A Modern Rarity Worth Nearly $400,000
Most pennies are worth a single cent… but the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent is no ordinary coin.
With one example selling for $398,000, it’s considered the holy grail of modern U.S. coinage — even rarer than the 1943 copper penny! 
Let’s explore what makes this legendary coin so valuable and how to tell if you have one hiding in your collection.
Step 1: Historical Background – The 1982 Transition
The year 1982 marked a major change in U.S. penny composition:
Before mid-1982: Pennies were made of 95% copper (weight ≈ 3.11 grams).
After mid-1982: Switched to copper-plated zinc (weight ≈ 2.5 grams).
At the Denver Mint, a small batch of leftover copper planchets was mistakenly fed into presses striking Small Date dies — creating one of the most mysterious modern mint errors ever produced.
Step 2: Why It’s Rarer Than the 1943 Copper Penny
Only 3 confirmed examples exist today (fewer than the 1943 copper cent!)
Unique combination: Small Date + “D” mintmark + copper planchet
Every known piece is in Mint State condition
Collectors and grading experts consider it the rarest Lincoln cent variety known.
Step 3: How to Identify a Genuine 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
| Feature | Rare 1982-D Copper (Small Date) | Regular 1982-D Zinc |
|---|---|---|
| Weight |  3.11 g ± 0.05 |
2.5 g |
| Date Style | Straight-base “2” (Small Date) | Curved “2” (Large Date) |
| Mintmark | “D” below date | “D” below date |
| Edge | Solid copper color | Zinc core visible |
| Sound Test | Deep ringing tone | Dull “clink” |
Pro Tip: Use a digital scale (to 0.01 g accuracy) and a 10× loupe for quick confirmation.
Step 4: Auction Results & Value Trend
Only three certified coins are confirmed:
- MS65BN → PCGS → Private Collection
- MS64RD → NGC → Smithsonian Institution
- MS63RB → ANACS → Legend Numismatics
Record Sale: $398,000 (PCGS MS65BN, 2017)
| Year | Market Value |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $112,500 |
| 2017 | $398,000 |
| 2030 (Projected) | $750,000 + |
Values have more than tripled in a decade — and demand keeps climbing.
Step 5: Where More Might Be Hiding
Experts believe 5–10 examples could still be out there. Search these places first:
Original 1982-D bank rolls (especially early Denver batches)
Old $50 penny bags from storage vaults
Estate coin collections from the 1980s
Last Discovery: Found in a Minnesota bank roll (2009).
Step 6: Authentication Checklist
Before sending your coin for grading, confirm these diagnostics:
Weight must read 3.11 g (no exceptions)
Small Date numerals (straight-based “2”)
Edge shows solid copper color, no zinc core
XRF metal test → 95% Cu, 5% Zn/Sn
Submit to PCGS or NGC for official certification
Red Flags:
- Weighs under 3.05 g
- Plated zinc coin (shows wear spots)
- Altered or added “D” mintmark
Step 7: Investment Outlook
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Cent is considered a blue-chip rarity in U.S. numismatics.
Why Values Keep Rising:
Ultra-low confirmed population
Huge collector demand for transitional errors
Registry-set competition among elite buyers
Best Auction Houses:
Heritage Auctions – record sales leader
Stack’s Bowers – modern error specialists
Legend Rare Coin Auctions – exclusive consignments
Pro Tip: Ask for PCGS TrueView imaging to attract top bidders and maximum exposure.
