Historic $1.5 Million Sale Shocks the Coin World
A 1983-S Lincoln Memorial Proof Cent featuring the jaw-dropping “WETRUS” motto error has just sold for $1.5 million, setting a new record for modern proof coins!
Only 2–3 examples of this incredible minting error are known to exist — making it one of the most elusive and valuable proof cents ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
Why the 1983-S “WETRUS” Proof Penny Is So Valuable
Here’s what makes this rare proof cent so extraordinary:
Motto Error: “IN GOD WE TRUST” reads “IN GOD WETRUS” — the T is missing or filled in
Major Collar Die Chip: A large rim defect caused by excess metal flow
San Francisco Mint: Marked with an “S” mintmark
Proof Perfection: Graded PCGS PR-69 DCAM (Deep Cameo) — near flawless!
Extreme Rarity: Only 2–3 known coins with both the motto error and collar chip
Record Auction Sales
| Grade | Sale Price | Year | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM |  $1,500,000 |
2024 | Heritage Auctions |
| PR-68 DCAM | $750,000 |
2023 | Stack’s Bowers |
| PR-67 DCAM | $350,000 |
2022 | Private Sale |
Even slightly lower grades have crossed six figures — proof of how coveted this coin has become among collectors!
How This Incredible Error Happened
This proof penny combines two minting mishaps — an extremely rare event for coins that are normally inspected multiple times:
A die defect caused the “T” in TRUST to be incomplete or filled in, resulting in the word “WETRUS.”
A collar die chip formed along the rim, pushing metal outward and creating a raised, uneven edge.
Together, these defects make the 1983-S “WETRUS” penny a one-in-a-billion minting anomaly.
How to Identify the 1983-S “WETRUS” Proof Error
1. Check the Date & Mintmark:
Must be 1983-S — the “S” denotes the San Francisco Mint.
2. Look at the Motto:
If it reads “IN GOD WETRUS” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST,” you’ve struck gold! 
3. Inspect the Rim:
Look for a raised, distorted section caused by a collar die chip.
4. Confirm Proof Quality:
- Deep mirror-like surfaces
- Frosted design details
- Best viewed under bright LED light or magnification
2025 Value Guide
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $1.2M – $1.8M |
| PR-68 DCAM | $600K – $900K |
| PR-67 DCAM |  $300K – $500K |
| PR-65 DCAM | $100K – $200K |
Even proof coins with faint motto errors can be worth tens of thousands if properly authenticated!
Where to Look for One
Still possible (though rare!) — check these places:
Unopened 1983-S Proof Sets from the U.S. Mint
Inherited coin collections from the 1980s
Estate sales around San Francisco- Dealer “junk bins” or bulk proof coin lots (sometimes overlooked!)
What To Do If You Find One
Handle with extreme care — use soft cotton gloves and avoid touching surfaces.
Photograph in high resolution (4K) — capture both the motto error and rim chip clearly.
Submit to PCGS or NGC for official authentication and grading.
Contact major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for professional appraisal and consignment.
