Have you checked your pocket change lately? One of the rarest and most shocking U.S. penny errors ever discovered — the 1983 “WETRUS” Lincoln Cent — has been valued at up to $1,000,000! 😲 Yes, a single spelling mistake on America’s most famous coin motto could make you a millionaire overnight.
🧨 Why the 1983 “WETRUS” Penny Is So Valuable
This isn’t just any error coin. Here’s why collectors are going crazy for it:
✨ Motto Error (“WETRUS”) – Instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the motto is mis-struck as “WETRUS.” Only 3 examples are confirmed worldwide!
🏛 Denver Mint (D) – Every known coin carries the “D” mintmark, making it easy to trace.
💎 Top Grade Jackpot – One of the highest-graded examples (MS65+ Red) sold privately for $150,000, and experts believe the next discovery could fetch a 7-figure payout.
📜 Historic Transition Year – 1983 marked a critical time in U.S. coinage, when the Mint switched from copper to zinc pennies — making errors like this even more fascinating.
🔍 How to Check If Your 1983 Penny Is Worth $1,000,000
Step 1️⃣ Look at the Motto
👉 Does it read “WETRUS” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST”?
Step 2️⃣ Check the Mintmark
👉 Must have a “D” mintmark (Denver).
Step 3️⃣ Weigh the Coin ⚖️
- 3.11g = Copper (RARE!)
- 2.5g = Zinc (Common)
Step 4️⃣ Magnify the Details 🔎
👉 Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to confirm the malformed motto.
💸 Estimated 2025 Values
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $50,000 – $75,000 💵 |
| MS63 Red | $100,000 💰 |
| MS65+ Red (Certified) | $1,000,000 🏆 |
⚠️ Beware of Fakes
Unfortunately, where there’s big money, counterfeits follow. Watch out for:
❌ Laser-etched replicas
❌ Altered motto using tools or acid
❌ Wrong weight (always weigh your coin first!)
🧤 Found One? Here’s What to Do
✔️ Handle with gloves, never bare hands
✔️ Take sharp photos in natural light
✔️ Never clean your coin – cleaning ruins the value
✔️ Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
✔️ Insure it immediately
🗣️ Real Collector Story
“I used mine as a washer for nearly a decade before a buddy noticed the error. I almost threw away a $100,000 coin!”
🪙 Why Collectors Love This Coin
✅ Fewer than 5 known worldwide 🌎
✅ A full motto replacement error, not a minor doubling
✅ Could still be hiding in bank rolls, old jars, or piggy banks
💡 Pro Tip: Always check pennies from 1982–1984 — these were transitional years for U.S. pennies, and error coins from this period can be extremely valuable.
🚨 Final Word: Don’t Ignore Your Change!
👉 That penny in your drawer could be worth a fortune.
👉 Tell your friends — they might be sitting on a jackpot too.
👉 Need help selling? Professional auction houses and private collectors are offering top dollar right now.
🔑 The next million-dollar penny might be waiting in YOUR pocket change!
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