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Do you have a 1983 penny and want to know what it’s worth? Maybe you think you’ve found a 1983 doubled die penny, but you’re not sure?
I’ll tell you what your old pennies are worth and also how to know whether or not you have a 1983 doubled die coin.
Plus, I’ll give you the lowdown on the rare 1983 copper penny worth $15,000 — it’s one of the latest rare coins to be discovered!
How Much Is A 1983 Penny Worth?
Most 1983 pennies you’ll find in pocket change are worth only face value — or 1 cent. That’s because 1983 pennies are, for the most part, common coins and they contain very little copper.
I’ll explain more about this in a bit. But, before I do, here’s more info on 1983 penny values:
- 1983 No Mintmark (Philadelphia) penny — 7,752,355,000 (7.752 billion) minted — 10 cents to 25+ cents
- 1983-D (Denver) penny — 6,467,199,428 (6.467 billion) minted — 10 cents to 25+ cents
- 1983-S (San Francisco) proof penny — 3,279,126 minted — $2+
- 1983 Doubled Die penny — mintage unknown — $250+
*Values are for uncirculated and proof 1983 pennies as listed. Worn 1983 pennies with no errors or varieties are worth face value only.
IMPORTANT: Do You Know The Grade Of Your Penny?
To determine the true value of your 1983 penny, you first need to know what condition (or grade) your coin is in.
Grab a coin magnifier and a copy of the U.S. Coin Grading Standards book. Then, watch this video to see how to grade coins yourself at home:
What Are 1983 Doubled Die Pennies Worth?
One of the most well-known error coins is the 1983 doubled die Lincoln cent.
The 1983 doubled die penny is worth thousands of times more than face value. Specifically:
- At least $15 to $20 in well-worn circulated grades
- $250+ in uncirculated condition
While 1983 doubled die pennies are very scarce, they’re also one of the easiest doubled die Lincoln pennies to spot with the naked eye! The doubling is found in the following areas on the reverse (tails side) of the coin:
- The word “UNITED”
- The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- The inscription “ONE CENT”
Doubled die coins are rare error varieties that are struck by a die (the device that imprints designs on blank coins, or planchets) that was inadvertently stamped by a hub more than once. The hub, by the way, imprints a design on the working die. So a doubled die coin isn’t one that was struck by a die twice. Rather, it’s a coin that was struck once by a double-stamped die.
How Much Is The Rare 1983-D Penny Worth?
Around 2013, there was the discovery of a rare copper 1983-D penny. It’s like no other old copper penny ever made!
It turns out that it’s made from a 98% copper, 2% zinc planchet — which is an unusual composition.
When copper Lincoln Memorial pennies were being minted for circulation before 1982, they consisted of 95% copper, 5% zinc.
In late 1982, the composition changed to a copper-plated zinc format, and virtually all 1983 pennies are made from the zinc composition (except for a few rare off-metal and transitional errors like the 1983 copper penny).
There’s still much that collectors don’t know about 1983-D copper pennies, but what specialists have determined is that the rare 1983 penny is worth about $15,000!
Here’s everything you want to know about the 1983 copper penny.
More Info About 1983 Pennies
In addition to the links I’ve included above, here are some other resources to help you learn more about 1983 penny values:
- Old Copper Pennies: Which Ones To Save & What They’re Worth
- Zincoln “Zinc Pennies: Collecting The Lincoln Zinc Penny
- A Brief History Of The Penny
- 5 Rare Coins You’ll Find In The Lincoln Memorial Cent Series
- A List Of 43 U.S. Pennies Worth Holding On To
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
Hi sr i got 1969 s penny any value
Hi, Sal —
Here’s info on the value of your 1969-S penny: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1969-penny-value/
Best wishes,
Josh
I have.1969s.and.1971s an 1944D.and 1972s 1974s 1956D 1970s cuál estos penny vale mas
Hi, Jose —
Here are values for most of your pennies:
1944 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1944-penny-value/
1969 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1969-penny-value/
1970 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1970-penny-value/
1971 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1971-penny-value/
1972 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1972-penny-value/
1974 penny value: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1974-penny-value/
Your 1956 penny is worth 3 to 5 cents.
