Record-Setting Sale: 1983 Penny Sells for $500,000 in New York Auction
A seemingly ordinary 1983 Lincoln Memorial penny just made history at a New York auction in June 2025, selling for an astonishing $500,000 – proving that modern coins can be worth fortunes too.
Why This Common Date Commands Half a Million
💰 ULTRA-RARE VARIETY: Only 2-3 confirmed specimens known
🔍 SHOCKING ERROR: Dramatic doubled die obverse
💎 PERFECT CONDITION: Graded MS-68 Red by PCGS
📜 MODERN RARITY: From first year of copper-plated zinc composition
How to Spot the $500K Penny
1️⃣ Check the Date: Must be 1983 (no mintmark)
2️⃣ Look for Doubling:
- Clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and date
- “ONE CENT” appears thicker than normal
3️⃣ Inspect Composition: - Weighs 2.5g (correct for zinc)
- Edge should be solid zinc (no copper plating visible)

Grading & Valuation Guide
Grade | Value Range |
---|---|
MS-68 RD | $400K-$600K |
MS-67 RD | $100K-$250K |
MS-66 RD | $25K-$75K |
AU-58 | $5K-$15K |
Where to Find This Hidden Treasure
- Old coin jars from the 1980s
- Inherited collections
- Bank rolls that sat untouched
- Estate sales near Philadelphia
What To Do If You Find One
🚨 Don’t Clean! Preserve original surfaces
📸 Document Thoroughly: Macro photos of both sides
💎 Submit to PCGS/NGC: Expect VIP handling
💰 Auction Strategy:
- 6-month marketing campaign
- Targeted collector outreach
⚠️ WARNING: Many altered coins exist – only trust PCGS certification
COULD YOUR 1983 PENNY BE WORTH $500K?
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