The 1983 penny represents a significant transition in American coinage history, marking the first full year of the U.S. Mint’s shift to zinc-core composition. This change occurred because rising metal costs made traditional copper penny production nearly as expensive as the coin’s face value.

Despite billions of 1983 pennies being produced with the new zinc formula, certain varieties command impressive premiums among collectors. Common Philadelphia pennies range from $0.19 in Good condition to $14.04 in pristine Mint State. However, the true treasures lie in error varieties.

Understanding these value differences makes examining any 1983 penny discovery potentially rewarding. Let’s explore the different varieties of 1983 pennies, their value assessment criteria, and related valuable error coins.

1983 Penny Value By Variety

Current market pricing for 1983 pennies varies significantly based on mint facility origin and condition grade, as shown in the comprehensive valuation data below. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Top 10 Most Valuable 1983 Penny Worth Money

The Most Valuable 1983 Penny Chart reveals the extraordinary potential within transitional composition Lincoln cents when exceptional preservation meets rare doubled die varieties.

The chart is dominated by doubled die reverse (DDR) specimens, topped by an exceptional 1983 DDR RD 68 that commanded $7,050 at auction—demonstrating how the strongest reverse doubling varieties can achieve serious money when copper brilliance remains intact.

The famous FS-801 variety shows impressive performance across multiple grade levels, with MS68 examples reaching $2,760 while MS67 specimens bring $1,260, illustrating the dramatic grade sensitivity that defines doubled die collecting.

Denver’s contribution appears strongly with the 1983-D DDO FS-101 achieving $1,763 in MS65 grade, proving that obverse doubling varieties also command substantial collector premiums.

The massive value jumps between consecutive grade levels highlight why professional assessment matters tremendously for these transitional year varieties.

History of the 1983 Penny

The year 1983 marked a pivotal turning point in American coinage history. Soaring copper prices in the early 1980s drove the metal cost of each penny nearly equal to its face value, forcing the U.S. Mint to seek alternatives.

1983 that year, the Mint adopted a dual-track production strategy. Most coins maintained the traditional formula used since 1909—95% copper and 5% zinc. Simultaneously, they began experimenting with copper-plated zinc-core coins that looked identical but weighed significantly less: zinc-core pennies weighed just 2.5 grams compared to 3.11 grams for copper versions.

The new process also brought technical challenges. Zinc material behaved differently during striking, and ensuring proper copper plating adhesion became critical. These complex adjustments made 1983 one of the most challenging years in Mint operations history.

For collectors, 1983 pennies hold extraordinary significance. Zinc-core varieties are far scarcer than copper coins, commanding higher values.

Is Your 1983 Penny Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to confirm the specific rarity assessment for any 1983 penny variety in your collection.

Key Features of the 1983 Penny

Let’s take a closer look at the obverse and reverse designs of the 1983 Lincoln cent to learn how to identify key features of this coin, which will help you spot potential treasures.

The Obverse Of The 1983 Penny

In 1909, Victor D. Brenner designed the obverse side of the new coin. It featured Abraham Lincoln’s bust profile in the center, framed by the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, from above.

LIBERTY was in the left obverse coin side area and behind Lincoln’s back, while the mint date 1983 was in front of his chest. The designer placed the S or D mint mark below the date, while the initials, VDB, were indicated between the lower rim and President’s shoulder.

The Reverse of The 1983 Penny

The current reverse design was a result of an idea to honor 150 years of Lincoln’s birth by changing it in 1959. Frank Gasparro designed this coin side with the Lincoln Memorial as the main detail in the center. You can also see the President’s statue inside the building.

The motto, E · PLURIBUS · UNUM, is just above the Memorial, while the denomination, ONE CENT, is below it. The UNITED STATES oF AMERICA is positioned along the upper edge, framing the central image. This coin side also features the initials, FG, placed on the right, next to the building.

Other Features of the 1983 Penny

The Lincoln one-cent coins from 1983 are round with a plain edge and a diameter of 1.75 inches (19.05 mm). They are 0.0705479 ounces (2.5 g) in weight and 0.0598 inches (1.52 mm) in thickness.

