A One-Cent Coin That Sold for $340,000?!
It sounds unbelievable — but it’s true. A 1982 Lincoln cent that looked just like any ordinary penny shocked collectors when it sold for a staggering $340,000 at auction. 
If you’ve got a handful of old pennies lying around, you might want to take a closer look — because this rare copper transitional error could be hiding in your pocket change.
Why the 1982 Penny Is So Valuable
In 1982, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of the Lincoln cent:
| Year | Composition | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1982 | 95% Copper |  3.11 grams |
| Post-1982 | Copper-plated Zinc | 2.5 grams |
During the switch, a few leftover copper planchets (blanks) accidentally got used to strike new pennies — creating one of the most famous minting mistakes in U.S. history.
These error coins look perfectly normal… but they’re secretly made of solid copper instead of zinc, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
Key Facts About the $340,000 1982 Penny
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Metal: Solid 95% copper
Grade: Mint State 67 Red (MS67RD)
Known Survivors: 5–10 examples
Auction Record: $340,000 (Heritage Auctions)
3 Easy Ways to Check Your 1982 Pennies
If you suspect you have one, here’s how to test it safely at home:
Weight Test
- 3.11g → Possible rare copper penny
- 2.5g → Regular zinc penny
Use a digital scale that measures to 0.01g accuracy.
Magnet Test 
- Copper does not stick to a magnet
- Zinc versions may show slight attraction due to impurities
Visual Inspection 
- Deep reddish-copper color (not dull or grayish)
- Smooth edges — no bubbling or flaking
- Sharp, well-defined date and lettering
Tip: Always examine under bright light or with a magnifying glass.
2024 Value Guide for 1982 Pennies
| Coin Type | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Planchet Error | MS60+ |  $10,000 – $340,000 |
| Double Die Obverse Error | AU50+ | $500 – $5,000 |
| Small Date Variety | Uncirculated | $5 – $50 |
| Normal Zinc Penny | Any | $0.01 |
Even lower-grade copper errors are worth thousands, so don’t overlook any 1982 pennies you come across!
How to Protect & Authenticate Your Find
Never clean your coin – even water can damage the surface
Handle only by the edges – use soft cotton gloves
Submit for grading – PCGS or NGC authentication adds massive value
Consult a reputable coin dealer before selling
Best Places to Sell a Rare 1982 Penny
If you think you’ve struck gold (or copper, in this case 
), contact one of these trusted marketplaces:
Heritage Auctions – world’s largest rare coin auctioneer- Stack’s Bowers Galleries – specialists in U.S. mint errors
GreatCollections – certified coin marketplace
Reputable error coin dealers – for appraisals and private sales
Final Word: Don’t Overlook 1982 Pennies
The 1982 transition created one of the most collectible Lincoln cents ever minted — a true modern treasure.
Check every 1982 penny you find. With a little luck (and a digital scale), you might uncover one of the few $340,000 copper errors still hiding in plain sight!
