A 1982-D Lincoln Cent—but not just any—the legendary “Small Date” penny struck on a silver dime planchet could be worth $200,000+ at auction. Let’s break it down step by step so you understand exactly why this error is so special and how YOU can check your own coins.

 Why 1982 Is the Most Confusing (and Profitable) Penny Year

1982 was pure chaos for the U.S. Mint, and that chaos produced valuable errors.

Here’s what changed that year:

 Two Metal Types:

• 95% Copper (3.11g)
• Copper-plated Zinc (2.5g)

 Two Date Designs:

• Large Date
• Small Date

 Two Mints:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark)
• Denver (“D”)

 Seven different penny varieties were released in one year—creating the perfect storm for rare mistakes.

 Already Famous:
A 1982-D Small Date in copper (3.11g) is worth $10,000–$20,000.

 Ultimate Jackpot:
A 1982-D Small Date struck on a silver dime planchet could exceed $200,000+.

 Why the “Silver Small Date” Penny Is Worth $200,000+

This coin is extremely valuable because it combines three major rarities at once:

 Wrong Metal

Instead of copper or zinc → it was struck on a 90% silver Roosevelt dime blank.

 Wrong Size

A dime planchet is smaller than a cent, causing:

• Weak rims
• Missing edges
• Incomplete details

 Rare Die Variety

It uses the 1982-D Small Date, already a high-value collectible.

 Each of these errors alone is valuable.
 Together → they form a historic six-figure rarity.

 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check Your 1982 Pennies

 Step 1: Gather All Your 1982 Pennies

You’ll need a digital scale accurate to 0.01g.

 Step 2: Identify Small Date vs. Large Date

Small Date:

• The “2” looks slimmer
• Slightly lower curve

Large Date:

• The “2” is thicker
• Bolder, heavier look

 Tip: Compare pictures side-by-side for accuracy.

 Step 3: Weigh the Coin

• 2.5g = Zinc (common)
• 3.11g = Copper (rare, $10k–$20k if Small Date)
• Around 2.5g + SILVER color = Possible silver dime planchet error 

 Step 4: Look for Silver Planchet Clues

Check for:

 Bright silver color
 Slightly smaller diameter
 Weak or missing rim
 Off-strike or incomplete edge

These signs strongly point to the six-figure silver strike error.

 What to Do If You Find One

 Do NOT Clean the Coin

Cleaning instantly destroys collector value.

 Store Safely

Use an air-tite capsule and handle only by the edges.

 Get It Authenticated

Submit to:

• PCGS
• NGC
• ANACS

These services can confirm the error and unlock its true market value.

 Where to Sell High-Value Coins

For a $200k+ discovery, use:

• Heritage Auctions
• Stack’s Bowers
• GreatCollections

They attract elite collectors and maximize your final price.

 Why Collectors Are Obsessed with This Coin

This “Silver Small Date” 1982-D penny isn’t just a mint error—it’s a miracle of minting chaos.

 Wrong metal
 Wrong planchet
 Rare date variety
 Silver appearance
 Huge historical interest

Even the normal 1982-D Small Date in copper sells for $20,000+.
So a silver planchet version could easily bring $200,000+—some experts even predict higher in mint-state grades.

 Start Your Treasure Hunt Now!

Millions of 1982 pennies still sit in:

 Old jars
 Bank rolls
 Desk drawers
 Coin buckets

You might be holding the next record-breaking discovery. 

Here’s your quick-start checklist:

 Digital scale
 Magnifier
 Good lighting
 Compare dates
 Look for silver color
 Check weight carefully

Found something interesting?

 Send us clear photos + weight
We’ll give you a free preliminary review to see if it might be the real deal.

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