1982-D Small Date Bronze Penny: The $10,000+ Hidden Treasure

By PennyVerse.info

A seemingly ordinary 1982-D penny could be worth over $10,000! At PennyVerse.info, we’ve tracked the record-breaking sales of this rare transitional error. Here’s everything you need to know to identify this ultra-valuable penny in your collection.

🚨 Why Is This 1982-D Penny So Valuable?

This rare variety combines three critical features:

1. 1982-D Denver Mint Mark
2. Small Date Variety
3. Bronze Composition (95% copper)

Record Sales

• $10,000+ for MS-63 Red examples
• $8,400 for AU-55 grade
• Only 5-10 confirmed specimens known to exist

🔍 Step-by-Step Identification Guide

1. Verify the Mint Mark & Date

• Must be 1982-D (Denver mint)
• Date must show small date characteristics:
  • Thinner “2” with slight curve
  • “8” has smaller loops
  • “9” has straight tail

2. Perform the Weight Test

• Bronze version: 3.11 grams (valuable)
• Zinc version: 2.5 grams (common)

Use a precision scale accurate to 0.01g

3. Check the Composition

• Bronze coins:
  • Copper-colored edge
  • Rings like copper when dropped
• Zinc coins:
  • Silver-gray edge
  • Dull “clink” sound

💰 Current Market Value

⚠️ Critical Authentication Tips

1. Beware of Altered Coins
   • Some try to plate zinc pennies to look bronze
   • Always verify weight and sound
2. Professional Grading Recommended
   • PCGS/NGC certification adds credibility
   • Authentication fee (50−50−100) is worth it
3. Compare to Known Examples
   • Reference PCGS CoinFacts images
   • Check against certified coins

🏦 Where to Sell Your Rare 1982-D Penny

1. Heritage Auctions (best for high-value coins)
2. Stack’s Bowers (specializes in rare errors)
3. GreatCollections (for certified coins)
4. Private Treaty Sale (through trusted dealers)

Pro Tip: Get it graded before selling – can increase value by 30-50%!

🔎 Could More Exist? Hunting Strategies

1. Search Original Bank Rolls
   • Ask for old 1980s penny rolls
   • Focus on Denver-minted rolls
2. Check Inherited Collections
   • Many sit untouched for decades
   • Older collectors may have saved them unknowingly
3. Use Proper Tools
   • Precision scale
   • 10x magnifier
   • Composition tester

📚 Historical Context

• 1982 was the transition year from bronze to zinc
• Most 1982-D pennies were struck in zinc
• A tiny fraction were accidentally struck on bronze planchets
• Small date variety is much rarer than large date

💡 Free Resources from PennyVerse.info

• Downloadable 1982-D Identification Guide
• Video Tutorial: Spotting Small Dates
• Current Error Coin Values Database

Think you’ve found one? Our experts offer free preliminary evaluations – submit your photos here.