At PennyVerse.info, we’ve authenticated the rarest 1982 pennies—here’s how to spot this ultra-valuable error in your pocket change.
The $15,000+ 1982 Penny Explained
What Makes It Valuable?
- Wrong Composition: Struck on leftover 95% copper planchet (should be zinc)
- Tiny Date Variety: “Small date” font (vs. common large date)
- Extreme Rarity: Only 5 confirmed specimens exist
Key Identifiers:
Weighs 3.11g (not 2.5g like normal zinc pennies)
“Small date” (compact numbers vs. bold large date)
Deep copper color (not orange/brown)
1982 Penny Value Chart
| Variety | Weight | Value Range | Record Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Zinc (Large Date) | 2.5g | 1¢ – $1 | – |
| Copper (Large Date) | 3.11g | $1,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 |
| Copper (Small Date) | 3.11g | $10,000 – $15,000+ | $15,000 |
| Double Die Obverse | 2.5g | $50 – $2,000 | $2,115 |
How to Spot This Jackpot Penny
- Weigh It (3.11g = copper)
- Check the Date Font (compare to reference images)
- Verify Magnet Test (real copper won’t stick)
Pro Tip: Use a 10x loupe to examine the date—small dates have:
- Tiny, compact “1” and “9”
- Flat-top “2” (large date has curved top)
Where These Hide
Old penny rolls (search 1982 bank boxes)
Inherited collections (check jars/coin tins)
Coin dealer “junk bins” (dealers sometimes miss them)
Avoid:
- “Replica” coins sold online
- Artificially copper-plated zinc pennies
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t Clean It! (preserve original surfaces)
- Get It Graded (PCGS/NGC authentication essential)
- Contact Heritage Auctions (top buyer of rare errors)
Want Our Free “Million-Dollar Penny” Checklist?
Visit PennyVerse.info to download our expert identification guide!
“That ‘ordinary’ 1982 penny in your drawer could rewrite numismatic history!”
- The PennyVerse Team
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PennyVerse.info – Where Pocket Change Becomes Life-Changing Money
P.S. The 1982 Small Date Copper is 1,000X rarer than a 1909-S VDB penny—always check your 1982s!
