Most 1983 Lincoln Memorial pennies are only worth their face value. However, a small number with rare minting errors can sell for $10,000 to over $23,500 at auction. These valuable variations come from a pivotal year when the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc planchets—leading to a few incredible mistakes.
The 1983 Penny: Key Facts & Background
Composition Change:
- Before 1982: 95% copper — metal value ~2¢.
- 1983 and after: 97.5% zinc with a thin copper coating — worth just 1¢ unless an error is present.
Mint Marks and Mintage:
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) – 7.7 billion produced
- D (Denver) – 6.4 billion produced
- S (San Francisco) – 3.2 million (proof coins only)
Weight Differences:
- Copper Penny (pre-1982): 3.11 grams
- Zinc Penny (1983+): 2.5 grams
Fun Fact: A handful of 1983 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper blanks from before 1982. These weigh 3.11 grams and can be worth over $23,500!
Top 5 Most Valuable 1983 Penny Errors
- Copper Planchet Error ($10,000–$23,500+)
- Appears like a normal 1983 penny but weighs 3.11g (95% copper).
How to Identify: Use a digital scale. Anything over 3.0g could be a jackpot.
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) ($100–$2,000)
- Noticeable doubling in the words “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Use a 10x magnifier to spot this error.
- Off-Center Strike ($20–$200)
- The design is misaligned, leaving part of the coin blank.
- Value depends on how far the strike is off.
- Unplated Zinc Error ($100–$300)
- Missing its copper coating, giving it a silver-gray appearance.
- Rare because most were removed at the Mint.
- Proof Coins (“S” Mint Mark) ($10–$1,500)
- Minted in San Francisco, never intended for circulation.
- Mirror-like finish, highest grades (PR70) fetch premium prices.
How to Spot a Rare 1983 Penny
- Check the Weight:
- Use a digital scale.
- 3.11g = Copper error (rare!)
- 2.5g = Normal zinc penny
- Look for Visual Errors:
- Doubling in lettering (DDO)
- Off-center designs
- Unusual silver coloring (unplated zinc)
- Check the Mint Mark:
- No mark = Philadelphia (most common)
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco (proof only)
Pro Tip: Try a magnet test—1983 pennies (zinc or copper) are not magnetic.
How Much Is Your 1983 Penny Worth?
| Type | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|
| Normal 1983 (zinc) | $0.01 |
| Copper Planchet Error | $10,000 – $23,500+ |
| Doubled Die Obverse | $100 – $2,000 |
| Off-Center Strike | $20 – $200 |
| Proof Coin (“S” mint) | $10 – $1,500+ |
Real Sale Example: A 1983 copper penny graded MS-62 sold for $23,500 at Heritage Auctions.
Where to Sell Your 1983 Penny for Maximum Profit
Step 1: Get It Graded
- Submit to one of these reputable grading services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service – California)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company – Florida)
- Cost: Around $50–$150, depending on service and turnaround.
Step 2: Choose the Right Selling Platform
- Auction Houses (for high-value errors):
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- GreatCollections
- Online Sales:
- eBay (use precise keywords like “1983 copper penny error”)
- Private Sales & Forums:
- CoinTalk
- Reddit’s r/Coins
Don’t Spend It—Check Your Change Today!
<span style=”color: #ff0000;”><strong>Your pocket change could be hiding a fortune!</strong></span> Be sure to examine every 1983 penny closely—especially those that feel heavier or look different.
Visit PennyVerse.info for:
- A FREE downloadable 1983 Penny Checklist
Live Auction Price Data- Expert Guides on Spotting Valuable Errors
Think You Found a Rare 1983 Penny?
Share clear, well-lit photos with our community, and get help identifying your coin. You could be holding a five-figure treasure!
