💰 $398,000 Penny Alert: The Ultra-Rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Cent

Could Your Pocket Change Contain a Fortune?

At PennyVerse, we’ve uncovered one of the most valuable modern pennies in existence—the legendary 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent, with confirmed sales reaching $398,000!

While billions of 1982 pennies were minted, a handful of rare copper errors slipped through—making them worth life-changing money. Here’s how to spot this treasure in your spare change!


🔍 Why Is This Penny Worth $398,000?

1️⃣ The 1982 Transition: Copper to Zinc

  • 1982 was a pivotal year—the U.S. Mint switched from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc to save costs.
  • A few copper planchets were accidentally used, creating ultra-rare 1982-D Small Date copper pennies.

2️⃣ Extreme Rarity

✔ Only 5-10 confirmed specimens exist.
✔ Last Recorded Sale: $18,800 (Stack’s Bowers, 2017) – but pristine examples could fetch $398,000+!

3️⃣ Collector Frenzy

  • Modern error coins are skyrocketing in value.
  • Top collectors compete fiercely for these once-in-a-lifetime finds.

🕵️♂️ How to Identify the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny

Step 1: Check the Mint Mark

📍 Must have a “D” (Denver Mint) below the date.

Step 2: Identify the “Small Date”

🔍 Key Features:

  • “2” in the date has a flatter top (less curved than Large Date).
  • “8” has tighter, smaller loops.

Step 3: Verify the Metal (Critical!)

⚖ Weigh It:

  • Copper (3.11g) = Rare & Valuable!
  • Zinc (2.5g) = Common (worth 1¢).

🧲 Magnet Test:

  • Copper pennies don’t stick (zinc pennies are non-magnetic too, so weight is key).

💰 What to Do If You Find One

1️⃣ Protect It Immediately!

  • Handle by edges only – no fingerprints!
  • Store in a coin holder (no PVC).

2️⃣ Get It Graded (PCGS/NGC)

  • Certification is mandatory for six-figure sales.

3️⃣ Sell Through a Top Auction House

  • Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for maximum exposure & bidding wars.

📈 Market Outlook (2024-2025)

🚀 Modern errors are breaking records.
💰 Next confirmed 1982-D copper cent could hit $500K+!


🎁 Free Resources

📖 [1982 Penny Error Checklist]
🎥 [How to Spot Rare Dates & Errors]
💬 [Join Our Coin-Hunting Community]

Think you’ve found the $398K penny?
📸 Submit photos & weight to our experts for a FREE review!

#RarePennies #CoinErrors #MillionDollarCoins
PennyVerse – Turning Spare Change Into Fortune! 💰🔍

💬 “Would YOU know if you had a $398K penny? Drop a 🪙 below if you’re checking your change!”


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