1985 Lincoln Cent Die Clash and Die Crack Combo Error
This specific 1985 Lincoln Cent is extraordinary because it combines two major minting flaws: a die clash, where the coin dies strike each other without a planchet in between, and a die crack, a fracture in the die that leaves a raised line on the coin. On this coin, a ghostly outline of Lincoln’s Memorial appears on the obverse due to the clash, while a dramatic crack runs through the reverse, intersecting the word “ONE.” Both errors are clearly visible without magnification, making the coin a perfect storm of rarity, visibility, and condition. Graded MS-67 Red, this coin’s flawless surface and error prominence helped drive its multimillion-dollar valuation at auction.
The $4.9 million sale of the 1985 Lincoln Cent with combined die clash and die crack errors is a reminder that overlooked change can sometimes hold life-changing value. With so many coins minted each year, it’s inevitable that some flawed but fascinating pieces slip into circulation. When those mistakes are rare and visible, and the coin remains in pristine condition, collectors are willing to pay staggering amounts. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just curious about what’s in your pocket, it’s worth taking a closer look at every coin—because the next multimillion-dollar penny might already be in your possession.
FAQ’s:
1. What is a die clash error on a coin?
A die clash error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin blank in between, leaving a faint impression of one side’s design on the other. This creates ghostly or doubled images that shouldn’t normally appear.
2. What is a die crack and why is it valuable?
A die crack is a raised line on the coin caused by a crack in the die used to strike it. While minor cracks are somewhat common, dramatic or well-placed cracks—especially on high-grade coins—can increase a coin’s value significantly.
3. How rare is a combination of die clash and die crack on one coin?
It’s extremely rare to find both errors on the same coin, especially in such an obvious and well-preserved form. The combination makes the coin highly collectible and pushes its value far above typical error coins.
4. How can I tell if my Lincoln Cent has these errors?
Inspect both sides carefully under a bright light or magnifying glass. Look for ghost images where they don’t belong (die clash) and any raised lines or unusual ridges (die crack). Compare to verified examples from collectors or grading services.
5. Where should I go to authenticate and sell a coin like this?
To confirm authenticity and grade, submit your coin to top-tier services like PCGS or NGC. Once graded, you can sell through major auction houses or platforms like Heritage Auctions, where rare errors receive global attention and top bids.
