In a bizarre twist of fate that’s making waves across coin collecting communities, a rare 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny—valued at nearly $680,000—was unknowingly used by a college student to pay for a load of laundry at a neighborhood laundromat in upstate New York.
A Coin Worth a Fortune, Mistaken for a Regular Penny
This unusual event came to public attention after a local coin collector, who often inspects coin-operated machines for rare finds, spotted the valuable penny stuck inside a laundromat coin slot.
“I almost missed it at first,” said the man, who prefers to stay anonymous. “But the lettering caught my attention immediately. The doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST was clear. I recognized it right away—it was a 1955 Doubled Die.”
For those not familiar, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in American history. This coin was created due to a misaligned die during production, causing a noticeable doubling effect on the front lettering. Only around 20,000 of these coins were ever circulated, and fewer remain in good condition today.
A Student’s Unknowing Mistake
Security footage from the laundromat confirmed the penny was used earlier that day by a college student doing her laundry. Witnesses noted she seemed rushed and unaware of the valuable coin she was carrying.
“She seemed to be gathering her quarters and pennies quickly,” a fellow customer reported. “She even dropped some coins and picked them up without paying attention.”
By the time the rare coin was discovered, the student had already left, and efforts to locate her have been unsuccessful.
How Can a Penny Be Worth $680,000?
While most pennies are only worth their face value, rare error coins like the 1955 Doubled Die can be extremely valuable. Depending on their condition, such coins have sold for six-figure prices at auctions. In 2023, one mint-condition example sold for $680,000, setting a record.
The laundromat penny seems to have circulated, which may lower its value, but experts believe it could still fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Collector Communities React
Collectors nationwide have responded with mixed feelings of excitement and frustration.
“This story is both every collector’s dream and nightmare,” said Lisa Morgan, a coin expert from Pennsylvania. “People spend years searching for coins like this, only to have one accidentally tossed into a washing machine.”
Online forums are encouraging everyone to examine their coins carefully, as many hidden gems could still be out there, unnoticed.
Also Read: Lost for Decades: A $3.3 Million 1796 Draped Bust Quarter Found Behind Wall
Final Thoughts
This laundromat discovery highlights how valuable coins can still be found in everyday places. Even as digital payments grow more common, this story reminds us that physical coins can hold incredible worth.
Though the student remains unidentified, her $680,000 error has become a legendary tale among coin collectors. For one lucky enthusiast, an ordinary laundry trip turned into a once-in-a-lifetime find.
FAQs
Q: What is a Doubled Die coin?
A: It’s a coin struck with a misaligned die, causing a noticeable doubling effect on the letters or design.
Q: How rare is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny?
A: Only about 20,000 were made, and even fewer are still in collectible condition.
Q: Can damaged or circulated error coins still be valuable?
A: Yes, although pristine condition increases value, circulated coins can still be worth a lot if they have rare errors.
Q: How can I tell if I have a valuable coin?
A: Look for unusual markings, doubling effects, or unique features on the coin’s design, and consider consulting a coin expert or appraiser.
