Have you checked your pocket change lately? 👀
You might be sitting on one of the rarest U.S. coin errors ever made — the 1983 “WETRUS” Lincoln Cent! This mind-blowing minting mistake has stunned collectors, with top examples valued up to $1,000,000. 😲
Let’s explore why this little penny could turn into a life-changing discovery for you. 💎
🧨 Why the 1983 “WETRUS” Penny Is So Valuable
This isn’t just any minting error — it’s one of the most dramatic and mysterious in U.S. coin history. Here’s why collectors are going crazy for it:
✨ Motto Error – “WETRUS” Instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST”
A striking mistake in the national motto makes this coin instantly recognizable. Only three authentic coins are known to exist worldwide! 🌎
🏛 Denver Mint Origin (D)
All verified “WETRUS” pennies were struck at the Denver Mint, which makes identification easier for collectors.
💎 High-Grade Jackpot
One MS65+ Red example was sold privately for $150,000, and experts believe the next one discovered could bring up to $1 million at auction! 💰
📜 Historic Transition Year (1983)
The year 1983 marked a major shift in U.S. penny production — from 95% copper to zinc — increasing the chance of rare minting errors like this one.
🔍 How to Check If Your 1983 Penny Is the $1,000,000 “WETRUS” Error
Follow these quick steps to inspect your coin:
1️⃣ Look at the Motto
→ Does it read “WETRUS” instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST”?
2️⃣ Check the Mintmark
→ Must have a “D” (Denver) below the date.
3️⃣ Weigh the Coin ⚖️
- 3.11g = Copper (Extremely Rare 🔥)
- 2.5g = Zinc (Common)
4️⃣ Magnify the Details 🔎
Use a 10x jeweler’s loupe to confirm the distorted motto lettering.
💸 2025 Value Guide for the 1983 “WETRUS” Penny
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | 💵 $50,000 – $75,000 |
| MS63 Red | 💰 $100,000 |
| MS65+ Red (Certified) | 🏆 Up to $1,000,000 |
⚠️ Beware of Fakes and Altered Coins
Where there’s big money, there are counterfeits. Stay alert for:
❌ Laser-etched replicas
❌ Coins altered using acid or engraving tools
❌ Wrong weight (always weigh your coin first!)
🧤 Found One? Do This Immediately
If you believe you’ve found a 1983 “WETRUS” penny:
✔️ Handle it carefully — use cotton gloves
✔️ Take clear photos in natural light
✔️ Never clean the coin! Cleaning ruins value
✔️ Send to PCGS or NGC for grading
✔️ Consider insurance coverage if verified
🗣️ Collector’s True Story
“I used mine as a washer for nearly 10 years until a friend spotted the error. I almost threw away a $100,000 coin!” 😱
🪙 Why Collectors Love the “WETRUS” Penny
✅ Fewer than 5 known worldwide
✅ A full motto error, not just doubling
✅ Could still be hiding in bank rolls or coin jars
💡 Pro Tip: Always check pennies from 1982–1984 — these were transitional years, and many valuable error coins come from this period.
🚨 Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Your Spare Change!
That penny sitting in your drawer could be a hidden treasure worth thousands — or even a million dollars!
👉 Check every 1983 penny carefully
👉 Tell your friends and family — they might be sitting on gold too
👉 Auction houses and collectors are paying top dollar right now
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