our Weekend Treasure Hunt Starts NOW – This Transitional Error Could Be Your Fortune!
Friday Night Coin Alert! As we close out this week, Pennyverse.info brings you one of numismatics’ most thrilling chases: the legendary 1982-D Small Date Bronze Penny. While typical examples fetch up to $20,000, a recently revealed “perfect” specimen graded MS67RD achieved a staggering $300,000 valuation! Your infographic is the ultimate key to this modern rarity.
1982: The Year of 7 Pennies & Mint Chaos
This was the most complex production year in Lincoln Cent history. The U.S. Mint was mid-transition from 95% copper (3.11g) to copper-plated zinc (2.5g), creating 7 distinct varieties:
- Two Metals: Bronze vs. Zinc
- Two Date Sizes: Small Date vs. Large Date
- Two Mints: Philadelphia (no mintmark) & Denver (“D”)
Amid this confusion, Denver Mint employees made a monumental mistake—accidentally striking Small Date dies on bronze planchets.
The $300,000 “Perfect” Specimen
The Crown Jewel of 1982 Pennies
- The Discovery: A Denver Mint worker spotted one flawless Small Date bronze cent with blazing red luster during production. He secretly preserved it for 40+ years.
- The Grade: When finally submitted, PCGS graded it MS67RD—the highest-ever for this error.
- The Value: As the finest known example, top collectors would drive bids to $300,000+ at auction.
Key Fact: Normal uncirculated 1982-D Small Date bronze cents are $15,000-$20,000—but condition is EVERYTHING!
Your 4-Step Hunt Guide (Follow the Infographic!)
Step 1: Gather ALL 1982 Pennies
- Search rolls, jars, and collections—volume is key.
Step 2: Spot the SMALL DATE
- Focus on the “2” in the date:
- Small Date: Curved, delicate base
- Large Date: Thick, straight base (common)
Step 3: Find the “D” Mintmark
- Only Denver Mint errors command premium values.
Step 4: WEIGH IT! (The $300,000 Test)
- Digital scale required (0.01g precision):
- 2.5g = Common zinc (worth face value)
- 3.11g = RARE bronze error ($$$$$)
What to Do If You Find the “Heavy” One
Critical Steps:
- DO NOT CLEAN IT! (Even fingerprints can harm value.)
- Protect Immediately: Use cotton gloves; store in a coin holder.
- Get It Graded: Submit to PCGS or NGC (mandatory for authentication).
- Sell Smart: Contact:
- Heritage Auctions (HA.com)
- Stack’s Bowers (StacksBowers.com)
Start Your Hunt Tonight!
As of 7:21 PM Friday, countless 1982 pennies are hiding in spare change nationwide. Will YOU discover the next six-figure error?
Share your finds with us! 
Post clear photos + weight in our community for expert feedback.
Happy Hunting!
— The PennyVerse Team
“Turning everyday coins into extraordinary treasures!”
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