A Record-Breaking Coin That Shocked the Numismatic World
In a sale that stunned collectors worldwide, an ultra-rare 1983-S Lincoln Memorial Proof cent featuring the famous “WETRUS” motto error sold for an astonishing $1.5 million 
With only 2–3 verified examples known, this coin has officially become the most valuable proof penny in U.S. history.
What Is the 1983-S “WETRUS” Proof Penny?
This legendary cent combines multiple major mint errors on a proof coin, something almost unheard of due to strict quality controls.
Key identifiers include:
San Francisco Mint “S” mintmark- Proof strike with deep cameo contrast
- Missing letter error in the motto
- Massive collar die defect along the rim
Together, these errors created a perfect storm of rarity and value.
Why This Proof Penny Is Worth Millions
A Unique Combination of Errors
Motto Error: “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears as “IN GOD WETRUS”, missing the “T”
Major Collar Die Chip: Large raised distortion along the rim- Proof Perfection: Mirror-like fields with frosted devices
San Francisco Origin: Identified by the “S” mintmark
Extreme Rarity: Only 2–3 confirmed specimens worldwide
Because proof coins are struck multiple times and hand-inspected, this error escaping detection is considered nearly miraculous.
Record-Breaking Auction Results
| Grade | Sale Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM |
$1,500,000 | 2024 |
 PR-68 DCAM |
$750,000 | 2023 |
 PR-67 DCAM |
$350,000 | 2022 |
Each sale shattered previous records, pushing modern proof error coins into a new price tier.
How Did This Rare Mint Error Happen?
Experts believe the coin resulted from two mechanical failures occurring simultaneously:
Obverse die defect caused the “T” in TRUST to fill or fail, creating “WETRUS”
Collar die chip forced metal outward, forming a raised and uneven rim
Either error alone would be significant. Together, they created a once-in-a-generation proof rarity.
Step-by-Step: How to Identify a Genuine 1983-S “WETRUS” Proof
Use this checklist before getting too excited:
Date & Mintmark: Must read 1983-S
Motto Error: “WE TRUST” must appear as WETRUS
Rim Defect: Raised, uneven collar edge (visible even without magnification)
Proof Finish: Deep mirror fields and frosted design
Tip: Examine under bright light or 10× magnification for best clarity.
1983-S “WETRUS” Penny Value Guide
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $1.2M – $1.8M |
| PR-68 DCAM | $600K – $900K |
| PR-67 DCAM | $300K – $500K |
| PR-65 DCAM | $100K – $200K |
Even lower-grade examples can command six-figure prices when authenticated.
Where You Might Still Find One
Collectors believe a few examples slipped out unnoticed. Possible sources include:
- Unopened 1983-S U.S. Proof Sets
Inherited family collections from the 1980s
Estate sales near the San Francisco Bay Area
Dealer junk bins or mixed proof lots
Some were reportedly sold in bulk proof sets before the error was widely known.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
If you discover a suspicious 1983-S proof cent:
Handle only with cotton gloves 
Take sharp macro photos of the motto and rim 
Submit immediately to PCGS or NGC
Contact elite auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
“This represents the pinnacle of modern proof errors — truly museum-worthy.”
— Sarah Johnson, Senior Grader at NGC
Final Thoughts: Check Your Proof Sets Carefully
Million-dollar coins aren’t always found in vaults.
If you own unopened or lightly examined 1983-S Proof Sets, now is the time to recheck them.
Your next $1.5 million discovery might already be sitting in your collection