Their composition is 97.5% Zn with traces of copper. Despite the low percentage, copper plating gives these lovely coins an attractive variety of colors, from red to brown.

1983 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 1983 Penny Mintage & Survival Chart reveals the massive scale of transitional composition production and fascinating preservation patterns across different mint facilities during this pivotal year in Lincoln cent history.

Philadelphia dominated with an enormous mintage of 7.7 billion pennies, while Denver contributed 6.4 billion coins, creating a combined circulation strike total exceeding 14.2 billion pieces as America transitioned from copper to zinc-core composition.

The survival data showcases dramatically different preservation outcomes based on coin type and collector handling. Philadelphia’s no mint mark pennies achieved a 27.09% survival rate with 2.1 billion examples preserved, while Denver’s production showed slightly better preservation at 30% with 1.94 billion survivors.

These relatively robust survival rates for circulation strikes reflect the coin’s recent vintage and transitional year significance that encouraged early collector retention.

The Easy Way to Know Your 1983 Penny Value 

Your 1964 penny might seem ordinary, but copper composition and condition details create substantial value differences. The challenge lies in accurately evaluating Lincoln’s portrait definition, Memorial structure sharpness, and the copper surface’s color characteristics—from pristine red to oxidized brown.

These assessment factors determine whether you’re holding melt value or a coin worth considerably more. Copper’s unique aging patterns make visual evaluation tricky, as natural toning can either enhance or diminish collectibility depending on grade level.

Simply use our CoinValueChecker App to scan your coin and get immediate grade estimates with current market values.

 

1983 Penny Value Guides

1983 Penny Types:

• 1983 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1983-D (Denver)
• 1983-S DCAM (San Francisco)

1983 No Mint Mark Penny Value

1983 marked a pivotal year for the U.S. Mint, representing the year of production using the new zinc-core copper-plated coin composition, affectionately known by collectors as the “zincoln.” Due to rising copper prices making the copper content worth more than one cent, the U.S. Mint transitioned in 1982 from 95% copper composition to a new formula of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper.

The Philadelphia Mint produced 7.75 billion no mint mark Lincoln pennies in 1983, making them among the most common coins.

However, what makes these coins unique is their classification into three distinct color grades: Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN). PCGS designates Red (RD) for copper coins showing 95% or more of their original mint red color, while Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) represent varying degrees of natural toning.

Red (RD) coins are rare due to excellent preservation conditions, with prices ranging from $5 in MS 63 grade to $550 in MS 68 grade.

The most valuable are the rare doubled die reverse error coins. Auction records show an MS 68 RD doubled die reverse error coin sold for an impressive $7,050 in July 2017, transforming this seemingly ordinary coin into a collector’s treasure.

Historical auction records demonstrate how Philadelphia cents reward condition-conscious collectors across all preservation levels.

Current market dynamics reflect sustained interest in these transitional composition specimens from America’s economic modernization period.

1983-D Penny Value

Denver’s massive production run of 6.47 billion Lincoln cents in 1983 created a common yet fascinating study.

The “D” mint mark beneath the date identifies these copper-plated zinc coins from the Mile High City facility, where varying storage conditions and handling created distinct color classifications that significantly impact collector value.

Professional grading services recognize three primary color states based on oxidation patterns. Brown (BN) examples represent natural aging where copper surfaces have fully oxidized. Auction records show a 1983-D BN specimen reaching $600 in November 2019, demonstrating substantial premium potential even for toned examples.

Red-Brown (RB) coins showcase partial oxidation with mixed coloration across surfaces. According to auction record, the highest RB auction record stands at $184 for an MS 60 grade in February 2007.

The most coveted Red (RD) specimens maintain their original mint luster with minimal oxidation. The pinnacle 1983-D RD achievement: $1,380 for an MS 68 grade in September 2008.

Documented auction performance reveals how Denver’s production has gained recognition for both standard examples and exceptional error varieties.

Market enthusiasm continues to support premium pricing for these Western mint transitional cents when superior preservation meets collector demand.

