🪙 A Modern Coin Rarer Than the 1943 Bronze Cent
Imagine finding a modern penny worth nearly $400,000 in your change jar. Sounds unreal, right? But that’s exactly what happened with the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent — one of the rarest U.S. coins ever discovered.
With only three confirmed examples and a record auction price of $398,000, this small copper coin has become the holy grail of modern Lincoln cents.
Let’s uncover what makes it so special and how you can tell if you’ve found one.
🏛️ Why This Coin Is So Valuable
🔄 The 1982 Metal Composition Change
In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from 95% copper coins to zinc-core coins to save money.
During the transition, several varieties were produced:
- 🔹 Large Date vs. Small Date
- 🔹 Copper vs. Zinc
But in Denver, a rare mistake occurred — a few small date coins were struck on leftover copper planchets, creating the ultra-rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny.
📊 Known Specimens (So Far)
Only three genuine coins have been confirmed by grading services like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS — making it even rarer than the 1943 Bronze Cent, of which about 10–15 exist.
| Grade | Service | Owner/Institution |
|---|---|---|
| MS65BN | PCGS | Private Collector |
| MS64RD | NGC | Smithsonian Institution |
| MS63RB | ANACS | Legend Numismatics |
💸 Record Sale: $398,000 (PCGS MS65BN, 2017)
💡 All known coins are in Mint State condition (never circulated).
🔍 How to Identify a Real 1982-D Copper Small Date Penny
🧾 Diagnostic Comparison
| Feature | 1982-D Copper (Rare) | 1982-D Zinc (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11g (±0.05g) | 2.5g |
| Composition | 95% Copper | Zinc core, copper-plated |
| Date Style | Small Date | Mostly Large Date |
| Edge | Solid copper | May show zinc line |
| Sound | Deep, solid ring | Dull, tin-like clink |
🔎 Spotting the Small Date
- The “2” in the date has a flat base (not curved).
- The “8” has even, symmetrical loops.
- Use a 10x magnifier to compare with reference images online.
🧭 Where You Might Find One
Your best chances include:
- 🏦 1982-D original mint rolls (especially early ones)
- 💰 Bank penny bags ($50 face value)
- 🧳 Estate collections or old coin jars from the 1980s
📍 Last known discovery: 2009, found in a Minnesota bank roll!
Experts believe 5–10 examples total may exist — meaning another could still be out there waiting to be found.
🧪 How to Authenticate Your 1982-D Copper Penny
Follow these verification steps before getting excited:
- ⚖️ Weigh it carefully: Must read 3.11g (±0.05g)
- 🔍 Check the date: Ensure it’s a small date
- 🔬 Metal test: Use XRF analysis to confirm 95% copper
- 🔄 Inspect the edge: No zinc core showing
- 🏛️ Submit to PCGS or NGC for professional grading
🚫 Fake Alert: Common Counterfeits
Watch out for these red flags:
❌ Weight under 3.05g (means it’s zinc)
❌ Visible plating wear or bubbles
❌ Altered mintmark or reshaped “2”
❌ Over-polished coins pretending to be copper
📈 Investment Potential — A Rising Star in Numismatics
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $112,500 |
| 2017 | $398,000 |
| 2030 (est.) | $750,000+ |
Why It Keeps Rising:
✅ Incredibly low population
✅ Historical “transitional error” appeal
✅ High collector demand for Lincoln cent sets
🏦 Where to Sell or Auction Your Coin
If you’re lucky enough to own one, sell through trusted auction houses:
- Heritage Auctions 🏅 (record-setting sales)
- Stack’s Bowers 💼 (rare U.S. coin specialists)
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions 💎 (private treaty experts)
💡 Pro Tip: Request PCGS TrueView™ imaging — it helps attract serious buyers and premium bids!
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