Rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny Sells for $18,800 – Check Your Change!

1982-D Small Date Copper Penny: A hidden treasure in your pocket

Can you consider that a simple coin in your series of vintage coins or in a piggy bank can be well worth lots of dollars? Yes, it’s true! A uncommon 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny, which has been worth around $18,800, has most effective been found twice.

If you are also fond of coins or just need to strive your success, then in this article we will tell you why this coin is so unique, the way to discover it and what to do next when you have it.

What is 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny

This coin is very uncommon and extraordinarily crucial for creditors. This coin may additionally look commonplace, but its rarity makes it extraordinarily valuable. Only certified coins have been observed up to now, which will increase its price even greater. If you discover ways to pick out it, then a simple coin can change your life.

So the subsequent time you glance through your vintage coins , pay attention—due to the fact your easy penny can be really worth lots of greenbacks.

Why This Coin Is So Valuable

In 1982, the U.S. Mint made a large alternate. The coins that have been 95% copper that year have been replaced with zinc coins with best a skinny copper coating.

Also, date designs had been created that 12 months—a “large date” and a “small date”. A overall of seven distinct pennies have been minted in 1982, but the rarest and most treasured of all is the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny.

The reason it’s so rare is because:

• The Denver Mint was only supposed to make zinc small date pennies, but by mistake some copper coins were also made.
• This mistake was a major minting error, making this coin very rare.
• Only two coins have ever been officially certified.

How to Identify a 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny

If you want to know if you have this priceless coin or not, follow these three steps.

1. Look for the coin’s date and mint mark

• The coin should have “1982” written on the front (obverse).
• There should be a small “D” mark just below the year, indicating it was minted at the Denver Mint.
• The coin’s design should be of the Small Date style.

2. Identify the Small Date Design

• The upper circle of the number “8” is smaller than the lower circle.
• The slant of the number “2” is curved, while in the Large Date it is straight.
• The full date appears thin and light, while the large date is darker.

You can compare this to certified images online, such as those on the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) websites.

3. Measure the Coin’s Weight

• Get a digital scale that can show measurements accurate to 0.01 grams.
• If the coin weighs close to 3.11 grams, it is likely made of copper.
• A penny made of zinc weighs only 2.5 grams.

What to Do If You Think You Have This Coin

If you believe you have this rare coin, take the following steps:

1. Don’t Clean the Coin

Coins are worth more in pristine condition, so avoid cleaning it or it may decrease its value.

2. Double-check the details

• Is the date correct?
• Is there a “D” mintmark?
• Is the weight close to 3.11 grams?

If all three are correct, proceed.

3. Get it professionally graded

• Contact official grading services like PCGS or NGC to have the coin certified.
• They will examine the coin’s metal content and give it an official grade.

4. Explore options to sell it

If your coin is certified, you can sell it through an auction.

• Contact auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
• You can also sell it within a network of coin collectors.

The first certified 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny sold for $18,800, while the second sold for over $10,000.

Why This Coin Is So Rare

Mistakes commonly occur during coin minting, but the 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny is a whole different level of mistake.

• The Denver Mint switched entirely to zinc in 1982, but some copper planchets accidentally escaped and were minted as coins.
• Since zinc and copper look similar, the mistake was not immediately caught.
• Later, when most of the copper coins were melted down by mistake, this coin became even more rare.

Other Rare and Valuable Penny Coins

The 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny isn’t the only coin that is extremely valuable. Here are some other rare and expensive coins:

1943 Copper Penny

In 1943, all pennies were supposed to be made of steel, but by mistake some were made of copper. These can be worth up to $250,000.

1955 Doubled Die Penny

This coin has doubled date and lettering design. In good condition, it can be worth over $1,000.

1972 Doubled Die Obverse

The date and lettering have slight doubling, making it rare. It can be worth hundreds of dollars.

1992 Close AM Penny

The “A” and “M” on the reverse of this coin are very close together, making it rare. It can be worth between $1,000 and $5,000.

Conclusion

If you are fond of collecting coins, then take a close look at the small coins in your pocket. You may have a coin that is worth thousands of dollars!

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