One of the most legendary modern coin errors is the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent — a penny that has sold for $15,000 to nearly $20,000 at auction. But spotting one isn’t as simple as looking at the year. You need several specific features lined up.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to identifying the real deal.
🔎 Step 1: Check the Date – Must Be 1982
Look at the year. If it doesn’t say 1982, it’s not the coin.
But 1982 had multiple varieties — so keep going.
🏛 Step 2: Look for the Denver Mint Mark (“D”)
Right under the date, you should see a “D” mint mark.
- ✅ With “D” = possible candidate
- ❌ No mint mark or “P” = not the rare one
⚖️ Step 3: Weigh the Coin (Copper vs. Zinc)
Grab a digital coin scale.
- 3.1 grams = Copper (the valuable version) ✅
- 2.5 grams = Zinc (common, not valuable) ❌
👉 In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc, and only a few copper Small Date Denver pennies slipped through.
🔍 Step 4: Identify Small Date vs. Large Date
This is where most collectors get tripped up.
- Small Date (Rare) ✅
- “Liberty” letters look thinner and sharper.
- The “2” in 1982 sits slightly higher and further from the rim.
- Large Date (Common) ❌
- Letters look thicker.
- The “2” sits lower and closer to the rim.
💡 Pro tip: Compare your coin to clear side-by-side images online until you’re confident.
💰 Real Value of the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
Condition and certification matter, but here’s what collectors have paid:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Mint State (Uncirculated) | $12,000 – $18,000+ |
| Auction Record | $18,800 (PCGS-certified) |
🧾 How to Sell One Safely
- Don’t clean the coin – cleaning destroys value.
- Handle carefully – use gloves or touch only the edges.
- Get it certified – send to PCGS or NGC.
- Certification protects against fakes and ensures top dollar.
For a coin this rare, certification can be the difference between a $10 penny and a $15,000 payday.
✨ Final Thoughts
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny is one of the holy grails of modern coin collecting. To recap, the valuable version must have all three key traits:
✅ 1982 date
✅ Denver Mint Mark (“D”)
✅ Small Date, weighing 3.1g (copper)
Check every 1982 penny you find — your spare change could hide a fortune.
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