A 1982 no mint mark Lincoln penny recently made headlines when an example sold for an astonishing $340,000 at auction. This extraordinary value comes from a rare transitional error during the year the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc composition.
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE 1982 PENNY
- Historic Transition Year:
- Pre-1982: 95% copper (3.11g)
- 1982+: 97.5% zinc (2.5g)
- Mint Marks:
- Philadelphia (no mark): Most valuable for errors
- Denver (“D”): More common
- Error Types:
- Copper planchet strikes (worth $10,000+)
- Double dies (500−500−5,000)
- Off-center strikes (50−50−1,000)
THE $340,000 PENNY EXPLAINED
The record-breaking coin features:
- Copper Composition (weighs 3.11g instead of 2.5g)
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia strike)
- MS-67 Red Grade (perfect condition)
- Transitional Error (struck on leftover copper planchet)
Note: Only 5-10 examples are known to exist!
HOW TO CHECK YOUR 1982 PENNIES
- Weigh It:
- 3.11g = Potential copper error ($$$)
- 2.5g = Normal zinc penny
- Magnet Test:
- Real copper pennies won’t stick
- Zinc pennies may show slight attraction
- Examine Surfaces:
- Look for doubling in “LIBERTY” or date
- Check for off-center strikes
VALUE CHART FOR 1982 PENNIES
| Type | Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Zinc | Circulated | $0.01 |
| Copper Planchet Error | MS-60+ | 10,000−10,000−340,000 |
| Double Die Obverse | AU-50+ | 500−500−5,000 |
| Small Date Variety | Unc | 5−5−50 |
WHERE TO SELL YOUR RARE 1982 PENNY
- Get Certified: PCGS/NGC grading is essential for top value
- Auction Houses:
- Heritage Auctions (for errors >$10,000)
- Stack’s Bowers
- Private Collectors: Coin forums and shows
DON’T SPEND IT – VERIFY FIRST!
<span style=”color: #ff0000;”>Your pocket change could be life-changing!</span> Visit PennyVerse.info for:
FREE 1982 Penny Checklist
Live Error Coin Values
Expert Authentication Guides
Check your coins now: PennyVerse.info
Watch the Record Sale Video:
YouTube: “$340,000 1982 Penny”
