The Holy Grail: The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
The biggest shock to hit the pocket change market involves the 1982-D Small Date Copper penny.
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The Error: In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from copper (3.11g) to zinc (2.50g). It was long believed that no “Small Date” varieties were struck in copper at the Denver (D) mint.
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Discovery: Only a handful of these transitional errors have been confirmed by professional grading services like PCGS and NGC.
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Value: Examples have sold for between $10,000 and over $25,000 at major auctions.
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How to check: You must weigh the coin. A rare copper one will weigh 3.11 grams, while the common zinc version weighs 2.5 grams.
Top 1980s Penny Errors & Varieties
Beyond the legendary 1982-D, several other pennies from the 1980s command high premiums from collectors.
1. 1980 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
The 1980 Philadelphia penny has a well-known doubling error, specifically the FS-101 variety.
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What to look for: Visible doubling on the date “1980,” the word “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
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Value: Circulated examples can fetch $50 to $100, while high-grade uncirculated versions have reached over $700.
2. High-Grade Condition Rarities
Because pennies were minted in the billions, finding one in “perfect” condition is extremely rare.
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1980 MS-68 RD: A regular 1980 penny with no errors but graded MS-68 by PCGS (nearly flawless) is valued at approximately $8,000.
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1980 MS-67+ RD: One specimen in this high grade sold for $2,233 at auction.
3. Off-Center Strikes and Wrong Planchet Errors
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Off-Center Strike: This happens when the coin isn’t centered in the press, leaving a blank crescent. A 50% off-center strike with a visible date can be worth $200 or more.
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Wrong Planchet: Occasionally, a 1980 penny was struck on a dime blank, resulting in a silver-colored, smaller coin. These can sell for $100 to $2,500 depending on the condition.
1980s Penny Value Market Report
| Year / Mint | Feature | Condition | Estimated Value |
| 1982-D | Small Date Copper | Any | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| 1980 (P) | MS-68 Grade | Uncirculated | $8,000 |
| 1982 (P) | Small Date Zinc | MS-67+ | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 1980 (P) | Doubled Die (DDO) | MS-65 | $715 |
| 1980-D | Repunched Mint Mark | Mint State | $50+ |
3 Steps to Check Your 1980s Change
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Check the Date and Mint Mark: Look for the 1982-D specifically, as well as doubling on any 1980 penny.
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Weigh Your 1982 Pennies: Use a digital scale that measures to at least two decimal places. If it’s a 1982-D Small Date and weighs 3.11 grams, stop what you’re doing and get it authenticated.
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Inspect with a Loupe: Use a 10x magnifying glass to look for “shadow” lettering on the words “LIBERTY” and the date.
Would you like me to show you a comparison photo of a “Small Date” vs. a “Large Date” so you know exactly what to look for?
