1983 Penny Errors, Varieties, and Values
1983 penny errors and varieties exist and are worth more than their face value.
For instance, 1983 penny errors are $5 and up in raw condition on eBay.
1983 Lincoln Cent Value Chart Updated 2026 Values
| Mint Mark / Variety | Circulated (AU) | Mint State (MS65) | Auction Record (MS67+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983-P (Zinc) | Face Value | $1 - $3 | $550 |
| 1983-P Doubled Die Reverse | $150 - $250 | $450 - $600 | $7,000+ |
| 1983-D (Denver) | Face Value | $2 - $5 | $400 |
| 1983-S Proof | N/A | $5 - $10 (PR69) | $125 (PR70 DCAM) |
| 1983 Copper Cent Error (3.11g) | $5,000+ | $15,000+ | $23,500+ |
*Values are 2026 estimates based on recent PCGS/NGC auction data. High-grade records often require "Red" (RD) designation.
Additionally , a 1983 one cent coin in raw condition refers to an ungraded or unencapsulated coin.
Moreover, values vary and depend on the eye appeal of the coin, not necessarily its holder. However, the holder makes it possible to cosign with auction companies.
Note the die markings on 1983 pennies. This entire roll of preserved pennies displayed a die clash error, rim cuds, and reverse die cracks.
I took the time to place each one cent coin under a coin microscope so that I could note any errors or varieties I found while coin roll hunting.
Finding Flawless 1983 Pennies
However, one cent coins don’t require being of any varieties or have any errors in order to be more valuable. In other words, a Lincoln penny in pristine condition is worth much more than one cent.
For instance, a 1983 Lincoln Memorial Cent graded MS68, sold for $1840.00.
Additionally, only two 1983 Lincoln cents in population are graded MS68+. Moreover, they’re valued at $5000.00 each. A 1983 D Lincoln Cent graded MS68, sold for $1380.00.
1983 Lincoln Cent Doubled Dies
A 1983 doubled die variety penny with the highest grade instantly makes it very valuable.
For instance, an uncirculated 1983 1C Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln cent graded MS68RD, sold for $7050.00.
Being a doubled die variety coin implies a lower population, and in pristine condition it’s even rarer. Appeal impacts value.
Moreover, eye appeal increases value. For instance, a 1983 1C Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent graded MS64BN, sold for $495.00.
Note the doubling spotted easily with the naked eye. At first the letters look blurry from a distance, like blurred vision, but it’s actually doubling of the coin.
However, the doubling is more evident when looked at with a 10X loupe or placed under a USB coin microscope. Graded specimens have asking prices of hundreds of dollars on eBay.
Furthermore, A 1983 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse graded MS65RD, sold for $440.00.
How to Find Rare 1983 Pennies
The best ways to find a rare and valuable penny worth money is to invest in uncirculated original wrapped pennies by the rolls, and search through them. They’re found in pocket change just as well.
Another option is to purchase 1983 mint sets and then examine all the coins in it.
Don’t break it out of the original mint set unless you think it’s absolutely worth doing so.
Send the whole set off to be graded by reputable grading companies, namely NGC or ANACS.
Struck Through Errors
1983 Lincoln cent struck through errors are worth around five dollars and up according to the eBay sold listings. The better the condition of the coin, the more its potential worth.
Wrong Planchet Errors
Wrong planchet error coins make 1983 pennies worth a lot of money. Furthermore, a small scale is all you need to know, as a 1983 copper penny weighs 3.1 grams. You’ll need a coin scale to verify weight.
Anything more or less could be a wrong planchet error coin. Zinc coins only weigh 2.6 grams. Unplated coins may weigh less than that. For instance, check out an examination of a 2019 planchet coin plating error penny.
1983 Lincoln Cent Coin Collecting Tips
The 1983 penny is renowned for its numerous error variations. Moreover, 1983 marked the transition from copper to copper-plated zinc composition, leading to a variety of striking errors.
For instance, some 1983 pennies were struck on copper planchets instead of the intended copper-plated zinc.
These are highly valuable due to their rarity. Check out these rare Bicentennial Quarters next.
This website is a partnered associate and contains affiliate links, which enable me to earn commissions from various partners.
Full disclosure is available here. Partners include ebay, Amazon, Google Adsense, and others.
Looking for more? Check out the Rare Penny Errors Master List for a complete list of other year penny error guides featured on this site.
