Most pennies are worth just one cent, but the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent is no ordinary coin. With a record auction price of $398,000, it’s considered the holy grail of modern U.S. coin collecting—even rarer than the legendary 1943 copper penny. 🪙✨
Here’s the ultimate collector’s guide to this incredible modern rarity.
📜 Historical Significance & Rarity
1982 was a transition year for U.S. pennies:
- 🪙 Composition Change: Switched from 95% copper (3.11g) to copper-coated zinc (2.5g)
- 🏭 Denver Mint Error: A few leftover copper planchets were mistakenly struck
- 🔎 Extreme Rarity: Only 3 confirmed examples exist today (fewer than the 1943 copper cent!)
👉 Why It’s Pricier Than the 1943 Copper Penny:
✔ Small Date variety (scarce on its own)
✔ Denver “D” mintmark (unique to this issue)
✔ All known coins are in Mint State condition
🔍 How to Identify a 1982-D Small Date Copper Cent
Here’s what sets it apart from regular zinc cents:
| Feature | Rare 1982-D Copper | Regular 1982 Zinc |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11g (±0.05g) | 2.5g |
| Date Style | Small Date (straight base “2”) | Large Date common |
| Mintmark | “D” under date | “D” under date |
| Edge | Solid copper | Zinc core visible |
| Sound Test | Deep ringing tone | Dull “clink” |
📌 Tip: Use a digital scale (0.01g accuracy) and a 10x magnifier to confirm details.
📈 Auction Prices & Market Value
Only 3 confirmed examples are known:
- MS65BN → PCGS → Private Collection
- MS64RD → NGC → Smithsonian Institution
- MS63RB → ANACS → Legend Numismatics
💵 Record Sale: $398,000 (PCGS MS65BN, 2017)
📊 Value Trend:
- 2010 → $112,500
- 2017 → $398,000
- 2030 (projection) → $750,000+
🪙 Where Could More Be Hiding?
Collectors and dealers believe 5–10 coins may still exist. Here’s where to check:
- Original 1982-D penny rolls (especially early Denver batches)
- Old bank coin bags ($50 face value)
- Estate collections with untouched 1980s sets
👉 Last known discovery: Found in a Minnesota bank roll in 2009.
✅ Authentication Protocol
To confirm if your coin is genuine:
- ⚖️ Weigh it (must be 3.11g copper)
- 🔍 Verify “Small Date” diagnostics
- 🧪 XRF test for copper content
- 🪙 Inspect edges (no zinc layer)
- 📦 Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification
❌ Red Flags:
- Weight under 3.05g
- Plated zinc coins (showing worn spots)
- Altered or fake mintmarks
💎 Investment Potential
Why values keep climbing:
- Ultra-low confirmed population
- Huge demand for transitional errors
- Registry set competition driving bidding wars
Best places to sell:
- 🏦 Heritage Auctions (record setters)
- 🪙 Stack’s Bowers (modern rarities)
- 👑 Legend Rare Coin Auctions (exclusive sales)
💡 Pro Tip: Request PCGS TrueView imaging for maximum exposure at auction.
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