At first glance, a 1983 Lincoln cent looks like pocket change you wouldn’t give a second thought. But here’s the shocker: one of these pennies recently sold for $4,800 at a Heritage auction.
That means the penny sitting in your jar of coins could be hiding a secret worth thousands.
Let’s uncover the mystery 
Why This Penny Is So Special
The 1983 penny that sold big wasn’t rare because of its design—it was rare because of its metal composition.
In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from making pennies out of 95% copper to using a cheaper zinc core with a thin copper plating. This change saved money, but it also created an opportunity for error.
And sure enough, a few mistakes slipped through…
Some 1983 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets (the heavier copper-based blanks used before the switch). These are called transitional error coins—and they’re pure gold for collectors.
How to Tell if You Have a Rare 1983 Bronze Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s what to check:
Weigh It
- Bronze penny (rare): ~3.1 grams
- Zinc penny (common): ~2.5 grams
(A small digital scale is all you need—every tenth of a gram matters!)
Look for Color & Texture
- Bronze: Rich, darker tone, ages smoothly.
- Zinc: Lighter, often shows streaks, bubbles, or pitting over time.
Get It Authenticated
- Never clean the coin—it lowers value.
- Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading.
- A professional opinion is the only way to confirm a true transitional error.
Why Collectors Pay Thousands
Error coins like this aren’t supposed to exist—that’s what makes them so valuable. Only a handful of 1983 bronze cents are known, which makes each one a collector’s prize.
At auction, one sold for $4,800 in circulated condition—meaning it wasn’t even a perfect example. Higher grades could bring even more.
Final Takeaway: Don’t Ignore Your Pennies
Most 1983 pennies are worth a cent. But a rare few are worth thousands of dollars—and the only way to know is to check.
So before you toss that penny in a tip jar, grab a scale and take a closer look. That “ordinary” 1983 cent in your hand could turn into your next big payday.
