At first glance, a 1982-D penny looks ordinary… but a rare transitional error variety is worth $10,000+ today. With only 5–10 confirmed examples, this coin is one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents in U.S. history. 🪙✨
🚨 Why Is This Penny So Valuable?
This rare error combines three critical features:
✔️ 1982-D (Denver Mint mark)
✔️ Small Date variety (not the common large date)
✔️ Bronze composition (95% copper, instead of zinc)
📈 Record Sales:
- $10,000+ for MS63 Red examples
- $8,400 for AU55 grade
- Only a handful of coins are known to exist
🔍 Step-by-Step Identification Guide
1️⃣ Check the Date & Mint Mark
- Must be 1982-D
- Small Date markers:
➤ The “2” is thinner and slightly curved
➤ The “8” has smaller loops
➤ The “9” has a straight tail - ❌ Large Date examples are common and worth face value
2️⃣ Perform the Weight Test
- Bronze (valuable): 3.11g
- Zinc (common): 2.5g
- Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01g
3️⃣ Check the Metal Composition
- Bronze: Copper-red edge, rings with a clear tone when dropped
- Zinc: Grayish edge, dull “clink” sound
💵 Current Market Value (2024 Prices)
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| MS-64+ Red | $20,000+ 🚀 |
⚠️ Authentication Tips
Because this penny is so valuable, counterfeits exist. Here’s how to protect yourself:
✔️ Beware of Altered Coins – Some zinc cents are copper-plated to mimic bronze.
✔️ Always Verify Weight & Sound – Bronze = heavier & rings true.
✔️ Professional Grading – PCGS or NGC certification adds credibility and boosts resale by 30–50%.
✔️ Compare to Known Examples – Check PCGS CoinFacts photos before buying or selling.
💡 Grading fees ($50–$100) are worth the investment.
🏦 Where to Sell a 1982-D Small Date Bronze Penny
- Heritage Auctions – Best for high-value coins
- Stack’s Bowers – Specializes in error rarities
- GreatCollections – Trusted for certified coins
- Private Treaty Sales – For discreet, high-end deals
📌 Pro Tip: Always grade your coin before selling — authentication increases both trust and final price.
🔎 Could More Exist? (Collector Strategies)
If only a few are known… could more be hiding? Yes! Here’s how to hunt:
✔️ Search Old Bank Rolls – Focus on 1980s rolls from Denver.
✔️ Check Inherited Collections – Many collectors unknowingly saved these.
✔️ Use Proper Tools – Precision scale, 10x magnifier, metal composition tester.
📚 Historical Context
1982 was a transition year for U.S. pennies:
- Early 1982 cents were 95% bronze (3.11g).
- Later 1982 cents switched to zinc (2.5g).
- A few Denver-minted small date pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets.
- This error makes them far rarer than the 1982-D Large Date bronze.
💡 Free Resources from PennyVerse.info
✔️ Downloadable 1982-D Identification Guide
✔️ Video Tutorial: How to Spot Small Date vs. Large Date
✔️ Updated Error Coin Values Database
✔️ Free Preliminary Evaluations – Upload your photos for expert feedback
👉 Think you’ve found one? Submit your coin for a free initial review today.
🔥 Final Word: Don’t ignore your 1982 pennies — one small date bronze cent could be your $10,000+ treasure.
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