Best wishes,
Josh
I have a 1983D penny and the date on it has the 19 large numbers the 8 is half their size and the 3 is also large. never seen a date like that before! https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c431d4ca20a6c893cf5f974f9223a6429169dc80e23ae1db38f001892444fe15.jpg
Hi, Bill —
This is actually the normal font for the 1983 penny. In fact, several issues in the Lincoln cent series have unusual-looking date font/point sizes. Consider the similar 1943 penny, which has a small “4” and relatively long “3.”
Here’s an article with a photo of the 1943 cent: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1943-penny-value/
Thank you for reaching out!
Josh
I have a 1983 penny. I wonder if it’s worth something https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/049858ba052c630202d664a9106dde7bd986c2cba8b1c0327d09d522873894b0.jpg
Hello, Jacqelle —
From what I see in this photo, this is a normal 1983 cent worth face value. If it has evidence of being a doubled die (seen on the reverse, or “tail’s” side) or weighs 3.11 grams it is worth significantly more.
Best wishes,
Josh
Well, I’ve long been fascinated by coin errors but have never been much for the discouragement from not finding any…. ever. Each time I thought I had, itdi turn out to be some sort of technicality that made it almost worthless. Well, raking through my penny jar looking for my birth year (’80) I came across two finds. One, a 1905 Indian Head penny in wonderful shape after soaking the corrosion off in vinegar. Two, this quite obvious defect…. I’d like to hear any thoughts or info you may have on my Quasimodo. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a7204b3d51d98efec12610d7d64a7e451f0b24c3d18f6456a5321122f9f4a081.jpg
Hi, Joh Nny!
It looks to me like you’ve found a die cud! Assuming this is the case, it’s worth $5 to $15…
Congrats,
Josh
Better than a poke in the eye, lol.
True that! 🙂
Best,
Josh
What’s my 1983 d penny double die worth can some one please? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/640514ecb6b6d9746a6c09cd5557437f96d32957e2ba74b7404b7e6f209d9fc9.jpg
Hello, Macnass Abo —
While this 1983-D cent is not a doubled die by definition, I DO see a repunched “D” mintmark. These are often worth $1 to $5, depending on condition.
Nice find,
Josh
Thank you i have others as well are you in market for any or can you point me to whom might be
Hello, sir —
I don’t buy or sell at The Fun Times Guide, but if you want help finding those who do, I suggest looking for your nearest coin dealer.
Here’s info on how to find a reputable coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
And here’s a searchable (but incomplete) list of coin dealers around the United States: https://png.memberclicks.net/find-a-png-dealer
Best of luck,
Josh
Hello, sir —
I don’t buy or sell at The Fun Times Guide, but if you want help finding those who do, I suggest looking for your nearest coin dealer.
Here’s info on how to find a reputable coin dealer: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
And here’s a searchable (but incomplete) list of coin dealers around the United States: https://png.memberclicks.net/find-a-png-dealer
Best of luck,
Josh
Is this an error?
Hi, Samantha —
What about these coins appear to be an error? I’m not sure what I’m looking for and nothing is standing out to me in the photos of the 1942and 1983-D cents.
Thanks!
Josh
I was just checking, not really sure what to look for. I thought the letters at the top were doubled . Thanks for looking .
Hi, Samantha —
I’m having a hard time getting a look at this one. To me it looks a bit like machine doubling… “THE” 1983 doubled die has doubling on the reverse, not the obverse as is the case here.
I’d say hold it aside and see if you can get an in-hand evaluation…
Best,
Josh
I was just checking, not really sure what to look for. I thought the letters at the top were doubled . Thanks for looking .
