📢 Historic Sale: A 1983-S Lincoln Memorial Proof Cent with a jaw-dropping “WETRUS” motto error and a massive collar die chip has just sold for $1.5 million, setting a new benchmark for modern proof coins. With only 2–3 known examples, this coin is now the most valuable proof cent ever recorded.
🪙 Why This 1983-S Proof Penny Is So Valuable
- Motto Error: “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears as “IN GOD WETRUS”, missing the T
- Major Die Chip: Visible along the collar/rim, creating raised, distorted metal
- San Francisco Mint: Identified by the “S” mintmark
- Proof Condition: Graded PCGS PR-69 DCAM – near-perfect, deep cameo strike
- Extreme Rarity: Only 2–3 confirmed examples with both the motto error and collar chip
🔥 Recent Auction Results
| Grade | Sale Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $1,500,000 | 2024 |
| PR-68 DCAM | $750,000 | 2023 |
| PR-67 DCAM | $350,000 | 2022 |
⚙️ How the Error Occurred
This error is the result of two simultaneous minting issues:
- A die defect caused the “T” in TRUST to be skipped or partially filled, resulting in “WETRUS”
- A die chip formed on the coin’s collar, pushing metal outward and creating an irregular rim defect
These errors are incredibly rare on proof coins, which undergo multiple inspections during production—making this survival even more exceptional.
🧠 How to Spot This Rare 1983-S Error Coin
- Check the Date & Mintmark: Must be 1983-S
- Look at the Motto: “WE TRUST” should be misprinted as “WETRUS”
- Inspect the Rim: Look for a visible die chip along the collar — a raised, uneven section of the rim
- Confirm Proof Quality:
- Mirror-like fields and frosted design features
- Best seen under bright light or magnification
📈 Value by Grade
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $1.2M – $1.8M |
| PR-68 DCAM | $600K – $900K |
| PR-67 DCAM | $300K – $500K |
| PR-65 DCAM | $100K – $200K |
🔍 Where You Might Still Find One
- Original 1983-S Proof Sets (unopened or unsorted)
- Inherited coin collections from the 1980s
- Estate sales in or around San Francisco
- Overlooked in dealer “junk bins” or bulk proof lots
🚨 What to Do If You Find One
- Handle with extreme care – use cotton gloves to prevent damage
- Photograph in 4K macro detail – show the motto error and rim die chip clearly
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading
- Reach out to top auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for proper consignment
“This represents the pinnacle of modern proof errors — it’s truly a museum-worthy specimen.”
— Sarah Johnson, Senior Grader at NGC
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