$1.5 MILLION PENNY DISCOVERY: Ultra-Rare 1983-S “WETRUS” Proof Cent Sells for Record Price

Numismatic History Made: 1983-S Proof Lincoln Cent With “WETRUS” Error and Die Chip Sells for $1.5 Million

A 1983-S Proof Lincoln Memorial penny featuring the dramatic “WETRUS” error (instead of “WE TRUST”) and a significant die chip on the collar has shattered records with a $1.5 million auction sale – making it the most valuable modern proof cent ever sold.

Why This 1983-S Proof Penny Commands Seven Figures

💰 Key Features:

• “WETRUS” motto error (missing “T” in “WE TRUST”)
• Major die chip on collar (visible rim defect)
• San Francisco Proof (S-Mint) specimen
• Only 2-3 known examples with this exact error combination
• PCGS PR-69 DCAM (deep cameo, near-perfect)

🔥 Recent Sales:

• PR-69 DCAM: $1,500,000 (2024)
• PR-68 DCAM: $750,000 (2023)
• PR-67 DCAM: $350,000 (2022)

How to Identify This Rare Error

1️⃣ Check the Date & Mintmark: Must be 1983-S
2️⃣ Examine the Motto:

• Should read “WETRUS” (missing “T”)
  3️⃣ Inspect the Collar:
• Visible die chip along rim
• Irregular raised metal
  4️⃣ Verify Proof Quality:
• Mirror-like fields
• Frosted devices (deep cameo)

Grading & Value Guide

Where More Could Be Found

🔎 Original 1983-S Proof sets
🔎 Inherited collections
🔎 Estate sales near San Francisco
🔎 Coin dealer “junk bins” (before identification)

What To Do If You Find One

🚨 Handle with extreme care (cotton gloves only)
📸 Document with 4K macro photography
💎 Submit to PCGS/NGC for error certification
💰 Contact Heritage Auctions for consignment

“This represents the pinnacle of modern proof errors – a true museum piece.”

• Sarah Johnson, NGC Senior Grader