1982-D Small Date Copper Penny Worth $500,000+? The Rare Coin Every Collector Dreams Of

Have you ever wondered if the pennies in your pocket could be hiding a small fortune?

Well, the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins — with some examples rumored to sell for $500,000+ at auction!

Here’s everything you need to know about this legendary error coin, how to spot it, and why collectors are willing to pay life-changing money for it.

Why 1982 Pennies Are So Special

The year 1982 was a turning point for U.S. penny production — and this is where the rare error comes in.

Metal Change (Copper → Zinc):
The Mint switched from 95% copper (3.11g) to copper-plated zinc (2.5g) because copper became too expensive.
Multiple Varieties:
With two metal types, two date styles (Large vs. Small), and two mint locations, there are 8 varieties of 1982 pennies.
The Mistake:
By accident, a small number of 1982-D Small Date pennies were struck on the older, heavier copper planchets. This is the million-to-one error we’re after!

The Legendary $500,000+ Penny

So, what makes the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny so valuable?

Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 20 known examples exist.
Collector Demand: One of the rarest modern U.S. coins.
Historical Mistake: A true transitional error during a major change in coinage.

Depending on its condition, a genuine example can fetch five to six figures, with rumors of some hitting $500,000+ at auction!

How to Identify the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny

Think you might have one? Follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Check the Mint Mark & Date

Look for the “D” mint mark (Denver).
Confirm it’s a Small Date variety:
- The “2” in “1982” has a straighter diagonal line and less rounded top loop.
- The “8” has smaller, tighter loops.

2. Weigh Your Penny (Most Important Test!)

Use a digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams.
Zinc penny: ~2.5g
Copper penny: ~3.11g
If your 1982-D Small Date weighs around 3.1g, you may have struck gold (literally)!

3. Quick Magnet Test

Both copper & zinc 1982 pennies are non-magnetic.
This just rules out fakes or steel coins.

Value Based on Condition

Even a circulated example could change your life. Here’s how grading affects price:

Circulated: Still valuable due to rarity.
AU-50 (About Uncirculated): Five figures.
MS-63 (Mint State): High five to low six figures.
MS-65 (Choice Uncirculated): Six figures possible.
MS-67+ (Gem Quality): Could push $500,000+

What To Do If You Find One

Important: DO NOT clean your coin! This destroys its value.

Send it for Professional Grading:
- PCGS (pcgs.com) or NGC (ngccoin.com)
- Only their authentication guarantees collector value.
Sell Through Top Auction Houses:
- Heritage Auctions (ha.com)
- Stack’s Bowers (stacksbowers.com)
- They have the reach to get record prices for ultra-rare coins.

Coin Market Trends (2024–2025)

Ultra-rarities dominate: Coins like the 1982-D Small Date Copper remain in highest demand.
Certification is everything: Buyers only trust PCGS or NGC.
Auction excitement: Each appearance of this penny makes headlines and often sets new records.