Did you know one ordinary-looking 1982 Lincoln penny could be worth up to $300,000? 🪙 That’s right! Thanks to a rare minting error, some 1982 pennies are among the most valuable modern coins in U.S. history.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot the $300K Small Date Copper error, what varieties exist, and how to profit if you find one hiding in your pocket change.
📊 1982 Penny Value Chart (Key Varieties)
| Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Zinc Penny | 1¢ | $1 – $5 | – |
| Large Date Copper | $5 – $50 | $100 – $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Small Date Copper (RARE) | $10,000+ | $50,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | $50 – $500 | $1,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Transitional Errors | $200 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $50,000 | $72,000 |
👉 Fun Fact: Only 5 confirmed 1982 Small Date Copper pennies exist—making them even rarer than the legendary 1916-D Mercury Dime! 🤯
🔍 How to Identify the $300,000 Penny
1️⃣ Check the Date Style
- ✔ Small Date (Rare & Valuable):
– Compact, thin numbers
– The “2” has a flat top - ❌ Large Date (Common):
– Thick, bold numbers
– The “2” has a rounded top
2️⃣ Weigh the Coin ⚖
- 3.11g = Copper (RARE, potentially $300K!)
- 2.5g = Zinc (Common, only 1¢)
3️⃣ Look at the Mint Mark 📍
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): The only known Small Date Copper examples.
- “D” (Denver): Always Large Date (still collectible, but not $300K).
💎 Top 3 Most Valuable 1982 Pennies
1️⃣ 1982 Small Date Copper
- Value: $50,000 – $300,000
- Key ID: Small date + 3.11g copper weight
2️⃣ 1982-D Large Date Copper
- Value: $500 – $2,500
- Key ID: “D” mint mark + copper composition
3️⃣ 1982 Doubled Die Obverse
- Value: $1,000 – $6,000
- Key ID: Thick, overlapping letters in LIBERTY
🏦 Where to Hunt for Rare 1982 Pennies
✅ Best Places:
- Old bank rolls & boxes
- Coin dealer “junk bins”
- Estate & garage sales
🚫 Avoid:
- “Unsearched” bags on eBay (usually picked clean)
- Fake artificially-darkened coins
💰 How to Sell for Maximum Profit
Top Platforms to Sell:
- Heritage Auctions (best for rare copper errors)
- eBay (with clear date & weight photos)
- Coin forums (direct collectors)
Must-Do Before Selling:
✔ Get coins certified by PCGS/NGC
✔ Provide close-up date & mint mark photos
✔ Show weight (copper vs zinc)
📈 Market Trends (2024 Update)
🔥 Small Date Coppers are up 90% since 2018
📱 TikTok & YouTube boosting collector demand
💸 Experts predict the next sale could hit $500,000+
🎯 Final Verdict
✅ Most 1982 pennies = just 1¢
✅ Small Date Copper = $10,000 – $300,000+
✅ Takes just 60 seconds to check your change! ⏱
So before you spend that old penny, make sure it isn’t hiding a six-figure treasure. 🤑
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