1983-S DCAM Penny Value

San Francisco’s specialized proof production facility achieved remarkable success with 1983 Lincoln cents, utilizing advanced deep cameo techniques that create dramatic contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields.

Deep Cameo designation requires exceptional surface quality where Lincoln’s portrait and design elements exhibit heavily frosted textures against brilliant, mirror-finish backgrounds.

Besides, the “S” mint mark identifies these meticulously crafted specimens from a precise mintage of 3,279,126 proof coins, representing the Mint’s transition to perfected zinc planchet technology for collector markets.

According to auction records, the pinnacle achievement for this series: a PR70 DCAM specimen that realized $1,955 in January 2004. The technical mastery required for consistent DCAM production makes these coins significantly more valuable than standard proofs.

Professional grading populations reveal the rarity of perfect specimens, with PR69 examples being relatively common while PR70 DCAM coins command substantial premiums for their flawless surfaces and optimal cameo effect.

Performance data consistently reflects collector appreciation for these superior contrast proof varieties.

Current market activity demonstrates ongoing recognition of Deep Cameo specimens as representatives of San Francisco’s technical achievement.

Rare 1983 Penny Error List

Error coins from 1983 showcase fascinating anomalies that occurred during high-volume transitional composition production. Mechanical stress, die wear, and equipment malfunctions created distinctive varieties that transformed ordinary zinc-core pennies into valuable collector pieces.

1. 1983 Obv Die Damage and Rev Cud (FS-401) Errors

The 1983 Obv Die Damage and Rev Cud (FS-401) Errors variety represents one of the most significant die deterioration errors in the 1983 Lincoln cent series, featuring simultaneous damage on both obverse and reverse dies.

The 1983 Lincoln Cent FS-401 error features a large die break on the reverse creating a prominent cud that obliterates much of the “ONE CENT” This variety combines obverse die damage with reverse cud formation, representing a compound minting error that occurred during the coin production process.

This complex multi-error specimen formed when extensive die usage caused metal fatigue and cracking. The obverse developed damage areas from repeated striking stress while the reverse experienced a cud formation—a raised, unstruck area where a piece of the die broke away near the rim.

The combination of die damage and cud formation makes this error particularly noteworthy among specialists, as most errors affect only one side of the coin.

2. 1983 DDR FS-802 Errors

The 1983 DDR FS-802 exhibits prominent doubled die reverse characteristics with medium to light spread in UNITED. This variety shows clear doubling throughout the reverse lettering, particularly noticeable in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE CENT.” The error occurred during the die hubbing process when misalignment between multiple impressions created the distinctive doubled image.

Distinguished by specific die markers including a die crack from the lower right memorial base to the rim and three die scratches in bay 1 of the memorial, this variety ranks among the most dramatic doubled die reverses in the Lincoln cent series. According to U.S. Mint records, only about 5,000 entered circulation before the error was discovered and the die destroyed, making it exceptionally scarce.

Listed under the Fivaz-Stanton numbering system as FS-802 (previously FS-036), this variety commands significant premiums. Its rarity and dramatic doubling characteristics have earned it recognition as #34 in Jeff Garrett’s “100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins.”

3. 1983 DDO (FS-101 To FS-103) Errors

The 1983 Lincoln Cent FS-101 through FS-103 designations represent Doubled Die Obverse varieties rather than reverse errors. Within cataloging protocols, these appear as sequential DDO classifications: FS-101, FS-102, and FS-103 , establishing hierarchical attribution standards for obverse doubling phenomena.

Hub displacement during obverse die creation generated these distinct doubling signatures, with each FS number reflecting different degrees of mechanical offset. Manufacturing inconsistencies at Philadelphia Mint facilities produced varying doubling intensities across “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscriptions, creating distinguishable patterns for collectors and attributors.

These obverse varieties represent secondary collecting interests compared to the dominant 1983 DDR FS-801 reverse variety, yet they provide essential data points for understanding systematic die production challenges during the mint’s compositional transition period from copper to zinc-core cents.

