The $300,000 Penny Everyone’s Talking About
Did you know one ordinary-looking 1982 Lincoln penny could be worth $300,000? 
It’s true — a single 1982 Small Date Copper penny has already sold for that amount, making it one of the rarest modern U.S. coin errors ever discovered.
At PennyVerse, we’ve helped collectors identify and authenticate these “holy grail” pennies. Here’s your complete guide to spotting one before it slips through your fingers! 
1982 Penny Value Chart — Know What You Have
| Variety | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Zinc Penny | 1¢ | $1 – $5 | – |
| Large Date Copper | $5 – $50 | $100 – $1,000 | $2,500 |
| Small Date Copper (RARE) | $10,000+ | $50,000 – $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Doubled Die Obverse | $50 – $500 | $1,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Transitional Errors | $200 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $50,000 | $72,000 |
Fun Fact: Only 5 confirmed 1982 Small Date Copper pennies exist — making them 100x rarer than the 1916-D Mercury Dime!
How to Identify the $300,000 Penny
Step 1: Check the Date Style
Look carefully at the “1982” — that’s your first clue!
Small Date (Rare & Valuable):
- Numbers are tiny and compact
- The “2” has a flat top (not curved)
Large Date (Common):
- Numbers are bigger and bolder
- The “2” has a rounded top
Step 2: Verify the Metal Composition
Use a jewelry scale accurate to 0.01g:
3.11g = Copper (Jackpot!)- 2.5g = Zinc (Common)
Bonus Tip:
Try a magnet test — real copper won’t stick, while zinc-plated coins might show slight attraction.
Step 3: Check the Mint Mark
The mint mark (below the date) tells you where it was made:
No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) → Only confirmed Small Date Copper examples!
“D” (Denver) → Large Date Copper only (still collectible but not $300K-level).
Top 3 Most Valuable 1982 Pennies
1982 Small Date Copper
Value: $50,000 – $300,000
Key ID: Tiny date + 3.11g weight
1982-D Copper Large Date
Value: $500 – $2,500
Key ID: “D” mintmark + copper planchet
1982 Doubled Die Obverse
Value: $1,000 – $6,000
Key ID: Thick or overlapping letters in “LIBERTY”
Where to Find These Rare Pennies
Looking to start your own 1982 penny treasure hunt? Try these spots:
Best Places to Search:
- Old bank penny rolls from the early ‘80s
- Coin dealer junk bins
- Estate sales and inherited collections
Avoid:
- “Unsearched” penny bags on eBay (usually already picked through)
- Artificially darkened or plated coins
Selling Your Rare 1982 Penny for Maximum Profit
When you find a copper treasure, sell it the smart way:
Top Selling Platforms:
- Heritage Auctions
(best for rare copper errors) - eBay
(include clear macro photos of the date & weight) - Coin community forums (direct deals with serious buyers)
Before Selling:
Get certified by PCGS or NGC
Include weight and close-up photos
Show the mint mark and date clearly
2024 Market Trends
Small Date Copper pennies up 90% since 2018
High-end collectors driving demand for registry sets
TikTok & YouTube coin hunts boosting mainstream awareness
Expert Prediction: The next confirmed 1982 Small Date Copper could reach $500,000+!
