If you love coin treasures hiding in ordinary pocket change, this is one of the most incredible discoveries ever.
A genuine 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny sold for $398,000, making it one of the most valuable modern Lincoln cents in history.
Only 5–10 authenticated examples exist — meaning the next one could still be out there. And yes, one might even be in your coin jar.
Let’s break down exactly how to identify this legendary rarity.
🕵️♂️ Why the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny Is Worth Nearly $400,000
1982 was the transition year when the U.S. Mint switched from solid copper (3.11g) to copper-plated zinc (2.5g).
Denver was not supposed to mint any copper cents after the change.
But a small number of leftover copper planchets accidentally made it into the presses — creating one of the rarest modern mint errors ever documented.
These copper 1982-D Small Date coins were never intended to exist, which is why collectors consider them a true “holy grail.”
🔍 Step-by-Step Identification Guide
Follow these steps carefully to see if your penny is the real deal.
1️⃣ Check the Date Style (Small Date Format)
Look at the shape of the “2”:
✔ The base of the 2 is thin and softly curved, not thick and flat.
✔ The numbers appear slightly lighter and more delicate overall.
2️⃣ Look for the “D” Mintmark
A small “D” under the date confirms it was struck at the Denver Mint.
3️⃣ Check the Color and Surface
✔ Genuine copper shows a warm, reddish tone
✔ Zinc pennies are lighter and often show plating bubbles
4️⃣ Verify the Size and Specs
| Feature | Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11g | True copper (rare) |
| Diameter | 19.05mm | Standard Lincoln cent |
| Magnetic? | No | Copper is non-magnetic |
🧲 If your coin weighs 2.5g, it’s zinc — not the rare one.
💰 Updated 2024–2025 Value Guide (PCGS-Certified)
Here is what high-grade verified examples are selling for:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-67 RD | Bright red, near perfect | $250,000 – $398,000 |
| MS-65 RD | Light marks | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| AU-55 | Light wear | $25,000 – $50,000 |
📌 All known examples are PCGS or NGC certified.
🔬 4-Step Authentication Checklist
Do this before assuming your coin is worth six figures:
1️⃣ Weigh the Coin
Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01g.
• 3.11g = copper (possible treasure!)
• 2.5g = zinc (common penny)
2️⃣ Magnet Test
Copper is never magnetic. If the coin sticks → fake.
3️⃣ Examine the Date Shape
Confirm the rare Small Date style.
4️⃣ Send for Professional Grading
Submit to:
• PCGS (recommended)
• NGC
🧾 Only certified coins achieve top auction prices.
🏛 Why Collectors Pay Nearly $400,000 for This Coin
✔ Ultra-Rare Minting Error – Denver should not have struck any copper cents in 1982
✔ End of an Era – Last true copper Lincoln cents
✔ Only 5–10 Known – Extremely limited population
✔ Massive Collector Demand – Modern errors are booming in value
This combination of rarity + history + mistake makes it one of the most desirable modern U.S. coins.
⚠️ Critical Warnings for Collectors
🚫 Plated Forgeries: Many fake versions are made by copper-plating a zinc 1982-D penny.
🚫 Wrong Weight: Anything not exactly 3.11g is not the rare copper version.
🚫 Uncertified Listings: Never buy raw 1982-D copper pennies online without PCGS/NGC paperwork.
🧠 Even a tiny deviation in weight means the coin is not authentic.
💼 Where to Sell a Genuine $398,000 Penny
If you discover a real one, contact serious auction houses only:
🏦 Heritage Auctions – Leading rare-coin auctioneer
🏛 Stack’s Bowers Galleries – Specialists in mint-error coins
🤝 Private Numismatic Collectors – Top-tier offers for high grades
With so few known examples, collectors compete aggressively to acquire one.
🧠 Quick Summary: What to Remember
✔ Weight must be 3.11g
✔ Must be Small Date version
✔ Must show D mintmark
✔ Must be authenticated by PCGS/NGC
✔ Only 5–10 known — ultra rare
This coin is the definition of a modern treasure.
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