Could you have a $10,000 penny hiding in your pocket change? It’s more common than you think—if you know what to look for. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny that collectors are paying thousands for.
This exact coin has sparked tons of questions online—and for good reason. A verified example sold for over $10,000, and another one recently fetched $2,300 in 2024.
Save this post and double-check your change—because your next rare find might be closer than you think.
🔍 Step 1: It Must Be a 1982 Penny with the Denver Mint Mark (“D”)
Flip over your coin and check for this key feature:
- The date must read 1982
- Look for a small “D” under the year, indicating it was minted in Denver
🚫 No “D” mint mark? You don’t have the rare version. But don’t worry—we’ve got articles on valuable 1982 no-mint mark varieties too. 😉
🧬 Step 2: It Has to Be the Small Date Version
1982 cents were minted with two date styles: Large Date and Small Date. Here’s how to tell the difference:
✅ Features of the Small Date:
- The “8” and the “2” are the same height
- The “2” is thin and has a curved tail
❌ Features of the Large Date:
- The “8” is taller than the “2”
- The “2” is thick and lacks a curve
📌 Tip: Compare side-by-side with known images on PennyVerse.info
⚖️ Step 3: The Coin Must Weigh Around 3.1 Grams
Here’s where many people miss out. In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc, changing the coin’s weight:
| Metal | Weight |
|---|---|
| Copper (valuable) | ~3.1 grams |
| Zinc (common) | ~2.5 grams |
🎯 Use a jeweler’s scale (accurate to 0.01g). If your 1982-D Small Date penny weighs close to 3.1g, you may have the rare copper version.
💥 Bonus: What’s a Double Die? Why It Matters
You might notice a strange mirrored effect on your coin’s details—this is known as a doubled die error. It’s one of the most valuable types of minting mistakes, especially on Lincoln cents.
- Look for doubling on “LIBERTY”, the date, or Lincoln’s profile
- Coins with doubled dies can be worth hundreds to thousands depending on condition
🧠 Want to learn more? Read “What Is a Doubled Die Penny?” on PennyVerse.info
🛒 Where to Sell a 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny
If your penny matches all three traits, it could be worth thousands. Here’s where to safely sell it:
| Selling Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Heritage Auctions | High-value and rare certified coins |
| GreatCollections | Trusted numismatic sales |
| eBay | Lower-value copper and zinc varieties |
| PennyVerse.info Marketplace | Collector-driven coin sales |
🧠 Final Checklist
✅ 1982 Date with “D” mint mark
✅ Small Date Style (8 and 2 same height, thin 2 with curve)
✅ Weight near 3.1 grams (Copper version)
💰 Optional Bonus: Double die errors = extra cash!
🔎 Start Checking Your Coins Now
- Go through your 1982 pennies
- Grab a 10x magnifier and a precision scale
- Still not sure? Share clear photos in our PennyVerse Community Forum and we’ll help you verify!
📚 Want to Learn More?
Explore these articles on PennyVerse.info:
- 🔥 Top 5 Pennies Worth Over $10,000
- 📦 How to Store and Protect Rare Coins
- 💡 Coin Roll Hunting: How to Find Hidden Gems in Bank Rolls
💬 Tell Us Your Story!
Have you ever found a valuable coin in your change?
Drop a comment or tag us on social media—we’d love to feature your find on PennyVerse.info!
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