Hidden Treasure in Your Spare Change
That ordinary-looking 1983 penny in your coin jar might actually be worth a small fortune!
While most 1983 Lincoln cents are worth just one cent, a rare copper version has shocked collectors by selling for over $15,000 at auction.
Here’s how to tell if you’ve got one of these ultra-valuable transition errors hiding in plain sight. 
The $15,000 Penny: Why It’s So Valuable
In 1983, the U.S. Mint had already switched from copper to zinc-based pennies, but a few leftover copper planchets (blanks) were accidentally used — creating this incredibly rare variety.
Key Features:
Accidental copper composition (should have been zinc)
Weighs 3.11g instead of the normal 2.5g
Only 5–10 genuine examples confirmed
MS-65 Red examples can sell for $15,000+
Considered a transition-year rarity — last of the true copper cents
How to Identify the Rare 1983 Copper Penny
The Weight Test (Most Important)
- Copper penny: 3.11 grams
- Zinc penny: 2.5 grams
Use a precision jewelry scale with 0.01g accuracy.
If your 1983 penny weighs around 3.1g, you could have a winner.
The Sound Test
Drop it gently on a hard surface (like wood).
- Copper: Rings with a bright, high-pitched “ping”
- Zinc: Makes a dull “thud”
Examine the Edge
Take a close look under light:
- Copper: Solid bronze color throughout
- Zinc: Thin grayish line showing the zinc core
Record-Breaking Auction Prices
| Year | Coin Type | Grade | Price Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1983-D Copper | MS-65 Red | $15,000 |
| 2022 | 1983 Copper | MS-64 Red | $10,200 |
| 2021 | 1983 Copper | AU-58 | $7,500 |
Even lower-grade examples have sold for thousands when authenticated.
Where These Rare Pennies Are Found
If you’re hoping to find one, here’s where to look:
Original bank rolls (unsearched)
Old coin jars or estate collections
Coin dealer “junk bins” — yes, real finds happen there!
Collectors have even found valuable 1983 copper pennies in reject trays and parking meters.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Handle it carefully — only by the edges, with cotton gloves.
Weigh it precisely using a digital scale.
Photograph it beside a normal 1983 penny for comparison.
Submit it to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.
Beware of Fakes!
There are plenty of counterfeits and altered coins floating around. Look out for:
Copper-plated zinc coins (will weigh 2.5g)
Altered dates from older copper pennies
Weighted or drilled fakes — check for tool marks under magnification
A genuine copper 1983 cent will always weigh ~3.11g and have uniform bronze color.
Free $15,000 Penny Evaluation
Think you’ve found a 1983 copper penny? Let the experts confirm it for free!
Email: CopperPenny@RareCoins.com
Call: 1-800-1983-PENNY for immediate expert verification
“I found my $12,000 penny in a car wash coin reject tray!” – Mark T., Ohio
Final Thoughts: Could Your Coin Jar Hold a Fortune?
The 1983 copper penny is one of the most famous modern mint mistakes, with only a few known to exist.
If your penny passes the weight test, it could turn your pocket change into a $15,000 payday!
So before you spend that spare change, weigh your 1983 cents — one might just make history.
