Why Is This 1984 Penny Worth Half a Million?
“WESTRON” Error – A wild minting blunder where “LIBERTY” was replaced with “WESTRON” on the obverse
Only 2 Known – One graded MS65+ Red by PCGS, and another found in circulation
Transitional Mint Year – 1984 saw experimental minting practices, increasing error likelihood
Certified Sale – The PCGS MS65+ Red specimen sold for $500,000
How to Identify the WESTRON Penny
Check these key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Obverse Legend | “WESTRON” instead of “LIBERTY” (struck, not etched) |
| Date | Must be 1984 |
| Weight | 2.5g (standard zinc penny) |
| Edge | Smooth, no reeding |
Fast 5-Second Test to Spot One
- Read the Text – “WESTRON” must be crisp and clear
- Check the Date – Only valid if marked 1984
- Inspect Lettering – Letters must appear struck, not lasered or glued
How Much Could Yours Be Worth?
| Condition | Value in 2020 | Estimated 2024 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| MS63 Red | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| MS65+ Red | $450,000 | $500,000+ |
Beware of Fakes!
Many fakes are already in circulation. Here’s how to spot them:
Laser-Etched Letters – Look artificial under magnification- Glued-On Text – Letters may peel off with an acetone test
- Wrong Metal – Must be zinc-coated, not copper or steel
What Caused This Error?
Experts believe it may have been:
- A pattern test strike meant for the West Point Mint
- A rogue mint employee’s experimental piece
- Either way, it’s considered one of the rarest modern errors ever produced
Fun Fact: One circulated example was discovered in Arkansas in 2016 — by a construction worker who thought it was a toy!
“I thought it was a fake until NGC certified it…”
— Owner of the AU-55 specimen
What to Do If You Find One?
DO NOT Clean the Coin! – Use gloves only
Take High-Quality Photos – Use a macro lens + LED lighting
Submit to PCGS or NGC – Use registered or armored shipping
Get Insurance – Even damaged examples are worth a fortune
FREE Emergency Authentication
Email Clear Photos (10MP+) to: WESTRON@CoinFBI.com
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-WESTRON
Tip: A Swiss collector is currently offering $100,000 just for verified photos of a third specimen!
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change — You Might Be Rich
The 1984 “WESTRON” penny may be the Holy Grail of modern U.S. coins. With only two known to exist, discovering a third could make you instantly famous — and very wealthy.
So before you toss out your pocket change, take a second look. That strange-looking penny might just be worth a small fortune.
Want a numismatic expert to take a look?
Reply “WESTRON500K” to get connected to elite coin collectors.
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