We’re obsessed with uncovering coins that turn pocket change into jaw-dropping fortunes. The 1982-D Lincoln Memorial cent looks ordinary—but hidden among these pennies is one of the rarest modern U.S. mint errors ever discovered. Collectors believe this coin could command $500,000 or more at auction. Could yours be the next jackpot? Let’s break down exactly how to find out.
Why 1982 Changed Everything for Pennies
- Composition Shift:
In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched mid-year from 95% copper (3.11g) to copper-plated zinc (2.5g) due to rising copper prices. - Multiple Varieties:
This created 8 distinct types — mixing mintmarks, Small Date vs. Large Date, and two different metals. - The Critical Error:
A few 1982-D Small Date pennies were mistakenly struck on the old copper planchets instead of zinc.
This ultra-rare coin is what every serious penny hunter wants.
The Legendary 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
- What It Is: A Denver-minted 1982 Small Date penny struck on a copper planchet (~3.11g).
- How Rare: Fewer than 20 confirmed examples known worldwide.
- Value Potential: Condition-dependent, but experts estimate $500,000+ for a top-grade specimen.
How to Spot the 1982-D Small Date Copper (3 Simple Steps)
Step 1 — Mintmark & Date Style
- Look for a “D” mintmark under the date.
- Identify the Small Date:
- “2” is thin with a flat top curve.
- “9” sits slightly below the “1.”
- The “WE” in “IN GOD WE TRUST” looks thin.
- Large Date coins have a thicker “2,” higher “9,” and thicker “WE.”
Step 2 — Weigh It Precisely
- Use a digital scale with at least 0.01g precision.
- Zinc penny: ~2.50g (±0.10g)
- Copper penny: ~3.11g (±0.13g) — Jackpot weight!
Step 3 — Quick Magnet Test
- Both copper and zinc pennies are non-magnetic.
- This test rules out steel but won’t confirm copper vs. zinc.
Condition Makes All the Difference
| Condition | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | Thousands of dollars |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | Significant value jump |
| MS-63 | Lower six figures |
| MS-65+ | Record-breaking prices |
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t Clean It! Cleaning can destroy tens of thousands in value.
- Get it graded professionally by PCGS or NGC — crucial for top-dollar sales.
- Sell through premier auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers for the best results.
Warning: Beware of Fakes!
- This coin is heavily counterfeited—only trust certified examples.
- Always compare your coin to high-resolution images of verified specimens.
- Use magnification (10x–20x loupe or microscope) to inspect details carefully.
Market Snapshot (2025)
- Ultra-rare 1982-D Small Date Coppers dominate coin auction headlines.
- Prices keep rising due to skyrocketing collector demand.
Join the Hunt!
At PennyVerse.info, we offer:
- Free weekly rare coin alerts
- Live identification workshops
- Access to the rare coin database
- Free preliminary coin evaluations by experts
Think you’ve found a 1982-D Small Date Copper? Send us clear photos plus the exact weight—we’ll help confirm if you’ve struck a half-million-dollar treasure.
