BREAKING: A 1983 Lincoln Cent Just Sold for $29,250 – Here’s Why
Most 1983 pennies are worth 1¢, but one lucky collector just hit the jackpot with a rare copper version that sold for $29,250 at auction. This unexpected windfall proves that hidden treasures still lurk in pocket change!
What Makes This 1983 Penny So Valuable?
1. The Ultra-Rare Copper Planchet Error
Should Be Zinc: All 1983 cents were supposed to be copper-plated zinc (2.5g).
Mint Mistake: This one was struck on a leftover 95% copper planchet (3.11g).
Only 10-15 confirmed to exist.
2. Key Identification Features
Weight: 3.10g (vs. 2.5g for normal 1983 pennies)
Color: Deeper copper-red (not zinc’s orange tint)
Sound: Rings when dropped (zinc pennies “clink”)
3. Record-Breaking Sale
- Final Price: $29,250 (with buyer’s fee)
- Grade: PCGS MS64 Red
- Auction House: GreatCollections (July 2024)
How to Spot a $30K 1983 Penny
Step 1: Weigh It!
- 3.11g = Copper (Jackpot!)
- 2.5g = Normal (Worth 1¢)
Step 2: Check the Color
- Rich copper-red (not pale zinc)
Step 3: Magnet Test
- Won’t stick (zinc pennies are slightly magnetic)
Value Breakdown (2024)
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $10,000+ |
| MS63 Red | $18,000 |
| MS65 Red | $30,000+ |
Note: Only PCGS/NGC-certified examples fetch these prices.
Where Could Another Be Hiding?
- Old penny rolls (ask banks for early 1980s boxes)
- Coin jars (grandparents’ collections)
- Garage sales (unsearched lots)
“I found mine in a Coinstar reject tray!”
— @PennyHunter (Reddit)
What to Do If You Find One
- Handle carefully (cotton gloves only)
- Photograph (obverse, reverse, edge)
- Submit to PCGS/NGC immediately
- Auction through Heritage or GreatCollections
Never clean it – You could erase $20K+ in value!
FREE Collector Toolkit
Download: [“1983 Copper Penny Checklist”]
Get: Recommended Digital Scale ($15)
Free Appraisal: Text 1983PENNY to 555-1983
#MillionDollarPenny #CoinHunt #HiddenTreasure
Drop a 
if you’ll check your 1983 pennies!
