Rare 1969 D Penny Sells for Over $2,000 – Could You Have One in Your Wallet?

by

Rare 1969 D Penny: A rare 1969 D Lincoln penny recently sold for an impressive $2,010 on eBay, and you might have one hidden in your wallet or couch cushions. Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary coin and how to check if yours could be valuable.

Why Is the 1969 D Penny Special?

  • Minted in Denver: The coin features a small “D” under the year 1969, indicating it was minted in Denver. This sets it apart from Lincoln Memorial and Wheat pennies minted in Philadelphia, which have no mintmark.
  • Circulated Yet Coveted: Despite being a circulated coin, it attracted 25 bids from avid collectors before selling for over $2,000.

Key Features of the 1969 D Penny

  • Design:
    • Obverse: Displays Abraham Lincoln’s profile with the phrases “In God We Trust” above and “Liberty” to the left.
    • Mintmark: The letter “D” appears under the year 1969.
  • Rarity: While over 4 million were minted by the Denver Mint, finding one in good condition is uncommon.
  • Value Potential:
    • Mint-certified coins are valued at approximately $12, according to Cointrackers.
    • Rare specimens like this one can skyrocket to thousands, depending on demand.

How to Check If Your Coin Is Valuable

  1. Inspect Your Change: Look for coins with the year 1969 and the “D” mintmark.
  2. Check Condition: The better the condition, the higher the value.
  3. Research on eBay:
    • Search for the coin by its full name.
    • Use the “Sold Listings” filter to see actual sale prices.
    • Sort results by “Highest Value” to understand its potential worth.

Why Some Coins Are Worth More

Coins with low mintage or errors often fetch the highest prices among collectors. Examples include misprints, off-center strikes, or unique characteristics from manufacturing flaws.

How to Sell Your Coin

If you discover a valuable coin, here are your options:

  1. Sell on eBay:
    • Set a minimum price above face value to avoid losses.
    • Be aware of non-paying buyers—eBay can only penalize accounts but not enforce payments.
  2. Specialist Coin Sites:
    • Platforms like Coinappraiser or USA Coin Book may help you get a fair price.

Final Tip: Is It Worth the Hype?

While this 1969 D penny sold for over $2,000, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the same amount. The value of a coin depends on what buyers are willing to pay at the time. Even so, finding a rare coin could turn your small change into a significant payday!

Leave a Comment