In 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper to copper-plated zinc pennies, creating eight varieties. While most are worth face value, rare errors command thousands. The most valuable is the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny (only two known, weighing 3.11g). To identify valuable specimens, check: mint mark (D, S, or none), date size (small vs. large), and weight (copper: 3.11g, zinc: 2.5g). Key errors include doubled dies ($150-$2,000+), off-center strikes ($90-$120), and broadstruck mint marks ($2,000+). The small date features a smaller top loop on “8” and curved diagonal on “2”, while large dates show nearly equal loops and straight lines.
Most people toss pennies into jars without a second thought, but if you have 1982 pennies lying around, you might be sitting on a small fortune. This was the year the U.S. Mint switched from copper to copper-plated zinc composition, creating eight distinct varieties in a single year. While most 1982 pennies are worth just one cent, certain rare combinations and errors command prices exceeding $10,000. Here’s everything you need to know to identify the valuable ones.
Why 1982 Pennies Are Special
The year 1982 marked a pivotal transition in American coinage. Rising copper prices forced the U.S. Mint to change the penny’s composition from 95% copper to 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating. This shift didn’t happen overnight—both metal types were produced simultaneously throughout the year.
Adding to the complexity, the Mint introduced a new date size midway through production. Dies were modified at different times across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities, creating multiple combinations. You could have a large date copper penny, a small date zinc penny, or any variation in between. This resulted in seven regular varieties plus proof coins from San Francisco.
The transitional period created opportunities for errors. Some copper planchets accidentally received small date strikes, and some zinc planchets got large date strikes. These mismatches, combined with standard mint errors like doubled dies and off-center strikes, make 1982 one of the most fascinating years for penny collectors.
Identifying Your 1982 Penny: The Four Critical Checks
Before you can determine value, you need to identify exactly which variety you have. This requires examining four specific characteristics in a particular order.
Step 1: Check the Mint Mark
Look directly below the date on the obverse (heads side). You’ll find either a “D” for Denver Mint, an “S” for San Francisco Mint proof coins, or no mark at all indicating Philadelphia Mint. Use a magnifying glass—the letter is small but clearly stamped when present.
Step 2: Determine the Date Size
This is where many collectors get tripped up. The difference between large and small dates is subtle but measurable. Examine the number “8” in “1982” closely:
- Large Date: Both loops of the “8” are nearly identical in size
- Small Date: The top loop is noticeably smaller than the bottom loop
Next, look at the “2”. On large date pennies, the diagonal stroke is perfectly straight. On small date coins, this stroke has a slight curve or wave to it. The entire date also sits lower on small date pennies, with more space between the numbers and the rim above.
Step 3: Weigh the Coin
This is the definitive test. You’ll need a digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams—jewelry scales work perfectly and cost around $15-$20. Clean your penny gently with a soft cloth to remove any dirt that might affect the weight.
- Copper composition: 3.11 grams (range 3.08-3.13 grams accounting for wear)
- Zinc composition: 2.5 grams (range 2.48-2.52 grams)
If your penny falls between these ranges, weigh it multiple times and compare with known examples. Even a tenth of a gram difference matters significantly.
Step 4: Inspect for Errors
Using a 10x magnifying loupe, examine the entire coin surface systematically. Start with the date and lettering, looking for any doubling. Check the rim alignment—the design should be perfectly centered. Look for unusual textures, bubbles, or surface anomalies. Compare both sides carefully under good lighting.
The Holy Grails: Most Valuable 1982 Pennies
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
This is the crown jewel of 1982 pennies. Only two confirmed specimens exist in numismatic collections. These transitional errors occurred when Denver Mint workers accidentally struck copper planchets using the new small date dies, likely during the changeover period.
The first example sold through Heritage Auctions in 2017 for $18,800 in MS-64 Red Brown condition. A second specimen appeared at auction in 2019, fetching $15,275 in MS-63 Red condition. Both were certified by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which is essential for authenticity verification at this value level.
