A seemingly ordinary 1982 Lincoln penny just shocked the coin world when it sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million at the prestigious Stack’s Bowers auction in New York. What made this penny so valuable? A dramatic mint error that transformed it into one of the rarest U.S. coins ever certified.
💥 The Error That Made History
This record-breaking coin stands out for its unique features:
✔️ A bold raised die crack slicing directly through LIBERTY
✔️ Struck on a 95% copper planchet (weighs exactly 3.11 grams)
✔️ Graded PCGS MS-68 RED – near flawless condition
✔️ Only two known examples with this exact error
🔒 Certified by PCGS as the “Most Dramatic 1982 Die Break” ever discovered.
🧠 Why This Penny Is Worth Millions
- 1982 marked the final year of copper penny production – a transitional era.
- The die break perfectly captures the moment a mint die failed.
- The crack runs dramatically from the rim through LIBERTY to Lincoln’s cheek.
- Ultra-high PCGS certification (MS-68 RED) skyrocketed demand.
🔎 How to Check Your 1982 Pennies
Think you might have one? Here’s what to look for:
1️⃣ Verify the Date
- Must be 1982, no mint mark (Philadelphia).
- Look for the large date variety.
2️⃣ Die Crack Pattern
- Begins near 9 o’clock on the rim.
- Cuts diagonally through LIBERTY.
- Ends at Lincoln’s cheekbone.
3️⃣ Weigh It Carefully
- 3.11 grams = Copper (potential jackpot 💰).
- 2.5 grams = Zinc (standard penny).
🧤 What to Do If You Find One
🚨 Handle Carefully – Only touch edges, wear cotton gloves.
📸 Take Clear HD Photos – Both sides, full detail.
⚖️ Weigh Precisely – Must be 3.11 grams copper.
📦 Protect It – Store in a secure holder immediately.
✈️ Submit to PCGS – Request their Error Coin Division review.
🏆 Auction Results (2025)
| Grade | Auction House | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS-68 RED | Stack’s Bowers | $2,100,000 💎 |
| MS-67+ RED | Heritage Auctions | $1,800,000 |
⚠️ Warnings for Collectors
❌ 1982-D and 1982-S pennies do not qualify.
❌ Common doubled dies ≠ rare die break.
❌ Beware of fake cracks and altered coins.
❌ Never clean your coin – it destroys value instantly.
💰 Free $2M+ Coin Evaluation
If you suspect you’ve found one of these ultra-rare pennies:
📧 Email 10K-resolution photos to: Errors@StackBowers.com
📞 Call 212-2M-COINS for 24/7 expert help
💬 “We found ours in a childhood piggy bank.” – Seller, 2025
🔒 Certified by PCGS Error Coin Division | Updated July 2025
👉 This isn’t your average 1982 penny. Only copper planchet coins with this exact die crack pattern qualify for million-dollar status. Could yours be the next to make history?
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