A rare 1982 Lincoln Memorial penny recently sold for an astonishing $5 million, turning heads in the coin collecting world. This extraordinary cent is one of the few known transitional error coins from the year the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc planchets—making it a once-in-a-lifetime find.
Why This 1982 Penny Is Worth a Fortune
What Makes It Special:
- Extreme doubled die obverse – noticeable doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY”
- Wrong planchet error – possibly struck on a silver dime blank
- Incredible rarity – only 1 or 2 confirmed examples
- PCGS graded MS-68 RD (Red) – among the highest quality known
Notable Sales:
- MS-68 RD – Sold privately in 2024 for $5,000,000
- MS-67 RD – $2,100,000 (2023)
- AU-58 – $750,000 (2022)
How to Identify a $5 Million 1982 Penny
1. Check the Weight:
- Copper = 3.11g
- Zinc = 2.5g
(Either can be valuable if paired with errors.)
2. Look for Doubling:
- Focus on “LIBERTY” and the date – any noticeable blurring or shadow-like duplication is a major red flag.
3. Inspect the Edge:
- Standard copper-plated zinc?
- Full copper?
- Unusual silver tone?
(Metallic planchet errors are extremely rare and valuable.)
Where to Hunt for Hidden Treasures
You might already own one! Check:
Old coin jars from the 1980s
Unsearched bank rolls
Inherited coin collections
Estate sales, especially near Philadelphia or Denver
Found Something Suspicious? Here’s What to Do:
Don’t clean it – even fingerprints can damage the coin’s value
Take clear, high-resolution photos (front and back)
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Consider auctioning through trusted dealers like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
“This 1982 error is the Holy Grail of transitional pennies—a true once-in-a-lifetime find.”
— Michael Carter, President, PCGS
