Tonight, as we wind down another Friday here in Los Angeles, we’re spotlighting one of the rarest and most valuable modern Lincoln Cents ever rumored—the 1982-D “Small Date” penny struck on a silver dime planchet.
This coin is a numismatic trifecta, combining three extraordinary errors into one legendary strike—and estimates suggest it could fetch over $200,000 at auction. Let’s break down why this coin is so special, how it came to be, and how you might find one.
1982: The Most Complicated Penny Year in U.S. History
The year 1982 was a turning point for the Lincoln Cent:
- Two Compositions: 95% copper (3.11g) and copper-plated zinc (2.5g)
- Two Date Styles: “Large Date” and “Small Date”
- Two Mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D”)
In total, seven distinct varieties of business-strike pennies were released. With all these changes in play, errors were inevitable—and in some cases, incredibly valuable.
Most famous real error: 1982-D Small Date in copper — worth up to $20,000
The ultimate rarity: 1982-D Small Date struck on a silver dime planchet — potentially $200,000+
The $200,000 “Silver Small Date” Penny: A Numismatic Trifecta
This coin combines three ultra-rare traits into one spectacular error:
1. Wrong Metal
- Instead of copper or zinc, the coin was struck on a 90% silver planchet intended for Roosevelt dimes.
2. Wrong Planchet Size
- The smaller dime-sized blank was incorrectly fed into a penny coining press, producing a coin with a slightly smaller diameter and weak or missing rim.
3. Rare Die Variety
- The obverse features the elusive “Small Date” from the Denver Mint—already the basis of one of the most valuable Lincoln Cent varieties.
Why It’s Worth $200,000+
A coin with one of these errors is collectible. A coin with all three is a world-class rarity. Such a coin would become a trophy piece for top collectors, capable of drawing headlines and aggressive six-figure bids at auction.
How to Identify a Valuable 1982 Penny
Step 1: Sort All Your 1982 Pennies
Gather them up—every single one. You’ll need a digital scale that measures to at least 0.01g precision.
Step 2: Distinguish Between Small Date vs. Large Date
Examine the “2” in 1982:
- Small Date: Slender “2” with a low, gentle curve
- Large Date: Thicker “2” with a taller, bolder diagonal
Learn the difference using verified reference images or side-by-side comparisons.
Step 3: Weigh Your “1982-D Small Date” Pennies
This is where the treasure hunt gets real:
- 2.5g = Zinc (common)
- 3.11g = Copper (rare, $10,000–$20,000)
- ~2.5g + silver color = Off-metal silver dime error
Step 4: Scan for Silver Anomalies
Look closely for any 1982 penny that appears bright silver in color.
- Tell-tale signs:
- Brilliant silver tone
- Slightly smaller diameter than a normal penny
- Weak or incomplete rim
This coin, if genuine, would be a true once-in-a-lifetime error.
What to Do If You Find a Potential Miracle Penny
DO NOT CLEAN IT
Never clean rare coins. Cleaning destroys surface integrity and drastically reduces value.
PROTECT IT
- Store the coin in a non-PVC plastic flip or air-tite holder
- Handle only by the edges to avoid fingerprints or oils
AUTHENTICATE IT
Submit to a top-tier grading service:
- PCGS or NGC are essential for confirmation
- They will verify the error, assign a grade, and make your coin marketable to serious buyers
SELL IT PROPERLY
For coins of this magnitude, work with:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- GreatCollections
These auction houses specialize in high-profile numismatic rarities and attract elite global collectors.
Why This Error Captures Collector Imagination
A 1982-D Small Date struck on a silver dime planchet is not just an error—it’s a miracle of minting chaos. Its sheer improbability, combined with its stunning visual contrast, makes it one of the most desirable modern coins imaginable.
Even a verified copper 1982-D Small Date sells for $10,000+—imagine what a certified silver version would fetch. Some experts believe it could exceed $200,000 at auction, especially in mint state condition.
Join the Treasure Hunt — Los Angeles & Beyond!
As of 7:12 PM in L.A., thousands of 1982 pennies are sitting untouched in drawers, jars, and coin rolls across the country. Could one of them hold the next legendary error?
Now’s the time to:
- Grab your scale
- Grab your magnifier
- Start inspecting
Found Something Interesting?
Think you have a 1982-D Small Date in copper, or maybe even the elusive silver strike?
Submit clear photos and coin weight to our team for a free preliminary evaluation!
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Your six-figure discovery may be closer than you think. Good luck—and happy hunting from all of us at PennyVerse.info!
