A Lucky Find at the Counter
Picture this: you grab a soda at 7-Eleven, pay with a ten, and get some coins back. One of those coins could be worth millions. That’s what happened to a man in Ohio who got a rare 1969-S Lincoln Penny in his change. Years later, that penny sold at auction for $3 million. This story has folks checking their change, hoping to find a hidden treasure like this one.
Why This Penny Is a Big Deal
The 1969-S Lincoln Penny is super rare because of a minting error called a “doubled die.” This means the design, like Lincoln’s face or the date, looks blurry or doubled up because the minting machine stamped it twice by mistake. Only a few of these pennies got out of the San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”). Their scarcity and unique look make them a top prize for coin collectors.
| Feature | Normal 1969 Penny | 1969-S Doubled Die |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | None or D, S | S (San Francisco) |
| Design | Clear portrait | Blurred or doubled design |
| Rarity | Common | Very few known |
From Convenience Store to Auction House
In 1987, a man named Tom Reynolds bought a drink at a 7-Eleven in Toledo, Ohio, and got the 1969-S penny in his change. He tossed it in a jar, not thinking much of it. Years later, while sorting through his coins, he noticed the penny looked odd. A coin dealer confirmed it was the rare doubled-die version. After decades of safe-keeping, Tom sold it at a 2024 auction for a whopping $3 million.
Where You Might Find One
These rare pennies could still be out there, hiding in change from stores, banks, or even your own coin jar. Check places like convenience stores, vending machine returns, or old family collections. Look for pennies from 1969 with an “S” under the date. If you find one, don’t scrub it—keeping it in its original condition keeps its value high. Take it to a coin shop for a pro to check it out.
Tips to Spot a Valuable Penny
Not every 1969 penny is worth millions, so here’s how to check yours:
- Look for the “S” mint mark under the 1969 date.
- Check if Lincoln’s face, the date, or words look doubled or blurry.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot tiny details.
- Compare it to a regular penny to see what’s different.
Watch out for fakes some people try to alter coins to look like errors. Always get an expert’s opinion.
Check Your Change Today
This 7-Eleven story shows how a single coin can turn into a life-changing fortune. The 1969-S Lincoln Penny that Tom found in his change went from a few cents to $3 million. Next time you get coins back at the store, take a quick peek. That penny in your hand might just be a rare treasure waiting to make you rich. So, dig through your change and keep an eye out you could be the next lucky finder.