1969-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, MS64 Red PCGS....

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$51,600.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

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1969-S Lincoln Cent, MS64 Red
Rare Doubled Die Obverse
Popular Guide Book Variety

1969-S 1C Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101, MS64 Red PCGS. The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse has been called the King of the Lincoln Cent Varieties. The variety was first recognized in mid-1970, but the discovery coins were declared counterfeit and even seized by the U.S. Secret Service. A number of fake 1969 doubled-die Lincoln cents, without mintmarks, had been marketed by known counterfeiters Roy Gray and Mort Goodman, arousing suspicions about the legitimate doubled-die coins from the San Francisco Mint. The Secret Service later reversed their position on this issue and declared the 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse legitimate.

Publicity about the coins created intense interest in the issue and collectors embarked on a nation-wide search of bank rolls, hoping to find any example of this storied issue. Few examples turned up over the years, and most specimens seen were in circulated condition. However, Michigan collector Michael Tremonti discovered an MS64 Red PCGS specimen in a roll of Lincoln cents on October 3, 2007. That coin was offered in lot 2718 of the FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2008), where it realized $126,500. PCGS CoinFacts estimates the surviving population of the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln cent at about 30 examples in all grades.

This spectacular Choice specimen exhibits sharply detailed design elements throughout, with the characteristic obverse doubling especially evident on all the letters and numbers. The well-preserved original red surfaces are lustrous and appealing, despite a few small amber carbon spots on both sides. A Condition Census example of this sought-after Lincoln cent variety, we expect intense competition from series specialists when this lot is called. The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent was the number 1 coin listed in the 2011 edition of the 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins. Population: 4 in 64 (1 in 64+) Red, 1 finer (10/21).

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 37996, Base PCGS# 2923, Greysheet# 312826)

Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Weight: 0.10oz
Mintage: 15

View Certification Details from PCGS