Have you checked your pocket change lately? One of the rarest and most shocking U.S. penny errors ever discovered — the 1983 “WETRUS” Lincoln Cent — has been valued at up to $1,000,000! 
Yes, a single spelling mistake on America’s most famous coin motto could make you a millionaire overnight.
Why the 1983 “WETRUS” Penny Is So Valuable
This isn’t just any error coin. Here’s why collectors are going crazy for it:
Motto Error (“WETRUS”) – Instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the motto is mis-struck as “WETRUS.” Only 3 examples are confirmed worldwide!
Denver Mint (D) – Every known coin carries the “D” mintmark, making it easy to trace.
Top Grade Jackpot – One of the highest-graded examples (MS65+ Red) sold privately for $150,000, and experts believe the next discovery could fetch a 7-figure payout.
Historic Transition Year – 1983 marked a critical time in U.S. coinage, when the Mint switched from copper to zinc pennies — making errors like this even more fascinating.
How to Check If Your 1983 Penny Is Worth $1,000,000
Step 
Look at the Motto
Does it read “WETRUS” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST”?
Step 
Check the Mintmark
Must have a “D” mintmark (Denver).
Step 
Weigh the Coin 
- 3.11g = Copper (RARE!)
- 2.5g = Zinc (Common)
Step 
Magnify the Details 
Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to confirm the malformed motto.
Estimated 2025 Values
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $75,000  |
| MS63 Red | $100,000  |
| MS65+ Red (Certified) | $1,000,000  |
Beware of Fakes
Unfortunately, where there’s big money, counterfeits follow. Watch out for:
Laser-etched replicas
Altered motto using tools or acid
Wrong weight (always weigh your coin first!)
Found One? Here’s What to Do
Handle with gloves, never bare hands
Take sharp photos in natural light
Never clean your coin – cleaning ruins the value
Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
Insure it immediately
Real Collector Story
“I used mine as a washer for nearly a decade before a buddy noticed the error. I almost threw away a $100,000 coin!”
Why Collectors Love This Coin
Fewer than 5 known worldwide 
A full motto replacement error, not a minor doubling
Could still be hiding in bank rolls, old jars, or piggy banks
Pro Tip: Always check pennies from 1982–1984 — these were transitional years for U.S. pennies, and error coins from this period can be extremely valuable.
Final Word: Don’t Ignore Your Change!
That penny in your drawer could be worth a fortune.
Tell your friends — they might be sitting on a jackpot too.
Need help selling? Professional auction houses and private collectors are offering top dollar right now.
The next million-dollar penny might be waiting in YOUR pocket change!