How to identify it: You need a 1982 penny with a “D” mint mark, small date features, and a weight of 3.11 grams. If you believe you’ve found one, do not clean it—contact PCGS or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for professional authentication immediately.
1982 Small Date Copper Penny (No Mint Mark)
Philadelphia’s transitional error is more common than Denver’s but still extremely rare. Several dozen examples are believed to exist, making this the second most valuable 1982 variety.
Recent auction records show significant value across all grades:
| Grade | Recent Sale Price | Auction House | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-67 Red | $9,200 | Stack’s Bowers | 2023 |
| MS-65 Red | $3,850 | Heritage Auctions | 2022 |
| MS-63 Red Brown | $1,275 | eBay/PCGS | 2023 |
| AU-58 | $625 | Heritage Auctions | 2022 |
| XF-45 | $285 | Great Collections | 2023 |
Even circulated examples in Extra Fine condition command prices exceeding $200. The key is certification—raw (uncertified) coins claiming to be this variety often turn out to be regular large date copper pennies upon professional examination.
1982-D Large Date Copper Penny
While not as rare as the small date copper varieties, the 1982-D large date copper is scarce in higher grades. In circulated condition, it’s worth $0.50-$2.00 depending on preservation. However, certified uncirculated examples reach impressive prices:
- MS-67 Red: $450-$550
- MS-66 Red: $125-$175
- MS-65 Red: $45-$65
The Denver Mint produced fewer copper large date pennies than Philadelphia before switching to zinc, making certified red (fully original copper color) examples particularly desirable.
Error Coins Worth Hunting For
Beyond the transitional varieties, several mint errors on 1982 pennies carry substantial premiums. These can occur on any metal composition or mint mark combination.
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Reverse (DDR)
Doubled die errors happen when the die shifts slightly between hub impressions during manufacturing, creating a doubled image. On 1982 pennies, look for doubling in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” or the date itself.
The most valuable 1982 doubled die is the 1982-D Small Date Zinc DDO, with strong doubling visible on “LIBERTY” and the date. A specimen in MS-65 condition sold for $2,125 through Heritage Auctions in 2021. More common doubled dies showing light to moderate doubling typically sell for $150-$300 in MS-63 or better condition.
Doubled die reverses are less common but equally valuable. Check the columns of the Lincoln Memorial for doubling. An MS-64 example with strong memorial doubling sold for $875 in 2022.
Off-Center Strikes
When a planchet isn’t properly positioned in the collar during striking, you get an off-center error. Value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible.
- 50% off-center with full date visible: $200-$350
- 25-40% off-center with full date: $90-$150
- 10-20% off-center with full date: $35-$60
- Any percentage without visible date: $15-$30
A spectacular 1982 penny struck 75% off-center on a zinc planchet, with just “198” of the date showing, sold for $525 in MS-62 condition at a 2023 auction.
Broadstrike Errors
Broadstrikes occur when the collar (the ring that contains the coin during striking) malfunctions, allowing the metal to spread beyond normal diameter. These coins are larger and thinner than regular pennies, with a distinctive appearance.
Most broadstrike 1982 pennies sell for $50-$120 depending on condition. However, a 1982-D broadstrike with dramatic spreading sold for $2,050 in 2020, certified MS-64 by NGC. The coin measured nearly 22mm in diameter compared to the normal 19mm.
Occluded Gas Bubbles
This zinc-specific error creates small craters or raised bubbles on the coin’s surface. During the plating process, trapped gas prevents copper from adhering properly, leaving voids. While not as dramatic as other errors, notable examples with multiple large bubbles command $35-$75.
A 1982 zinc penny with a massive bubble covering Lincoln’s face sold for $185 in 2022, graded MS-63 by PCGS with a note describing it as “dramatic plating error.”
Proof Pennies with “S” Mint Mark
The San Francisco Mint produced proof pennies exclusively for collectors in 1982. These coins feature mirror-like fields and frosted devices, struck multiple times with specially polished dies. Regular 1982-S proofs were sold in proof sets and remain common.
