1982-D Small Date Copper Penny: Imagine stumbling across a rare coin worth $18,800 sitting quietly in your coin jar or old piggy bank. That’s exactly what happened to a lucky collector who discovered the ultra-rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny—a coin so scarce that only two confirmed specimens exist. While most pennies are only worth one cent, this one could be your ticket to a small fortune. But how can you tell if you have this hidden gem in your pocket change or coin collection?
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny, including what makes it so valuable, how to identify it step-by-step, and what actions to take if you think you’ve found one. Whether you’re a casual coin collector, a history buff, or just someone hoping to strike gold in spare change, this friendly, easy-to-understand guide will help you navigate the fascinating world of numismatics.
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rare Coin | 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Penny |
| Estimated Value | Up to $18,800 (sold at auction in 2016) |
| Composition | 95% Copper (should be zinc for that date/mint combo) |
| Weight | Approx. 3.11 grams (vs. 2.5g for common zinc coins) |
| Discovered Specimens | Only two known as of now |
| Where to Check | Coin jars, old piggy banks, inherited collections, pocket change |
| Official Info | U.S. Mint |
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny is a coin collector’s dream—extremely rare, highly valuable, and hiding in plain sight. With only two verified specimens, it’s a modern marvel of numismatic history. By learning how to identify it, weighing your coins carefully, and getting professional verification, you could turn a simple penny into a life-changing discovery.
So next time you’re sorting through your spare change or inherited coin collection, take a closer look. That ordinary-looking penny might just be worth $18,800 or more.
Why Is the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny So Valuable?
To understand why this humble penny could fetch nearly $20,000, it helps to dive into a bit of U.S. coinage history. In 1982, the U.S. Mint made a major change: it switched the composition of pennies from 95% copper to a zinc core coated with a thin layer of copper. This was done to reduce costs, as copper had become too expensive to continue using for everyday coins.
At the same time, the Mint used two different styles of dates on pennies that year—Large Date and Small Date—making 1982 one of the most complicated years in Lincoln cent history. Since both zinc and copper versions were made and each had Large and Small Date styles, there are seven major varieties of 1982 pennies. But only one is a major outlier: the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny.
Here’s what makes it so unique:
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- The Denver Mint (denoted by the “D” mintmark) was only supposed to produce zinc Small Date pennies.
- But somehow, a few leftover copper planchets (coin blanks) were accidentally used.
- This mishap led to a minting error of epic rarity.
Only two specimens have been officially certified and verified, and both were discovered decades after 1982. That’s what gives this penny its jaw-dropping value.
How to Identify the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
If you want to check your own coins to see if you might be holding this treasure, here are three simple steps to help identify it:
1. Examine the Date and Mint Mark
Look at the front (obverse) of the coin. It should have:
- The year 1982
- A small “D” beneath the year (means minted in Denver)
- The Small Date design, which is slightly different from the Large Date (more on that next)
2. Identify the Small Date Design
This is where the details matter. Here’s how to tell the Small Date apart:
- The number “8” has a smaller top loop than the bottom one
- The number “2” has a curved diagonal stroke (not a straight one like in the Large Date)
- The entire date appears thinner and less bold compared to the Large Date
You can compare your coin to side-by-side photos on trusted websites like PCGS or NGC.
3. Weigh the Coin Accurately
This step is critical. Use a digital scale that measures to the hundredth of a gram (0.01g).
- A copper penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams
- A zinc penny weighs approximately 2.5 grams
If your 1982-D Small Date penny weighs close to 3.11 grams, you may have the extremely rare copper version.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Think you’ve found a 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny? Here’s what you should do next:
Step 1: Do Not Clean the Coin
Cleaning may reduce its value significantly. Collectors and grading companies prefer coins in their original, unaltered condition—even if they’re dirty or discolored.
Step 2: Verify the Details Again
Double-check the design features and re-weigh the coin to confirm:
- Small Date style?
- “D” Mintmark?
- Weight around 3.11 grams?
Step 3: Submit It for Professional Grading
You’ll want an expert to confirm your find. Contact one of these top grading services:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
They’ll test the coin’s metal composition, verify the date style, and assign an official grade.
Step 4: Explore Selling Options
Once graded, your coin could be listed in auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. You could also list it privately through collector networks. The first verified coin sold for $18,800, and the second fetched over $10,000. Prices could go even higher as demand grows.
Why Is This Coin So Incredibly Rare?
Minting errors happen more often than you think, but the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny is on another level of scarcity. During the transition in 1982, the Denver Mint had already switched to zinc planchets. Any remaining copper blanks were supposed to be removed and recycled.
However, due to human oversight or machine error, a few copper planchets were left behind and accidentally used for a batch of Small Date pennies at the Denver Mint. Since copper and zinc look similar, these errors weren’t immediately noticed.
Most of the coins from this error were likely melted down or lost to time—making any surviving pieces worth a fortune today.
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies You Should Know About
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny isn’t the only Lincoln cent that’s worth far more than face value. Here are a few more valuable pennies to look for:
- 1943 Copper Penny: These were mistakenly made from copper when they should’ve been steel. Worth up to $250,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: Features strong doubling of the date and letters. Worth over $1,000 in decent condition.
- 1972 Double Die Obverse: Another doubling error, often worth hundreds depending on grade.
- 1992 Close AM Penny: Rare reverse design with letters “A” and “M” close together. Value ranges from $1,000 to $5,000+.
If you enjoy coin hunting, it’s definitely worth learning these varieties. You never know what might be hiding in plain sight!.
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FAQs About 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
How many 1982-D Small Date Copper Pennies exist?
Only two confirmed examples have been found as of 2024. That makes this coin one of the rarest modern Lincoln cents.
How can I tell if my 1982-D penny is copper or zinc?
Use a precise digital scale. If it weighs around 3.11 grams, it’s likely copper. If it weighs around 2.5 grams, it’s zinc.
Is it worth submitting to a grading service?
Yes. Grading helps authenticate your find and can increase its value significantly, especially if it’s truly rare.
Where can I get reliable coin information?
Visit trusted sources like PCGS, NGC, and the U.S. Mint for coin facts and historical context.
Are there other valuable coins from 1982?
Yes. There are seven varieties from 1982, and while most are common, 1982 Small Date Copper (no mint mark) and other minting oddities may still carry premium value depending on condition.
