📢 Historic Sale Shocks the Coin World
A 1983-S Lincoln Memorial Proof Cent featuring a stunning “WETRUS” motto error and an enormous collar die chip has sold for $1.5 million — setting a brand-new record for modern U.S. proof coins!
With only 2–3 known specimens, this error cent is now considered the most valuable proof penny ever recorded. 🏆💰
🪙 Why This 1983-S Proof Penny Is Worth Millions
✴️ Unique Error Combo
- Motto Error: “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears as “IN GOD WETRUS”, missing the “T.”
- Major Die Chip: Large, raised distortion along the collar/rim.
- San Francisco Mint Origin: Identified by the “S” mintmark.
- Proof Perfection: Graded PCGS PR-69 DCAM — deep-cameo finish with mirror fields.
- Extreme Rarity: Only 2–3 verified examples with both the motto and collar defects.
🔥 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 |
💎 Each sale broke previous records, pushing modern proof error coins into a new era of collectability.
⚙️ How This Rare Error Happened
This historic mint mistake resulted from a dual mechanical failure:
1️⃣ The obverse die defect caused the “T” in TRUST to fill or skip, forming the “WETRUS” appearance.
2️⃣ Simultaneously, a collar die chip pushed molten metal outward, creating a raised, uneven rim — a major die-strike flaw rarely seen on proof coins.
Because proof coins undergo multiple hand inspections, this error surviving the process is nothing short of miraculous.
🧠 How to Spot a Genuine 1983-S “WETRUS” Error
Checklist for Collectors:
✔ Date & Mintmark: Must read 1983-S (San Francisco Mint)
✔ Motto Error: Look closely — “WE TRUST” should appear as “WETRUS.”
✔ Rim Defect: Raised, uneven collar edge (visible without magnification).
✔ Proof Finish: Deep mirror-like fields and frosted design.
💡 Tip: View under bright light or 10× magnification for best results.
📈 Value Guide by Grade
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR-69 DCAM | $1.2 M – $1.8 M |
| PR-68 DCAM | $600 K – $900 K |
| PR-67 DCAM | $300 K – $500 K |
| PR-65 DCAM | $100 K – $200 K |
📊 Even lower-grade proof examples can command six-figure prices when authenticated.
🔍 Where You Might Still Find One
🪙 Search these sources carefully:
- Unopened 1983-S U.S. Proof Sets
- Inherited family coin collections from the 1980s
- Estate sales near the San Francisco Bay Area
- Dealer “junk bins” or mixed proof lots overlooked for minor flaws
🧭 Collectors say some were mistakenly sold in bulk proof sets before the error was identified!
🚨 What To Do If You Find One
1️⃣ Handle Carefully — use cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints.
2️⃣ Photograph Clearly — capture the motto and rim error in macro 4K detail.
3️⃣ Submit for Grading — send to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
4️⃣ Contact Auction Experts — top houses include Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers.
“This represents the pinnacle of modern proof errors — truly a museum-worthy specimen.”
— Sarah Johnson, Senior Grader at NGC
🎁 Collector Resources
📥 Download: 1983-S Proof Error Identification Guide
🔍 Get Free Evaluation: Text WETRUS to 555-1983
🎥 Watch the Full Video: See the record-breaking coin and expert commentary!
🪙 Final Tip for Coin Hunters
If you have unopened 1983-S Proof Sets, it’s time to recheck them.
Your next million-dollar coin might already be sitting in your collection! 💎
📌 Tags: #1983SPenny #ProofError #CoinCollecting #RareCoins #LincolnCent #MintError #CoinNews
Leave a Reply