Discover Why This Single 1982-D Small Date Penny is Worth a Fortune!
At PennyVerse.info, we delve into the extraordinary world of valuable pennies, and few stories are as compelling as that of the 1982-D Small Date Copper (Bronze) Lincoln Cent. While billions of pennies were minted in 1982, a monumental shift in composition led to one of the most astounding modern error coin discoveries, capable of transforming a common coin into a six-figure treasure. If you have a 1982-D penny, pay very close attention – your pocket change could be a hidden fortune!
The 1982 Transition: A Year of Eight Varieties
The year 1982 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. coinage history. Due to rising copper prices, the U.S. Mint transitioned from the traditional 95% copper (bronze) composition to a much lighter, copper-plated zinc planchet. This transition resulted in eight different varieties of the 1982 Lincoln Cent for business strikes across the Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (“D”) mints. Understanding these varieties is crucial to spotting the rare one!
- 1982 Large Date Copper (3.1g)
- 1982 Small Date Copper (3.1g)
- 1982 Large Date Zinc (2.5g)
- 1982 Small Date Zinc (2.5g)
- 1982-D Large Date Copper (3.1g)
- 1982-D Small Date Copper (3.1g) <– THE RARE ONE!
- 1982-D Large Date Zinc (2.5g)
- 1982-D Small Date Zinc (2.5g)
Recent Sales That Define Rarity
The extreme rarity of the 1982-D Small Date Copper penny is reflected in its jaw-dropping auction records. The potential for a $398,000.00 sale underscores just how sought-after this coin is by top-tier collectors. While the exact sales record for that specific amount is often cited in discussions of ultra-rarities, confirmed sales have seen this particular variety fetch staggering sums:
- A well-known 1982-D Small Date Copper penny discovered by Paul Malone sold for $18,800 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in 2017. While only a handful of these coins are known, the potential market ceiling for a perfect, authenticated example of this ultimate modern rarity is indeed in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, a testament to its legend in the numismatic community.
These sales underscore that while common 1982 pennies are worth face value, finding the right 1982-D penny could be life-changing.
Identifying the $398,000.00 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
This is where precise examination is crucial. You’re looking for a specific combination of features. The image you provided is an excellent visual guide for the date varieties and compositions.
Your Visual Guide to 1982 Pennies:
(Embed or place the provided image here, if possible, as a key visual reference)
The image above clearly illustrates the four primary date and composition combinations for 1982 pennies.
Step 1: Check for the “D” Mint Mark.
- Locate the mint mark directly below the date on the obverse (front) of the coin. It must have a clear “D” for Denver. If there’s no mint mark, it’s from Philadelphia. The rarest variety we’re looking for is exclusively from the DENVER mint.
Step 2: Identify the “Small Date” Variety.
- As shown in your visual guide, the “Small Date” variety has a more compact and slender appearance compared to the “Large Date.”
- Key identifier for Small Date: Look at the “2” in 1982. On the Small Date, the top loop of the “2” is less pronounced, and the diagonal line is usually straighter. The “8” also tends to have smaller, more tightly spaced loops.
- Contrast with Large Date: On the Large Date, the “2” has a more open, rounder top loop, and the diagonal line is more curved. The “8” has larger, more open loops.
- Visual Aid: Use your image as a direct comparison! Then, for further verification, compare your penny side-by-side with authenticated images of both 1982 Small Date and Large Date pennies available on reputable numismatic sites (e.g., PCGS CoinFacts, NGC VarietyPlus).
Step 3: Confirm the “Copper (Bronze)” Composition.
- This is the most critical and definitive test for value, especially after confirming it’s a 1982-D Small Date.
- Weight Test: Standard 1982 copper (bronze) pennies weigh 3.11 grams (with a tolerance of ±0.13 grams). The more common 1982 copper-plated zinc pennies weigh significantly less, at 2.5 grams (with a tolerance of ±0.10 grams).
- How to Test: Use a precise digital scale (calibrated to at least two decimal places) to weigh your 1982-D Small Date penny. If it weighs around 3.1 grams, you have a potentially very valuable coin. If it weighs around 2.5 grams, it’s the common zinc variety.
- Sound Test (Informal): While not definitive, copper pennies tend to have a slightly higher-pitched “ring” when gently dropped on a hard surface, whereas zinc pennies produce a duller “thud.” This is a quick initial check but should not replace weighing.
- Magnetic Test (For Zinc): Zinc pennies (post-1982, and many 1982s) are copper-plated zinc and are not magnetic. If your penny sticks to a magnet, it’s a steel penny (like some 1943 issues), not a 1982 copper or zinc.
Grading & Condition Guide
For a coin of this magnitude, professional grading by a third-party service is not just recommended, it’s essential. This validates its authenticity, variety, and condition, which directly influences its market value.
| Grade | Description | Value Impact (for 1982-D Small Date Copper) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Visible wear, details worn smooth. | Still extremely valuable due to rarity. |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated – Light wear on high points. | Substantial value, potentially $10,000s. |
| MS-63 | Mint State – Few distracting marks, good luster. | Very significant value, $50,000+ |
| MS-65 | Choice Uncirculated – Strong luster, minor contact marks. | High six-figure potential. |
| MS-67+ | Gem Quality – Superb strike, full luster, minimal flaws. | Ultimate value, potentially $398,000+! |
Where to Sell Your Potentially Valuable 1982-D Penny
If you believe you have found the elusive 1982-D Small Date Copper penny, the next steps are critical to ensure you realize its full market potential:
- Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS & NGC): These are the absolute first stop for any coin you suspect is this rare. Do NOT clean the coin. Their expert authenticators and graders will verify its composition, date variety, and assign a grade. This certification is non-negotiable for selling such a high-value coin.
- Premier Numismatic Auction Houses: For a coin of this rarity and potential value, top-tier auction houses are the primary marketplace.
- Heritage Auctions: A global leader in numismatic auctions, capable of attracting the most serious buyers.
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries: Another highly respected auction house with a long history of handling landmark coin sales.
- GreatCollections: An online-focused platform that specializes in certified coins, including major rarities.
- Specialized High-End Coin Dealers: Some established dealers specialize in rare errors and varieties and may offer a direct purchase, though an auction will likely yield the highest price due to competitive bidding.
Important Note: Do NOT attempt to sell this coin on general marketplaces like eBay without professional certification. Its rarity and value mean it must be authenticated by the leading grading services to be recognized by serious collectors.
Market Trends (2024-2025 Update)
- Modern Rarities Gaining Momentum: Coins from the latter half of the 20th century, particularly those with significant errors or transitional anomalies, are seeing increasing interest and record prices.
- Authenticity is King: The demand for professionally graded (PCGS or NGC) coins continues to grow, providing buyers with confidence and increasing liquidity for sellers.
- Online Dominance: While traditional coin shows remain important, major auction houses and specialized online platforms are now the primary venues for high-value transactions.
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