Did you know an ordinary-looking 1982 Lincoln penny just sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million? 
Yes, a coin you might overlook in your pocket change turned one collector into a millionaire at a recent Stack’s Bowers auction in New York.
So what makes this penny so special? Let’s break it down.
The Mint Error That Made History
This isn’t just any 1982 penny—it carries one of the most dramatic die breaks ever seen. Here’s what experts found:
Raised Die Crack cutting through the word LIBERTY
Struck on a 95% copper planchet (3.11 grams) – not the later zinc version
Graded PCGS MS-68 RED – nearly perfect condition
Only 2 confirmed coins with this exact error
Certified by PCGS as: “Most Dramatic 1982 Die Break”
Why It’s Worth Millions
This record-breaking penny is valuable because it:
Came from the final year of copper penny production
Captures the moment a mint die failed
Shows a bold break from the rim across Lincoln’s cheek
Has top-grade PCGS certification, boosting demand worldwide
How to Check YOUR 1982 Pennies
Before you toss that change jar, here’s how to examine your coins:
1. Verify the Date
- Must be 1982 with no mint mark (Philadelphia issue)
- Look for the large date variety
2. Look for the Crack Pattern
- Begins near 9 o’clock on the rim
- Cuts through “LIBERTY” diagonally
- Ends at Lincoln’s cheekbone
3. Weigh It Correctly
- 3.11g = Copper (rare, potential jackpot
) - 2.5g = Zinc (common, not valuable)
What to Do If You Think You Have One
Handle with care! Even tiny scratches can ruin the value.
Hold only by the edges with cotton gloves
Take clear, high-resolution photos of both sides
Use a precision digital scale for weight
Place in a protective coin holder
Submit to PCGS (Error Coin Division) for official grading
Recent Auction Prices (2025)
| Grade | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-68 RED | Stack’s Bowers | $2,100,000 |
| MS-67+ RED | Heritage Auctions | $1,800,000 |
Important Warnings
No 1982-D or 1982-S coins qualify
Common doubled dies are NOT the same
Fakes and altered coins exist—only PCGS/NGC grading can confirm authenticity
Never clean your coin—it destroys the value instantly
Free Expert Evaluation
Think you’ve found one? Here’s how to check without risk:
Email 10K-resolution photos to: Errors@StackBowers.com
Call 212-2M-COINS for expert help 24/7
Seller Quote: “We found ours in a childhood piggy bank.” – Auction Winner, 2025
PCGS Certified Error Coin | Updated July 2025
This isn’t your everyday 1982 penny—it must be the exact die break pattern on a copper planchet. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you could be holding a $2M+ treasure!