A standard 1982-S proof penny in PR-69 Deep Cameo condition is worth $5-$8. However, error proofs skyrocket in value:
- 1982-S Doubled Die Proof: $800-$1,500 (depending on doubling strength)
- 1982-S Proof struck on copper planchet (should be zinc): $3,500+ (extremely rare)
- 1982-S Cameo contrast errors: $150-$400
All proof claims should be certified. The difference between an ordinary business strike and a true proof is significant and requires expert authentication.
Standard 1982 Penny Values by Variety
For non-error examples, here’s what each variety is worth:
| Variety | Circulated | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Date Copper (P) | $0.50 | $8 | $25 | $150 |
| Large Date Copper (D) | $0.75 | $12 | $45 | $450 |
| Small Date Copper (P) | $0.50 | $8 | $22 | $135 |
| Small Date Copper (D) | $0.75 | $15 | $50 | $400 |
| Large Date Zinc (P) | Face value | $1.50 | $8 | $75 |
| Large Date Zinc (D) | Face value | $2 | $10 | $90 |
| Small Date Zinc (P) | Face value | $1.50 | $8 | $70 |
| Small Date Zinc (D) | Face value | $2 | $10 | $85 |
These values apply to certified coins with original surfaces. Cleaned, damaged, or environmentally affected coins are worth significantly less.
Where to Sell Valuable 1982 Pennies
Once you’ve identified a valuable variety or error, proper selling channels maximize your return. For coins worth over $500, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is essential. The $35-$50 grading fee is worthwhile—certified coins sell for 50-200% more than raw examples.
Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers handle high-value coins ($1,000+) and provide expert photography and detailed catalog descriptions that attract serious collectors. Their buyer’s premium is typically 20%, but the exposure to wealthy collectors justifies the cost.
For mid-range coins ($100-$1,000), Great Collections offers a consignment service with no upfront fees and competitive buyer’s premiums. eBay remains viable for certified coins if you have strong seller feedback—search completed listings for your exact variety and grade to set competitive pricing.
Local coin shops will purchase 1982 pennies but typically offer 60-70% of wholesale value since they need profit margin for resale. This option works best when you need immediate payment rather than waiting for auction.
Start Checking Your Pennies Today
Don’t overlook those jars of pennies sitting in your closet. Spending 30 minutes sorting through 1982 pennies could uncover a coin worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Invest in a $20 digital scale and a basic magnifying loupe—these tools will pay for themselves if you find even a single transitional error or significant mint mistake. Focus first on small date varieties and weigh every one carefully. The next rare 1982-D small date copper penny is still out there waiting to be discovered in someone’s pocket change.
How do I know if my 1982 D penny is worth money?
And there’s a little bit of a tolerance. But um if you have one that’s in the range of 2.98 to 3.24 g or really just three and up uh and it’s got the 1982.
What is the error on the 1982 D penny?
The most valuable 1982-D penny error is the small date, copper version, which was a transitional error where a small date was mistakenly struck on a heavier, older bronze planchet instead of the standard copper-plated zinc planchet. To identify this rare error, look for a 1982-D penny with a small date and check its weight: it must weigh approximately 3.1 grams, while common 1982-D small date pennies (struck on zinc planchets) weigh about 2.5 grams. Other 1982 penny errors, such as doubled di…
What is the value of a 1982 penny with no mint mark?
A 1982 no-mint mark penny’s value depends on its weight, as the U.S. Mint switched from copper to copper-plated zinc in that year. The most common versions (zinc, 2.5g) are worth about one cent, but copper (3.11g) versions can be worth from a few cents to several dollars if they are in top condition. A rare small-date copper version can be significantly more valuable.
Is a 1982 D small date penny 2.5 grams extremely rare?
How Rare is the 1982-D Copper Lincoln Cent? While the 1982-P copper small date Lincoln Cent is highly valuable, the 1982-D copper small date Lincoln Cent is extremely rare and commands a royal premium. This is due to the scarcity of the coin, as only two have been identified.