Imagine finding a simple penny in your old coin jar that turns out to be worth $43,000. Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s happened — and it could happen again.
Some rare Wheat Pennies with an S Mint Mark and a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error have sold for tens of thousands of dollars. One remarkable example fetched $43,000 at auction, turning a tiny coin into a serious payday.
Let’s unpack what makes these coins so valuable and how you might be able to spot one of your own.
Meaning
A Repunched Mint Mark, or RPM, is a rare type of minting error. It occurs when the mint mark on a coin, such as the “S” for San Francisco, is accidentally punched into the coin more than once in slightly different positions.
This creates a noticeable doubling effect around the mint mark, often described as an S over S, or S/S.
These mistakes were far more common decades ago, before the process was automated. Back then, mint marks were hand-punched into each coin die, so human error occasionally led to these fascinating misprints. Today, RPM coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Value
The most valuable example of this error is a Wheat Penny from the 1950s featuring a strong S/S RPM, which sold at auction for an eye-watering $43,000.
What made this particular penny so valuable was not only the rarity of the error itself but also the coin’s excellent condition and the visibility of the repunched mint mark.
Of course, not every RPM penny will fetch tens of thousands. The value depends on several factors, including the year, mint mark visibility, coin condition, and rarity. Even lower-grade coins with this error can still be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars to the right collector.
Here’s a simple breakdown of possible values:
| Year | Type | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Strong S/S RPM Penny | Up to $43,000 |
| 1940s | S/S RPM Wheat Penny | $200 – $1,500 |
| Lower grade | Faint RPM visible | $50 – $500 |
Spotting
So how do you find one of these valuable pennies? Start by sorting through any Lincoln Wheat Pennies dated from the 1940s and 1950s, especially those with an “S” mint mark under the date. Examine that mint mark carefully using a magnifying glass or a coin microscope.
What you’re looking for is a second, lighter impression or outline of the “S” overlapping or beside the main one. If you see something odd about the mint mark’s shape or thickness, it could be an RPM.
If you think you’ve found a possible match, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional. Coin grading companies like PCGS or NGC can verify the error and determine the coin’s value based on its condition and rarity.
Demand
RPM coins are valuable for a simple reason — they were never supposed to exist. These minting errors slipped past inspectors and made their way into circulation.
Because so few were made, and even fewer have survived in good shape, collectors love adding them to their collections. The older the coin and the clearer the error, the higher the demand and value.
Treasure
A tiny error in a tiny coin can turn pocket change into a treasure. The S/S RPM Wheat Penny proves that sometimes the small details are worth a fortune.
If you’ve got a stash of old coins at home, it’s worth taking a close look. You never know when a $43,000 surprise might be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What is an RPM error on a penny?
It’s a repunched mint mark stamped more than once by mistake.
Which penny sold for $43,000?
A 1950s Wheat Penny with a strong S/S RPM mint mark error.
How do I spot an S/S RPM?
Look for a doubled or shadowed ‘S’ using a magnifying glass.
Are all RPM pennies valuable?
No, but rare, clear, and well-kept ones can fetch high prices.
Where is the mint mark on a Wheat Penny?
It’s located just below the year on the front of the coin.
