The 1982-D Small Date Bronze Penny is one of the most exciting and valuable modern coin errors, with confirmed values reaching well over $20,000 for top-graded examples. This coin is a transitional error, caused by a mistake made during the U.S. Mint’s switch in 1982 from the traditional heavy copper composition to the much lighter zinc composition.
Only a tiny number of these ultra-rare coins escaped the Denver Mint (“D” mint mark) before the error was corrected, making them a true modern treasure that could be hiding in your loose change right now.
🔎 The Million-Dollar Mistake: Why This Penny is Special
In 1982, the U.S. Mint faced rapidly rising copper costs, prompting the permanent switch of the cent’s composition.
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The Transition: Pennies before mid-1982 were 95% copper and weighed approximately 3.1 grams. Pennies struck after the change were 97.5% zinc (with a thin copper coating) and weighed only 2.5 grams.
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The Error: To complicate matters, the Mint used two different date sizes that year: Large Date and Small Date. The Denver Mint (D) was supposed to strike all of its Small Date coins on the new, light zinc planchets. However, a few heavy copper planchets were mistakenly struck with the 1982-D Small Date die.
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The Rarity: Only two examples of this specific error have been conclusively authenticated, making it one of the rarest modern coins in existence.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying the Rare Penny
Finding this treasure requires a two-part inspection process: first the visual detail, then the weight.
A. Visual Inspection (Small Date vs. Large Date)
You must first confirm that the coin has the Small Date variety.
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Check the Date: Look for a cent dated 1982 with the “D” mint mark below the date.
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Verify “Small Date”: The rare Small Date is characterized by:
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The ‘2’ and ‘8’ digits are very close together.
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The ‘2’ dips slightly below the other digits.
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The ‘8’ is slightly lower than the ‘1’ and the ‘9’.
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B. The Weight Test (The Critical Step)
If you have a 1982-D Small Date, you must next weigh it on a precision digital scale.
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Common Coin: A normal 1982-D Small Date (Zinc) will weigh approximately 2.5 grams. (This coin is worth 1 cent).
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The Rare Error: The valuable copper error coin will weigh approximately 3.1 grams.
💰 Value and Potential Earnings
The value of the 1982-D Small Date Bronze Cent is incredibly high due to its extreme scarcity:
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Confirmed Auction Value: While values vary by condition, one certified example was confirmed to be worth over $20,000.
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Promotional Value: Due to the historic rarity, promotional figures for a perfectly graded example have reached $200,000.
If you find a 1982-D Small Date penny that weighs 3.1 grams, secure it immediately! Do not attempt to clean it, as this will destroy its numismatic value.
