You’ve probably found a million piles of penny coins in your pockets or while walking down the street that you’ve ignored because you think they’re just insignificant coppers with little value. And it is that, despite their low value, some of these coins may contain a surprise!
For numismatic enthusiasts, each coin has a story and a different value. And in the world of coin making, errors and rare editions are a goldmine! For example, consider these coins from before 1983, whose defective versions have sold for no more or less than 20,000 dollars!!
Why are some coins so valuable?
Almost as a rule, the coins that draw the most attention are those with printing errors, represent some historical fact, or commemorate a pivotal moment in our country.
In this case, it occurred in 1983 when the US Mint changed the composition of the coin’s core from pure copper to zinc with copper coatings in order to reduce the cost of these small coins.
As a result, coins with a pure copper core were accidentally minted. As a result, they have become extremely rare and sought-after items, hidden in coin markets and the pockets of unsuspecting individuals and selling for up to $20,000!
Why was the composition of the coins changed?
Before 1982, one-cent coins were entirely made of copper, but the Mint switched to zinc as the main material, which kept the same appearance but changed the weight (and composition of the coins, of course), making them cheaper to produce.
How can we identify a rare coin?
This necessitates attention to detail and a great deal of patience! Here, we will explain the procedure for this 1983 coin case.
The weight of the coin is the most important factor in identifying one of these valuable coins. You should keep in mind that standard coins after 1983 weigh between 2.5 and 2.7 grams, whereas rare coins (and earlier ones), which, like their core, are made of copper, weigh more than 3 grams.
For this, appropriate scales are used to measure the weight of the coin. It is critical to use high-precision scales that provide clear measurements in grams and ounces. So, if you have a scale that rounds the values, it is useless because it may give you an inaccurate figure and create false illusions.
Are these rare coins worth the search?
It all depends on your level of interest in numismatics and the resources you are willing to invest in them, but keep in mind that even if you have to spend a lot of time looking for these coins and paying close attention, when you find one, you could be looking at a large fortune, and the stories of those who have sold these coins are impressive.
One of these coins (remember that its current value is one cent) sold for $1,140 at an auction in 2023, but another, known as the 1982-D Small Date Copper Alloy Lincoln cent, reached $18,800 in 2016. So, these little treasures have the potential to surprise you and earn you a lot of money.
So, I’m sure you’ll think twice before dismissing small coins and pay closer attention next time. Remember that each coin has a unique story and journey, and your next treasure may be hiding in your pockets without your knowledge!