A single penny. One minting mistake. A life-changing $5 million payday. 
That’s exactly what happened when a rare 1982 Lincoln Memorial cent sold in a private sale for $5,000,000 — making it one of the most expensive pennies in U.S. history.
Could you have one hiding in your pocket change? Let’s find out.
Why This 1982 Penny Is Worth Millions
1982 was a historic year for U.S. coins. The Mint switched from solid copper (3.11g) to copper-plated zinc (2.5g) cents. This transition created a few rare error coins — but none as valuable as this one.
Key Features of the $5M Penny:
Extreme doubled die on the obverse (look for shadowed text on the date & “LIBERTY”)- Wrong planchet strike (rumored to be struck on a silver dime blank)
- Only 1–2 known examples
- PCGS certified MS-68 Red (RD) – a nearly flawless grade
Historic Auction Sales
This error penny has shattered records:
| Grade | Sale Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MS-68 RD | $5,000,000 |
2024 (Private Sale) |
| MS-67 RD | $2,100,000 |
2023 |
| AU-58 | $750,000 |
2022 |
One of the most expensive Lincoln cents ever sold.
How to Spot the $5 Million 1982 Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s your checklist:
Weigh It
- Copper cents = 3.11g
- Zinc cents = 2.5g
- If it feels “off” or silver-toned → test immediately.
Look for Doubling
- Use a 10x magnifier.
- Check “LIBERTY” and the 1982 date for bold shadowing.
Examine the Edge
- Silver-toned or unusual edges may signal a wrong planchet.
- Any irregularities are worth investigating.
Where These Pennies Could Be Hiding
Old coin jars from the early ’80s
Bank rolls left untouched for decades
Inherited family collections
Estate sales near Philadelphia or Denver Mint areas
What To Do If You Find One
Do NOT clean it (even fingerprints slash the value).
Take clear, high-res photos (front & back).
Submit to PCGS or NGC under “Mint Error.”- Consider auctioning through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
“This 1982 error is the ‘Holy Grail’ of Lincoln cents — a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.”
— Michael Carter, PCGS President
