The $1.5 Million 1982 “LIPERTY” Lincoln Cent: The Ultimate Modern Coin Rarity

💰 Imagine pulling a penny from your pocket and realizing it’s worth $1.5 million. That’s the reality for the lucky owner of the 1982 “LIPERTY” Lincoln Cent—a spectacular mint error that’s now the most valuable modern penny in existence.


Why This 1982 Penny Is Worth $1.5 Million

  • “LIPERTY” Die Error – The word LIBERTY on the obverse is misprinted as LIPERTY, missing the “B”.
  • Transition Year Significance – 1982 marked the U.S. Mint’s shift from copper to zinc composition.
  • Only 2 Known Examples – Ultra-rarity drives astronomical values.
  • Top-Grade Example – A PCGS MS67+ RD specimen sold for $1,500,000 in 2023.

Key Identification Features

  • Obverse: “LIPERTY” instead of LIBERTY
  • Date: Must read 1982
  • Weight:
    • Copper: 3.11 g (premium)
    • Zinc: 2.50 g
  • Mint Mark: “D” (Denver) examples command the highest value

How to Authenticate This Million-Dollar Error

1. The 10-Second Test

Read the Legend – Must clearly show LIPERTY
Check the Date – Only 1982 cents qualify
Weigh Precisely – Copper planchets add significant value


2. Current Market Value

GradeCopper VersionZinc Version
Circulated$250,000$100,000
MS65 RD$750,000$300,000
MS67+ RD$1,250,000$500,000

3. Warning Signs of Counterfeits

❌ Laser-engraved letters (unnatural surface texture)
❌ Epoxy-applied lettering (peels under acetone test)
❌ Incorrect weight or metal composition


The Denver Mint Mystery

  • Possible Cause: Die damage during the composition transition
  • Known Examples:
    • MS67+ RD – Sold for $1.5M in 2023 (private collection)
    • AU-55 – Found in 2004 Colorado bank roll
  • PCGS Theory: Could be a test die from experimental engraving technology

💬 “I used mine as a washer for 15 years before realizing its value!” — Original finder of the AU-55 specimen


What To Do If You Find One

  1. Handle only with cotton gloves
  2. Photograph under magnification to capture detail
  3. Submit to PCGS or NGC for official certification
  4. Arrange armored transport for submission

Free Professional Verification

📸 Email high-resolution photos to: LIPERTY@RarePennyVerify.com
📞 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-LIPERTY


💰 Market Alert: Some registry collectors are paying $100,000+ just for clear photographs of potential matches.

P.S. This could be the most valuable coin in your change jar—check every 1982 penny carefully!


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