The 1983 Penny Value Guide: Coins That Can Make You Rich

If you have a 1983 penny, it might be worth more than its face value. Why? Because 1983 pennies worth money are not just regular coins—they include different variations, errors, and mint marks that make them valuable to collectors. 

These coins are rather interesting to have discussions about. This we will do today together with you. So, what are the details, history, key features, good coin identifier app tools, and market 1983 penny worth?

The Historical Context

The early 1980s are about the shift in U.S. coin production. Soaring copper prices made producing pennies at their previous weight and composition uneconomical. By 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from solid copper pennies (95% copper) to a lighter zinc core with a thin copper coating.

However, 1983 was the first full year of this new production standard. Amid this shift, errors emerged and made some coins rather valuable 1983 penny examples. 

Abraham Lincoln, renowned as a lawyer and statesman, embarked on his political journey early in life. Elected as the 16th President of the United States in 1861 and reelected in 1864, his presidency was great. Among his many achievements were issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which was a turning point in ending slavery, and establishing a national banking system. Sadly, his second term was cut short in 1865 when he was tragically assassinated.

To commemorate Lincoln’s centennial birth anniversary, the U.S. Mint released the first Lincoln pennies in 1909. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin featured Lincoln’s profile on the obverse, a design that has endured for over a century.

Variants and Minting Statistics

In 1959, the reverse of the Lincoln coin was revamped to include the Lincoln Memorial, with a small depiction of the president’s statue at its center. This redesign by Frank Gasparro for Lincoln’s 150th birthday made it the only U.S. coin to feature the same person on both sides. It is known as the "Memorial reverse" example; this design remained untouched for five decades.

In 2009, to celebrate Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the reverse design was changed again. It had four unique scenes with key phases of his life:

• Childhood: A log cabin as his humble beginnings.

• Youth: A young Lincoln engrossed in a book.

• Professional Life: Highlighting his career as a lawyer.

• Presidency: Featuring the half-completed Capitol dome.

The composition also evolved over time. From 1909 to 1982, pennies were primarily 95% copper, except during the war years (1942–1944) when steel coated in zinc was used. Rising copper prices in the 1980s prompted a final composition change. By 1982, the U.S. Mint shifted to using a core of zinc plated with a thin layer of copper—a standard that persists to this day.

Related article: 1959 Penny Value Guide.

1983 Penny Error List: What to Look For

Errors can increase a coin's value, especially if they are rare. 

Major 1983 Penny Errors:

1. 1983 Penny Weight Error - Standard 1983 pennies weigh 2.5 grams. If your coin weighs 3.1 grams, it could be a rare 1983 copper penny worth thousands (we will talk about these coins later in this article).

2. Doubled Die Error - An anomaly that causes letters or numbers to appear doubled. Check “LIBERTY” or the date closely.

3. 1983 Penny Small 8 - The “8” in the date appears smaller due to a die issue, a rare but desirable error.

4. Clipped Planchet Error - Portions of the cent appear clipped off due to improper blank cutting.

5. Off-Center Strike - Coins with misaligned designs are highly sought after.

Interesting fact: Coins from the 1983 D penny error list (marked “D”) are rather interesting thanks to their doubled die and off-center strikes. Check carefully for abnormalities!

The 1983 Copper Penny

As the U.S. Mint shifted from copper to zinc pennies in the early '80s to cut costs, 1983 was supposed to be exclusively the realm of the lighter zinc coin. But fate had other plans. A few copper blanks from previous years somehow found their way into the presses. The result? A handful of 1983 pennies that are heavier and made of the valuable metal. They weigh 3.11 grams instead of the standard 2.5 grams of their zinc siblings.

Finding one is luck—a surprise with a high 1983 copper penny value. Collectors have been known to pay a lot at auctions for these coins. 

Mint Marks of the 1983 Cent

Philadelphia Mint (1983 penny with no mint mark): If your coin lacks a mint mark, it likely hails from Philadelphia. This mint produced the majority of that year's pennies, including some of the rare copper misfits. The 1983 penny value no mint mark is usually lower than other ones’. 

Denver Mint ("D" Mint Mark): A small "D" under the date means these coins were born in Denver. While no confirmed copper errors have surfaced from this mint, coin collecting is full of surprises. Weighing these coins could reveal an unexpected 1983 D penny value.

San Francisco Mint ("S" Mint Mark): The "S" denotes a special type—proof coins from San Francisco. Typically zinc and struck with extra care, a copper 1983 proof coin would be an extraordinary find with a very high 1983 penny error value.

How to Identify 1983 Pennies and Their Values

To know the true value of your coin, you will need to check its weight, composition, and any visible errors. The Coin ID Scanner app can simplify this process. With your smartphone, it identifies coins by scanning images and helps you spot a 1983 penny value error or verify a 1983 D copper penny.

1983 Penny Value Today

The value varies and depends on condition, errors, and composition. Here is a breakdown of current prices:

Disclaimer: Prices may be different, as they are based on market demand and coin grade. Consult a professional appraiser for an accurate valuation.

Here is the table summarizing the most valuable 1983 pennies known:

FAQs 

What Makes a 1983 Penny Worth Money?

First, 1983 penny errors like doubled dies, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. These production mistakes are rare and valuable. 

The 1983 copper cent, one of the rarest varieties, weighs more, is composed of 95% copper, and can cost thousands of dollars in auctions. 

How Do I Know If My 1983 Penny Is Copper?

Weigh it. Standard pennies minted after 1982 are made of a zinc core with a copper plating and weigh 2.5 grams. However, if your coin tips the scale at 3.1 grams, you could have a rare 1983 copper piece. Such coins can be worth thousands, so it is worth checking!

What Is the 1983 No Mint Mark Penny Value?

Pennies without a mint mark were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, and while they are not inherently rare, their value increases when in pristine condition or if they feature errors. Circulated examples typically retain their face value of one cent. However, uncirculated coins in mint-state (MS) grades can cost from $0.10 to over $50. 

For error coins, the value climbs even higher. For instance, a doubled-die error can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To determine value, a professional appraisal or a coin grading service is recommended.

Are 1983 Pennies With No Mint Mark Rare?

They are not rare in general, but certain features can make them exceptional. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 7.7 billion pennies that year, so most are common. However, pennies featuring production anomalies like doubled dies, off-center strikes, or unplated zinc planchets are much rarer and thus highly collectible. Additionally, pristine uncirculated examples in MS 67 or higher grades are uncommon and can be expensive. 

Can I Use an App to Identify 1983 Cent Errors?

Absolutely! Modern technology makes coin identification easier than ever. Apps like Coin ID Scanner may become your magnifying glasses for your coins. Simply take a clear photo of your piece, and the app will analyze its features, compare it to a database, and help identify it. 

Sources:

1. https://coinweek.com/finest-1983-bronze-lincoln-cent-error-sells-for-record-price/

2. https://www.numismaticnews.net/us-coins/1983-copper-cent-error-fetches-30000