Think again! Some 1983 Lincoln pennies have sold for over $7,000 because of minting errors and special varieties. Let’s dive into what makes these coins so valuable — and how to spot one before it slips through your fingers. 
Why the 1983 Penny Is So Special
The year 1983 was a big deal in U.S. coin history. 
That’s when the U.S. Mint switched from making pennies mostly out of copper (3.1 grams) to copper-plated zinc (2.6 grams). This sudden change caused a variety of minting issues — and collectors today are paying top dollar for them.
Fun Fact: Even regular 1983 pennies in perfect “mint state” can sell for hundreds or thousands without any visible errors!
1983 Penny Values (Without Errors)
Even if your penny doesn’t have an error, its condition (grade) can make a huge difference in value. The sharper the details and the brighter the color, the higher the price!
| Coin Type | Grade | Auction Record | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
 1983 Lincoln Cent (MS68) |
PCGS | $1,840 |  |
| 1983 Lincoln Cent (MS68+) |
PCGS | Around $5,000 |  (Only 2 known!) |
| 1983-D Lincoln Cent (MS68) |
PCGS | $1,380 | |
Pro Tip: “MS” stands for Mint State — coins that look fresh from the mint, with no wear.
1983 Penny Errors and Varieties to Look For
1. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)
This is the most famous and valuable 1983 penny error!
You’ll notice doubling on the letters “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- MS68RD sold for $7,050
- MS64BN sold for $495
- Use a 10× magnifier or a USB microscope to confirm doubling.
2. Die Clash Errors
Sometimes, the coin dies strike each other without a blank coin in between. This leaves mysterious marks or outlines on the next coins.
- Raw examples start around $5+ on eBay
- Look for die cracks, rim cuds, or struck-through marks — they all add value!
3. Struck-Through Errors
Grease, debris, or cloth sometimes gets caught during minting, leaving odd missing areas.
- Typical value: $5 and up, depending on how visible the strike-through is.
4. Plating Bubbles & Blisters
Since 1983 pennies are zinc with a copper coat, tiny bubbles often form on the surface.
- Usually worth under $1, but still collectible
- Be careful — popped bubbles can lead to zinc rot (damage).
5. Wrong Planchet Errors
Here’s where the big money comes in!
A normal zinc penny weighs 2.6g, while an older copper one weighs 3.1g.
If your 1983 penny weighs differently, it might have been struck on the wrong planchet — a major rarity!
Tip: Use a digital coin scale (accurate to 0.01g) to check.
6. Die Cracks & Cuds
Collectors love unique cracks that look like designs.
- Nicknames include the “Hanging Rope Penny” and the “Impaled Lincoln”
- Values vary by eye appeal, but can sell for many times face value.
How to Find Rare 1983 Pennies
If you want to hunt for these treasures, try:
Searching your spare change
Buying bank-wrapped penny rolls
Checking 1983 U.S. Mint Sets (keep them sealed unless grading!)
Sending possible errors to professional graders: PCGS, NGC, or ANACS