4. 1983 DDR FS-801 Errors

The 1983 DDR FS-801 results from Class IV doubling, also known as “offset hub doubling,” where the hub image shifts laterally rather than rotating like the famous 1955 doubled die. This specific mechanical malfunction creates characteristic spread doubling across “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE CENT” inscriptions.

Professional grading services document this variety under multiple catalog systems: with notable specimens showing incomplete strikes on “STA” in STATES and die polish lines suggesting mint personnel focused attention on the wrong die.

The technical precision required for identifying Class IV doubling distinguishes this error from rotational varieties, making it a crucial reference point for understanding hub-die relationship failures during the U.S. Mint’s transition to zinc-core cent production.

5. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Errors

The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 represents one of the strongest reverse hub doubling varieties in the Lincoln Cent series, with doubling visible to the naked eye and most prominent in the inscriptions “UNITED,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE CENT”. This variety is categorized as one of the major varieties in the Lincoln Cent series due to its dramatic visual impact.

The formation of this doubled die error occurred during the die-making process when the hubbing press experienced displacement or vibration, resulting in overlapping impressions on the reverse design. The doubling can be observed with the naked eye on all reverse lettering, with the word “ONE” showing particularly strong effects.

This variety stands as a testament to the complexities of the minting process during the early years of zinc-plated Lincoln Cents. The FS-801 designation has made it one of the most sought-after modern Lincoln Cent varieties, representing both a significant minting anomaly and an important reference point for collectors studying doubled die formations in contemporary U.S. coinage.

6.  1983-D DDO FS-101 Errors

The 1983-D DDO FS-101 represents the most prominent of the known 1983 doubled die obverse varieties, though overshadowed by the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse. Doubling can be seen primarily on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. This variety is cataloged within the Fivaz-Stanton reference system under the designation FS-101.

The error formation occurred during the die-making process when the hubbing press experienced displacement, resulting in overlapping impressions on the obverse design elements. Similar to the famous 1984 “doubled ear” variety, the 1983-D FS-101 may also exhibit doubling effects in Lincoln’s portrait ear area, though to a lesser degree.

The 1983-D DDO FS-101 exemplifies the manufacturing challenges faced by the U.S. Mint during the transition to new zinc-core composition. As a product of the Denver Mint facility, it represents the technical difficulties encountered in early zinc-plated Lincoln Cent production, providing collectors with tangible evidence of the evolution in modern American coinage manufacturing processes.

To determine if your 1983 penny features the valuable Doubled Die Obverse error, simply use our CoinValueChecker App advanced scanning technology to accurately identify this rare minting mistake and assess your coin’s true market value.

Where to Sell Your 1983 Penny?

Don’t let valuable 1983 transitional pennies sit in jars when collectors worldwide are actively seeking these significant composition-change specimens through established marketplaces.

1983 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

FAQ About The 1983 Penny

1. Are Pennies Minted In 1983 Rare?

Pennies minted in 1983 are not rare, but some error specimens can be worth a premium. Their prices depend on their condition and preservation levels.

2. What 1983 Pennies Are The Most Valuable?

• The 1983 penny (MS 68, RD, DDR) reached $7,050 in July 2017 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 penny (PR 70, DCAM) reached $1,955 in January 2004 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 penny (MS 68, RD) reached $1,840 in September 2008 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 D penny (MS 68, RD) reached $1,380 in September 2008 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 D penny (MS 63, BN) reached $600 in November 2019 on eBay
• The 1983 penny (MS 64, BN, DDR) reached $495 in July 2021 on eBay
• The 1983 penny (MS 64, RB, DDR) reached $400 in May 2021 on eBay
• The 1983 penny (MS 66, RB) reached $322 in February 2007 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 D penny (MS 60) reached $184 in February 2007 at Heritage Auctions
• The 1983 penny (PR 69, DCAM, die variety) reached $30 in April 2018 on eBay

3. How Much Money for the 1983 penny from the Philadelphia mint?

The 1983 pennies from Philadelphia in circulated condition are worth their face value of $0.01. In MS 64 grade, their value is a bit higher, $0.34. The rule of thumb is that the coin rating is better, the more valuable it is. So, the costliest cent is in MS 68 grade with a price of at least $350.