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ca3b095272621ad3007b835eb01c48c4876e7a3b19f376ad89b278562fadc0ca.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cc664cc4692c82746af7cf44c592d0510b288fc5cd75bf6ebc8e74f83b279e49.jpg
Hello again ! Is this an error? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7dfa59ab30c1b78820748306159c96d12b3ceb1f3fd96c37c07b65cde034b417.jpg
I have some old penny’s I found and I’m not sure if any are special. Would like to take a pic an see what you think.
Hi, Kendra —
Yes, please take a couple clear photos of your pennies and post them here… I’ll be glad to check them out and help as best I can.
Thank you,
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4178d0bd6bc03022fd86b8f6d702482c1d2b4b7e1da23d0d37bd8eb2e43f78fc.jpg
This penny looks like it has a D stamped into the side. Like I said I don’t know much about coins though.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ca21149d91d43cbd2254a432aa335d258cd02e6e4180a267245bc3099bcd3877.jpg
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just thought this looks like a D stamped on the side idk
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c463374494b8c5e50f7f68dbf758434c3bbddba1bef879182a3465cad96133a5.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ffde3e91c26fe410cf33a89fa885b6eb570ed8f7845ab175e70f2c7b7a4eded2.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/205a41aa0500d492f300dccdbb5290df8c17d7a23fe380dcab5c13245140d7df.png https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/496e98ce054b4ca9bc7125195cb73a0e0c2c7838c263f6b13ed18b33d24000c9.png
This one looks like it has D stamped on the side of it
Hi, Kendra —
I do see a “D” there, but that is unfortunately not a mint-made error but rather a stamp of some type that somebody placed there after the coin was minted. Perhaps you might want to hold it aside as it is pretty neat. However, there is no additional value to the coin from the standpoint of it being an error.
Cool find!
Josh
Not sure if that’s even possible though.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/85a36fa85c900decb5f43a7a9dc749283520654b38bd71d9395fd6948c863dc2.png
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9fe2e9b0c74ca35b56fc5e0bb0d9cd2e5844e8f0c9928249b6c2eca8d8119a69.jpg
Hi, Kendra —
The silvery color appears to possibly be solder gunk; that’s unfortunate as it won’t be easy to remove without damaging the coin. I’d say the value of this piece is the copper content, which is presently around 2 cents.
Best wishes,
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d1f487ed19a4137d0edd7b3437b0430088a5e6d80b8dee63d2999aa920e7b67.png
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7249cfcd68a964365c78b319edecb91afbb211ffa3967ed67ba008fa9cb10fef.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/783b98cf69912fd7b3b266698f606e481de1d009b9c11706c152c66e7623cc08.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8084e9cc4048a89be1476e154abc14d9c9a24e6787bb02a2c7afcd00dd21abff.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f8bce60de09f679a046a383753c49bcfc386d125136ed487e5a67b5c13544bff.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d3c1dcc64e6c3fc3294d473d05ab15ec628e8eb3c0015db71cc7419a47abb989.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cc4426800a7ce988918039c9c035d3ea236316f5ab826c1ed0a06de8de8ff9cf.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/89b4d47f86e4c0df9b3e1493a5ce923401d3d2c922d297b306f7230221ec63a0.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/89b4d47f86e4c0df9b3e1493a5ce923401d3d2c922d297b306f7230221ec63a0.jpg My apoligies wrong pic. This is the pic
So maybe just maybe this coin will make me a couple bucks richer. Its a 1983 no mint mark
Hi, LivelyB23 —
All Philadelphia minted 1983 cents come without a mintmark, which this piece is shows here… I’m afraid this is a normal coin, unless there’s something else about this piece that stands out which I can’t make out in the photos?
Best wishes,
Josh
My apoligies wrong pic. Heres the pic https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/89b4d47f86e4c0df9b3e1493a5ce923401d3d2c922d297b306f7230221ec63a0.jpg
Ohh and Joshua thank you in advance for your time! 🙂 Happy 4th
Hi, LivelyB23!
