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.
Bonus for Collectors
Subscribe to our newsletter and get:
Printable 1982 Penny ID Charts
Monthly Market Updates
Weekly Rare Coin Alerts
Access to our Error Library
