he thumbnail you provided highlights the 1982-D Lincoln Penny as a potentially valuable coin, suggesting it could be worth a lot of money, possibly up to $1 million.
The specific variety of the 1982-D Lincoln Penny that is highly sought after and commands significant value is the Small Date Copper (or Bronze) variety.
Here is what makes it rare and valuable:
- Year and Mint Mark: It must have the date 1982 and the “D” mint mark (for Denver).
- Composition/Weight: 1982 was a transitional year when the U.S. Mint changed the penny’s composition from a heavier 95% copper alloy (approx. 3.11 grams) to a lighter copper-plated zinc core (approx. 2.5 grams) due to the rising price of copper. The extremely rare variety is the one struck on the old, heavier copper planchet.
- Date Style: It must be the Small Date variety, which is distinguishable from the more common Large Date style by the appearance of the numbers.
Key Valuable Variety:
- 1982-D Small Date Copper/Bronze Penny: This is considered a transitional error because the Denver Mint was supposed to be striking the small date pennies on the new zinc planchets. Very few of these copper small date errors from Denver are known to exist.
- Value: Authenticated, high-grade examples have sold at auction for over $10,000 to as much as $18,800 or more. The “Small Date Copper” from the Philadelphia Mint (no “D” mint mark) is also valuable in high grades, but the Denver “D” mint mark variety is the more famous and rarer error.
Common Varieties:
Most 1982-D pennies are the common varieties and are worth little more than face value, especially if circulated:
- 1982-D Large Date Copper (approx. 3.11g)
- 1982-D Large Date Zinc (approx. 2.5g)
- 1982-D Small Date Zinc (approx. 2.5g)
If you have a 1982-D Penny, you must:
- Determine the Date Style: Is it a Large Date or Small Date? (The small date has a smaller top loop on the ‘8’ and a more curved ‘2’).
- Determine the Composition: Weigh the coin on a sensitive jeweler’s scale. The rare copper variety will weigh about 3.11 grams. The common zinc varieties weigh about 2.5 grams.
If you believe you have the rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny, it should be authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