Happy Fourth you you, too! 🙂
I’m looking at the other photo and am unfortunately still at a loss for what I’m looking for. Would you please tell me what you see on this coin that looks unusual? The photo is a tad grainy so maybe I’m missing something on my end. The first and really only thing I can pick out in this photo is some softness on the bottom of the first “S” of “STATES,” which is not an error and is a die weakness, for which there is no price premium.
Hope you have a great holiday!
Josh
Hi Joshua. Just found a 1983 penny while cashing in $250 of coins at the bank. It is pretty worn as has been in circulation but there are lots of apparent air bubbles and may have been struck off center????? I will attach a pic
Hi, Frank —
Yes, please send a few clear images and I’ll help as best I can.
Thank you,
Josh
Have a 1983 double die no mint penny
Hi, Shyjuan —
I’d need to please see clear photos of your error coins to provide you with better assistance as to what’s going on with them and what they’re worth. You can upload those photos here in the comments forum.
Thank you!
Josh
I have 1982 no mint penny as well
Hi, Shyjuan —
Here’s more info on 1982 penny values: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1982-penny-value/
Good luck,
Josh
1979 Susan B. Anthony several with errors
1917 and 1937 D Buffalo Nickel
Hello Shyjuan —
A 1917 Buffalo nickel is worth about $5 to $10 in well-worn grades while a 1937-D is worth 75 cents to $1.50 in the same condition.
Best wishes,
Josh
It will not let me up load the images
Hi, Shyjuan —
Upload them by clicking the rectangular portrait button near the comment box. The images must be JPG or PNG files no larger than about 2 mb.
Hope this info helps,
Josh
I have 1983 rare one cent double die penny and struck cud on a riverse of the coin.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8a01bb6ae7c2bbe5b7df2fa2af577918227139c78df447f06afe17cfdbe2b0c6.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/424a67bf4d3cfbc0b7247cf7628da09970e9c58f429d1d60b5e35ae0ff565224.jpg
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Hello sir..i have also 1979-1985 one cent penny double die
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2d7479afbc56bfd7a04bb15a215e90972f101b7153ff63d645106d5f1919dcec.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/562a930a9e2466813cc96116b1f51613d5a0397a6234ec59f615964f652393df.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6c87c3e54f0bc6542c3f9edb1d9c59e054e0a5537890a30b514a682a257d379f.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/75f749d7298d4a95a10a8ece85115480afc06c7efb69116f15112d534e81cf66.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/beccf3eb3cee65ad4bc40dc6cc1d4f1fc9e4b8c5a32d6ea03cb86a61022ef1f3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/890e00f626d861023ad1e4e1c50f294a847faf4270dcefe23fce7f26a707a962.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b8445f7d00c58c6ce087e2b5a7159936d111f520d19849a7482f79fc962ceb56.jpg
1975-1985-1983 one penny
Hello, Abelardo —
After looking at your posts I see that unfortunately none of the coins pictured appear to have any doubled dies or cuds and are regular pieces with signs of environmental damage and some light machine doubling. The 1975 penny is worth 2 cents for its copper metal value and the 1983 and 1985-D pennies are worth face value.
Thank you,
Josh
Thank you for reply and check the coins sir.
You’re welcome, Abelardo!
