Why This 1983 Penny is Worth Nearly $30K
In 1983, all U.S. pennies were supposed to be copper-plated zinc weighing 2.5g. But a tiny number were accidentally struck on leftover 95% copper planchets from 1982.
Key Facts:
- Metal: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- Weight: 3.11g (normal 1983 zinc = 2.5g)
- Mintage error: Only 10–15 confirmed examples
[Insert image: side-by-side zinc vs. copper 1983 cents]
Record Auction Sale
- Final Price: $29,250 (with buyer’s fee)
- Grade: PCGS MS64 Red
- Auction House: GreatCollections, July 2024
How to Check if Your 1983 Penny is Copper
- Weigh the Coin
- 3.11g → Copper jackpot
- 2.5g → Common zinc cent
- Look at the Color
- Copper planchets = rich red tone
- Zinc = paler orange tint
- Sound Test(optional)
- Copper rings when dropped
- Zinc makes a dull “clink”
- Magnet Test
- Should not stick to a magnet
2024 Value Guide
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $10,000+ |
| MS63 Red | $18,000 |
| MS65 Red | $30,000+ |
Note: Only PCGS/NGC-certified coins reach these prices.
Where to Search for One
- Bank penny rolls from the early ’80s
- Old family coin jars
- Garage & estate sales (unsearched collections)
- Coinstar reject trays (real-life finds have happened)
What to Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves
- Take clear photos of both sides & edge
- Weigh and document before shipping
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Sell via Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections for max profit
Never clean the coin—this can reduce value by 90%+
Final Collector’s Tip
If you find a 1983 penny weighing 3.11g, you might be holding one of fewer than 15 known examples—and a potential $30K payday.
