In the field of numismatics, certain mistakes render ordinary coins very rare and precious. One such instance is the 1983 Lincoln Penny with “Doubled Die Reverse” mistake. This scarce coin has sold for as much as $7,050 in an auction.
Let us learn in this article what this mistake is, how to recognize it, and why it is significant to coin collectors.
History and Features of 1983 Lincoln Penny
In 1983, the United States Mint started producing the Lincoln Penny from a new alloy. The new coin had 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, whereas the previous coins were mostly copper. This was done to cut costs since the price of copper was increasing.
But no design changes were implemented—the coin still featured Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse, and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
What is a Doubled Die Reverse Error?
A “doubled die” error is when a double image of a design is produced on the die while minting a coin. The error results in slight or noticeable duplication of some of the words on the coin.
In the 1983 Lincoln penny, this error is primarily seen on the reverse of the coin, specifically in these letters:
- “ONE CENT”
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
If a person looks closely at these words, they may notice a double image or slight shadow effect in these letters. This makes it a Rare and Collectible coin.
How to Identify This Error?
If you want to know if the 1983 Lincoln Penny you have has this error, look for the following signs:
- Doubled Letters: “ONE CENT”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” have obvious double impressions.
- Thickness of Letters: Some letters may be thicker or slightly shaded than normal.
- Enlarged Details: Protrusions on the coin may appear more pronounced.
The best way to identify this error is to use a Magnifying Glass or Jeweler’s Loupe**.
1983 Lincoln Penny Price and Value
The value of this coin depends on its condition and the obviousness of the error. If a 1983 Lincoln Penny is found in “Mint State” (MS) or Uncirculated” condition, it may be worth more.
The table below shows the estimated values of different categories of 1983 Lincoln Penny:
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary 1983 Penny | Circulated | Face value only (1 cent) |
| Ordinary 1983 Penny | MS68 (Uncirculated) | Up to $575 |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny | MS68 (Uncirculated) | Up to $7,050 |
In particular, a 1983 Lincoln penny in MS68RD grade was sold for a price of $7,050, reflecting its rarity and collectors’ interest.
Other Notable 1983 Lincoln Penny Errors
In addition to the doubled die reverse, the 1983 Lincoln penny has a few other Errors that may make it even more valuable:
1. Transitional Error
- Some 1983 Lincoln pennies were erroneously minted on a copper planchet, when all 1983 pennies were supposed to be made of zinc.
- These copper coins weigh approximately 3.1 grams, while the zinc coin weighs only 2.5 grams.
- This error is extremely rare and can be worth over $20,000!
2. Die Clash Error
- This occurs when the coin’s two dies (Obverse and Reverse) collide with each other without the planchet being used.
- This can result in an unusual design on the surface of the coin, which is highly valuable to collectors.
Conclusion
The doubled die reverse mistake in the 1983 Lincoln Penny makes it a valuable and rare coin for coin collectors. If you possess a 1983 Lincoln Penny, examine it thoroughly—because it could earn you thousands of dollars!
If you do discover a rare coin, it is a good idea to have it graded by one of the established coin grading services. This will assist you in establishing its authenticity and true value.
FAQs
Q1. How can I tell if my 1983 Lincoln penny has the doubled die reverse error?
Check the reverse side of the coin for doubling in the words “ONE CENT,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” A magnifying glass can help spot the error more clearly.
Q2. How much is a 1983 doubled die reverse penny worth?
The value depends on the coin’s condition. In uncirculated MS68 condition, it can be worth up to $7,050.
Q3. Are all 1983 pennies valuable?
No, standard 1983 pennies without errors are usually worth only their face value. However, error coins like the doubled die reverse or transitional copper pennies can be highly valuable.
Q4. What is the rarest 1983 penny error?
The transitional error, where some 1983 pennies were mistakenly struck on a copper planchet instead of zinc, is the rarest. These can be worth over $20,000.
Q5. Where can I sell a rare 1983 Lincoln penny?
You can sell rare coins through auction houses, coin dealers, online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), or coin grading services like PCGS or NGC.