-Josh
Hi Joshua! Im in need of a little assistance, if I could, please. I dont think it is a double die, but I have a 1983 lincoln penny(no mint mark), that I believe is another type of categorical error. I found it years ago, at work, when I broke open a new roll of pennies, that I had received for use in a retail store coin float, straight from the bank, so its been uncirculated all this time, in my possession. The penny is totally silver in colour, like a nickle, is in good shape, with no obvious rust, discolouration or errosion, of any kind, so I believe wasnt tampered with re: chemically. It is approx. 1/16″ circumference and weighs 2.62 grams. These arent the best lighted pics, but Ive included photos, here so you may see, for yourself. It shows in the pics, like it has a little black on it, but is actually just the lighting of photo. There is actually no black at all…it totally looks exactly the colour of a brand new nickle. I would appreciate, if you could have a look-see and let me know, if this is worth, to pay for having it appraised, at all. Thanking you, in advance! ~ Kat
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/449417cc0e1c1062ddd1c0f60c72997e731ba7dd3ee55ca2c7119075db8f6bd5.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e35cc25251e29756ca8faed909af9ccd7935b1441f18cf03d5c34151e213982d.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/948f62645d2b0c88a0f338d51a8925363e9e6f29e6d97279908b5438a30a27e0.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8a9b51a9ce041687fd227fb4d3a3d63fcdd0e34ab78b6c927a37b5e0aa9f585c.jpg
Hi, Kitty —
It’s possible you have a 1983 penny struck without its copper plating. Beginning in 1982, the US Mint produced Lincoln cents for circulation consisting of a zinc core coated with copper. However, sometimes the zinc-based coin blanks managed to skip the copper-plating process in error. It’s possible your piece is just such a coin. These errors can be worth $50-100 or more depending on condition.
Because the coin would need to be evaluated in hand to determine if it’s truly an error, the coin would have to be submitted to a Numismatic professional. You might consider reaching out to the variety and error experts at CONECA (www.varietyvista.com) about this.
I’m wishing you the best of luck!
Josh
Oh, that is great! Considering that it was only and is a penny lol. Like, I said, it’s in excellent shape, like a brand new nickle. Ive kept it separate, in the slot of a velvet ring box, all these years. I most likely wont sell it, but will just keep it in my own collection. I will take it into a reputable professional, here in Calgary, Alberta, and have it graded and slabbed, I guess, is the procedure. I just wanted to see, if you thought it would be worth the fee to have it done. Thanks so much for your help and quick reply! : ) ~ Kat in Canada
Hi Kat,
As it usually costs $20 to $30 to have a coin certified and graded by a company like PCGS or NGC, you might want to try getting an opinion on the coin itself first by an error attribution organization like CONECA. While they might charge a few bucks to check into it, it will cost less for an answer… If it turns out that your coin is really just the end-result of a common school science experiment in which the copper is stripped off the zinc core by way of chemicals, the loss won’t be so great. CONECA won’t encapsulate your coin like a third-party grading service might, but it’s a good — and generally less-expensive first round evaluation option.
Best wishes,
Josh
Ok! I will do, exactly that, then. Thanks again, Josh!
You’re welcome, Kat! Good luck!
Hi so can someone let me know how rare this 1983 D penny i have and the value? I feel like i have a super rare penny and not sure if its silver or zinc i want to say zinc but more shiny like silver. I can tell its definitely double died but the coin its self looks rare to me https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7eefd4ec224c4bb4c5acbadd6e9ef5e1fbf4bb19ac21747e5d22206dcd22ac07.jpg
Hi, Heidi —
This is a regular penny that has had its outer copper coating worn away at the high points through what appears to be either heavy circulation or intentional sanding of the coin, exposing its inner zinc core. This piece is worth its face value.
Best wishes,
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/03be7be921b1b6ce84b34f753836cb4dfa5d646c4cdd19062537b4f91783333a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f0ad16e2c265025eb4788f9008f8e005cf57ce5850fa2441c4eadf95ad8b399f.jpg
Thanks for the additional images, Heidi… Yes, all Lincoln pennies made since 1983 are composed of a zinc core coated in copper. Your 1983-D penny is simply showing its inner zinc core through wearing away of the copper.
Hi i would like ti know where can i sell one of the 1993 d arre weights 3.15 g. sandra.silva0321@gmail.com
Hi, Sandra —
You could list any coins for sale on an online auction site like eBay or sell them to a coin dealer. Here’s more info on finding reputable coin dealers: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/coin_dealer/
Good luck!
Josh