What turned a pocket-change penny into a fortune? A massive die break error combined with near-perfect condition.
The Error That Shook the Coin World
The record-setter stands out with:
- Bold die crack slicing through LIBERTY
- 95% copper planchet (weighs 3.11 g) instead of zinc
- PCGS MS-68 RED grade — virtually flawless
- Only two confirmed examples exist
- Certified by PCGS as “Most Dramatic 1982 Die Break”
Why It’s Worth Millions
- 1982 = Last year of copper pennies (transitional key year)
- Captures the exact moment a die catastrophically failed
- Stunning break from rim to Lincoln’s cheek
- Top population grade supercharged collector demand
How to Check Your 1982 Pennies
- Verify the Date → Must be 1982, no mint mark (Philadelphia), large date variety
- Check the Crack → From rim at 9 o’clock, cuts through LIBERTY, ends at Lincoln’s cheek
- Weigh It → 3.11g = copper jackpot, 2.5g = zinc (common)
What to Do If You Find One
- Handle only by the edges (cotton gloves ideal)
- Take ultra-HD photos front and back
- Weigh precisely with a 0.01g scale
- Place in protective flip/holder
- Submit to PCGS Error Coin Division for confirmation
Recent Auction Records (2025)
| Grade | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-68 RD | Stack’s Bowers | $2,100,000 |
| MS-67+ RD | Heritage | $1,800,000 |
Important Warnings
- 1982-D or 1982-S coins do not qualify
- Common doubled dies ≠ this error
- Fake cracks/alterations are rampant — only trust PCGS/NGC grading
- Never clean a coin (value drops instantly)
Free $2M+ Evaluation
Think you’ve struck gold?
Send HD photos → Errors@StackBowers.com
212-2M-COINS → 24/7 expert hotline
“We found ours in a childhood piggy bank.” – Seller, 2025
PCGS Certified | Updated July 2025 | Transitional Error Division
