Do you have a penny worth more than $5,000 sitting in your pocket right now?
It might sound crazy — but certain pennies that should not exist are selling for thousands of dollars at auction. The secret is knowing what year to check and how much the coin weighs.
Let’s break it down step by step so you don’t miss a valuable error 
Why Penny Weight Is So Important
The U.S. Mint changed penny composition in the early 1980s.
Penny Metal Change Explained
- Before 1983 → Pennies were mostly copper
- 1983 and newer → Pennies are zinc, coated with copper
Because of this change, weight tells the whole story.
Step 1: Know the Correct Penny Weights
Grab a digital scale — this is critical 
Normal Penny Weights
- Copper penny (pre-1983):
➜ 3.0–3.11 grams - Zinc penny (1983–present):
➜ 2.4–2.5 grams
Most people never weigh their coins — that’s why these errors are still being found.
Step 2: Look for the Impossible Error
Here’s where things get exciting 
If you find:
- A penny dated 1983 or later
- That weighs 3 grams or more
There’s a strong chance it was struck on a copper planchet — a minting error that should never have happened.
This type of error is called a wrong planchet error, and collectors pay big money for them 
Real Example: 1990-D Copper Penny – Sold for $5,000+
This isn’t a theory — it’s a proven auction result.
What Makes This Penny Valuable
- Date: 1990
- Mint mark: D (Denver)
- Weight: Over 3 grams
- Struck on a copper planchet instead of zinc
Auction Result
- Sold for over $5,000
That’s $4,999.99 more than face value 
Step 3: How to Check Your Pennies (Quick Guide)
- Separate pennies 1983 and newer
- Weigh each one carefully
- Set aside any penny 3 grams or heavier
- Check for mint marks and condition
- Do NOT clean the coin
- Send it for professional authentication (PCGS or NGC)
Cleaning instantly destroys collector value.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Your Change
Most people toss pennies into jars or spend them without looking.
Now you know:
- Weight matters
- Errors happen
- A single penny can be worth thousands
Check your coins. Save this guide. Share it with friends.
Your next handful of change could hold a $5,000 surprise 
