Did you know an ordinary-looking 1982 Lincoln penny just sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million? 🤯 Yes, a coin you might overlook in your pocket change turned one collector into a millionaire at a recent Stack’s Bowers auction in New York.
So what makes this penny so special? Let’s break it down.
💥 The Mint Error That Made History
This isn’t just any 1982 penny—it carries one of the most dramatic die breaks ever seen. Here’s what experts found:
✔️ Raised Die Crack cutting through the word LIBERTY
✔️ Struck on a 95% copper planchet (3.11 grams) – not the later zinc version
✔️ Graded PCGS MS-68 RED – nearly perfect condition
✔️ Only 2 confirmed coins with this exact error
📜 Certified by PCGS as: “Most Dramatic 1982 Die Break”
🧠 Why It’s Worth Millions
This record-breaking penny is valuable because it:
🔹 Came from the final year of copper penny production
🔹 Captures the moment a mint die failed
🔹 Shows a bold break from the rim across Lincoln’s cheek
🔹 Has top-grade PCGS certification, boosting demand worldwide
🔎 How to Check YOUR 1982 Pennies
Before you toss that change jar, here’s how to examine your coins:
1. Verify the Date
- Must be 1982 with no mint mark (Philadelphia issue)
- Look for the large date variety
2. Look for the Crack Pattern
- Begins near 9 o’clock on the rim
- Cuts through “LIBERTY” diagonally
- Ends at Lincoln’s cheekbone
3. Weigh It Correctly
- 3.11g = Copper (rare, potential jackpot 💰)
- 2.5g = Zinc (common, not valuable)
🧤 What to Do If You Think You Have One
⚠️ Handle with care! Even tiny scratches can ruin the value.
✅ Hold only by the edges with cotton gloves
✅ Take clear, high-resolution photos of both sides
✅ Use a precision digital scale for weight
✅ Place in a protective coin holder
✅ Submit to PCGS (Error Coin Division) for official grading
🏆 Recent Auction Prices (2025)
| Grade | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-68 RED | Stack’s Bowers | $2,100,000 |
| MS-67+ RED | Heritage Auctions | $1,800,000 |
⚠️ Important Warnings
❌ No 1982-D or 1982-S coins qualify
❌ Common doubled dies are NOT the same
❌ Fakes and altered coins exist—only PCGS/NGC grading can confirm authenticity
❌ Never clean your coin—it destroys the value instantly
💰 Free Expert Evaluation
Think you’ve found one? Here’s how to check without risk:
📧 Email 10K-resolution photos to: Errors@StackBowers.com
📞 Call 212-2M-COINS for expert help 24/7
💬 Seller Quote: “We found ours in a childhood piggy bank.” – Auction Winner, 2025
🔒 PCGS Certified Error Coin | Updated July 2025
👉 This isn’t your everyday 1982 penny—it must be the exact die break pattern on a copper planchet. If you’re lucky enough to have one, you could be holding a $2M+ treasure! 🏆
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