You might be just one coin away from owning a penny worth $15,000—or even more! 🪙 The 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent is one of the most sought-after modern coin rarities, and it could be hiding in your pocket change, jars, or old rolls.
Recently, one of these rare pennies sold for over $18,000 at auction. Why? It’s all about a specific combination of year, mint mark, weight, and date style. Here’s how to check if you have one.
1️⃣ Year & Mint Mark
Look for 1982 with a “D” mint mark (for Denver) right under the date. If your coin is 1982-D, you’re on the right track! ✅
2️⃣ Weight
Use a precise digital scale:
- Copper cents: 3.1 grams
- Zinc cents: 2.5 grams
The rare 1982-D Small Date Copper penny weighs 3.1 grams. ⚖️
3️⃣ Small Date vs. Large Date
The date style is the key to spotting this valuable penny. Most collectors get confused here, so pay close attention! 👀
A. The “2” in the Date
- Large Date (Not Valuable): Thicker “2” with a tighter curve
- Small Date (Valuable): Thinner “2” with a delicate curve
B. Alignment of the “9” and “1”
- Large Date: Top of “9” sits slightly above “1”
- Small Date: “9” sits slightly below “1”
C. “WE” in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Large Date: “W” and “E” are thicker and bolder
- Small Date: “W” and “E” appear thinner and lighter
🔥 Why It’s Valuable
In 1982, the U.S. Mint was switching from copper to zinc cents. The 1982-D Small Date Copper was never supposed to exist, making it an accidental minting error. Only a few are known to exist—and collectors pay top dollar for them. 💎’
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