Unique 1999 Lincoln Cent Obverse Muled with a Roosevelt Dime Reverse

1999 1C Lincoln Cent Obverse Die Muled With a Roosevelt Dime Reverse on a Lincoln Cent Planchet MS66 Red PCGS. This incredible error somehow escaped the scrutiny of Mint employees. We are uncertain how a Lincoln cent obverse die was paired with a Roosevelt dime reverse, but this coin proves that it happened. Only seven double-denomination mules had been certified by November 2003. Interestingly, the consignor of this piece also owns two of those coins, a 1993-D cent/dime on a cent planchet and a 1995 cent/dime on a dime planchet. This type of error occurred only recently, during the entire history of U.S. coinage that spans more than 200 years.
The obverse is sharply struck on the figure of Lincoln and the date, although the opposing dime die, being slightly smaller than the cent planchet, caused minor peripheral weakness on the obverse. In other words, nothing was behind the periphery of the cent die to force the expanding metal into the recesses. Naturally, the slightly smaller reverse dime die caused that side to be boldly struck.
Shortly after this phenomenon dropped from the (mismatched) dies, it was discovered in Erie, Pennsylvania by someone who found the coin in a roll of 1999 cents obtained from a local bank. The discoverer then sold the piece to Dempsey & Baxter, a local jewelry store. Dempsey & Baxter held onto the piece until the present consignor "made them an offer they couldn't refuse" in 2003. The consignor had hoped to surprise his father with the coin as a Christmas gift; however, his father unexpectedly died on October 2 of that year, several days before the coin was actually to be purchased. The consignor went ahead and bought the coin after his father's death and kept it alongside his other double-denomination errors.
It has since been carefully handled, and has developed no spots or other distractions. The coin remains a solid Premium Gem MS66, with full mint Red. For the error specialist, this would be the centerpiece of an advanced collection. Error collectors will long remember the present coin and hope that someday it will again be publicly offered. This piece was widely publicized in Coin World and Numismatic News soon after its discovery. This prize represents a unique opportunity. It is undoubtedly one of the most important highlights of this or any numismatic auction.
Included with this piece are copies of numerous articles from trade publications, local newspapers, Internet news pieces, and a promo piece from Dempsey & Baxter that is signed by Jay W. Johnson, Mint Director when this piece was struck.
From The Bellaire Collection, Part Two. (#3154)

View Entire Collection
View large image(s) of this item

Shipping Description: Coin/Currency (view shipping information)

Sales Tax information | Terms and Conditions

Bidding Guidelines