Could a 1982-D Lincoln Cent really be worth $200,000+? 
The answer is yes—if it’s the ultra-rare “Small Date” penny struck on a silver dime planchet.
This coin is a numismatic trifecta:
Wrong metal (silver instead of copper/zinc)
Wrong planchet size (dime blank instead of cent)
Rare die variety (the elusive 1982-D “Small Date”)
The result? A once-in-a-lifetime error coin that could rewrite Lincoln Cent history. Let’s break down why it’s so special, how it came to be, and what you can do to hunt for one.
1982: The Most Complicated Penny Year in U.S. History
The year 1982 was chaotic for U.S. coinage—making it the perfect breeding ground for minting errors.
- Two Compositions: 95% copper (3.11g) & copper-plated zinc (2.5g)
Two Date Styles: Large Date & Small Date
Two Mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark) & Denver (“D”)
In total, seven different business-strike varieties were released in just one year. With so much change happening, rare mistakes slipped through—and collectors have been chasing them ever since.
Famous Real Error: 1982-D Small Date in copper = worth $10,000–$20,000
Ultimate Rarity: 1982-D Small Date struck on a silver dime planchet = $200,000+ potential
Why the “Silver Small Date” Penny Could Be Worth $200,000+
This coin is legendary because it combines three separate rarities in one:
Wrong Metal – Struck on a 90% silver Roosevelt dime blank instead of copper/zinc.
Wrong Planchet Size – Smaller than a penny, with weak or incomplete rims.
Rare Die Variety – The elusive “Small Date” from Denver, already a valuable variety on its own.
Any one of these traits alone creates a collectible coin. Together? They form a world-class rarity capable of drawing aggressive six-figure bids at auction.
How to Check Your 1982 Pennies
Think you might have a jackpot coin? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather All 1982 Pennies
Use a digital scale with 0.01g accuracy. You’ll need it.
Step 2: Identify Small Date vs. Large Date
- Small Date → The “2” is slimmer with a low, gentle curve.
- Large Date → The “2” is thicker and bolder.
Side-by-side comparisons are best when learning this.
Step 3: Weigh Them
- 2.5g = Zinc (common)
- 3.11g = Copper (rare & valuable $10,000–$20,000)
- ~2.5g + silver color = Possible silver dime planchet error
Step 4: Check for Silver Anomalies
Look for:
- Bright silver color
- Slightly smaller diameter
- Weak or missing rim
These signs = potential six-figure treasure.
What to Do If You Find One
Do NOT clean it. Cleaning kills collector value.
Protect it. Store in an air-tite holder, handle by edges only.
Authenticate it. Submit to PCGS or NGC—top grading services.
Sell it right. For a six-figure coin, work with Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections to attract elite buyers.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed with This Error
A 1982-D Small Date struck on a silver dime planchet isn’t just an error—it’s a miracle of minting chaos. Its sheer improbability, combined with its jaw-dropping visual contrast, makes it one of the most desirable modern U.S. coins imaginable.
Even the standard 1982-D Small Date in copper has sold for $20,000+. Imagine what a certified silver strike could do—some experts predict $200,000 or more at auction in mint state.
Start Your Treasure Hunt Today!
Thousands of 1982 pennies are sitting in jars, drawers, and rolls across America. Could one of them hold the next six-figure discovery?
Here’s your checklist:
- Grab a scale
- Grab a magnifier
- Start inspecting
Found something interesting?
Send us clear photos and the coin’s weight—we’ll provide a free preliminary review!
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