1982 Penny Value: Identify Rare Small Date & Error Coins

The year 1982 changed everything for U.S. pennies, as it was a transition in the material and design of the Lincoln cent. For collectors, this year is special because of many pennies minted, including different metal compositions, mint marks, and even variations in the size of the coins themselves. 

If you’ve ever wondered about this coin, we’re going to help you understand everything, e.g., how much is a 1982 Small Date penny worth, how much should a 1982 penny weigh, and why is a 1982 penny worth $10,000? 

Copper and Zinc

The most significant change in 1982 was the U.S. Mint’s decision to shift the composition of the coin from copper to zinc due to the rising cost of copper. 

Before, the overall 1982 copper penny value was composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, weighing 3.1 grams. 

However, mid-year, the U.S. Mint switched to a core of 99.2% zinc with a copper plating, reducing the 1982 penny weight to 2.5 grams.

1982 Penny Small Date vs Large Date

Date Appearance (Most Noticeable in the '2' and '8')

Coin Surface & Strike Characteristics

• Small:

• Often sharper strike

• More defined rims

• Large:

• More common, often weaker strike from older dies

How to Confirm — Weight + Date

How much does a 1982 penny weigh? Use a jeweler’s scale (precision: 0.01g):

• 3.11 grams = Copper

• 2.50 grams = Zinc

Then match the year style:

• Small Zinc (1982 Philadelphia) is rare = high 1982 Small Date penny no mint mark value

• Large Zinc (1982-D) is common

• 1982-D Small Date penny 2.5 grams extremely rare

Visual Guide (if you're inspecting manually)

The Small Zinc (check the 1982 penny no mint mark value) from Philadelphia is worth hundreds or even thousands in high grades (MS65+).

It’s often faked — always weigh and compare visually with verified examples.

By the way, did you know something about the Zachary Taylor one dollar coin? Read about it in our articles. 

1982 Lincoln Penny Specifications Table

• Copper vs. Zinc: 1982 is the only year with both metal types due to the composition change.

• How to Tell:

• Weigh it:

• Copper = ~3.11g

• Zinc = ~2.5g

• Use a jeweler’s scale for accuracy.

• 1982 Small Date Zinc penny value (Philadelphia) is high as it’s very rare and highly valuable in Mint State.

• Copper 1982 D penny value Small Date was long a myth — now there are 2 confirmed examples that have been authenticated by major grading companies.

Before a 1982 Small Date Copper Penny Value, Identify It

To determine if you possess this 1982 rare penny, consider the following characteristics:

• Style: The "Small Date" variety features thinner numerals, with the "2" in "1982" having a curved tail and the "8" appearing more symmetrical.​

• Mint Mark: Look for a "D" mint mark below the year, indicating it was minted in Denver.

• Weight: Use a precise scale to weigh the coin. Copper pennies weigh approximately 3.11 grams, whereas zinc pennies weigh about 2.5 grams.

• Composition: The coin should be made of 95% copper.​

If your coin matches these criteria, it is advisable to have it authenticated by a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC. Then you can officially compare Copper penny 1982 D penny Small Date vs Large Date. 

1982 Penny Errors? Better - Colors!

In numismatics, "Red" pennies refer to the color designation of uncirculated copper coins, especially Lincoln cents. The color affects the ordinary and error 1982 penny value, even if the grade is the same.

Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) are there: designations for Lincoln cents, how they form and how much is a 1982 penny worth in each case.

Why Color Matters

• Copper reacts with air, humidity, and skin oils over time.

• A Red coin has had minimal exposure and excellent storage — rare for older pennies.

• Color grading is assigned by professional services like PCGS or NGC.

Value Difference Example (Same Coin, Same Grade)

How to Preserve or Identify Red Pennies

• Storage: Use airtight capsules, silica gel, and avoid skin contact.

• Identification: Under good lighting, a Red one will reflect light vividly, while a Brown coin will appear muted.

• Certification: Only grading services can officially label a coin as Red (RD), RB, or BN — vital for resale or investment.

Is a 1982 Penny Worth Anything?

The price depends on several factors: composition (copper vs. zinc), whether it has a small or large design, and its condition. 

• 1982 Small Date Zinc (No Mintmark):

• Rarest confirmed 1982 variety

• Authenticated high-grade examples (MS67+) have 1982 no mint mark penny value equal to $1,000–$3,000

• There is the valuable 1982 D Small Date Copper penny value

• Circulated Large and Small Date rare 1982 penny value numbers are typically face value unless the coin has an unusual feature, error, or exceptionally sharp strike.

Notable Auction Records

1982-D Small Date Copper 

• Composition: 95% copper (3.11g)

• Mintmark: “D” (Denver)

• Date Style: Small 

• Rarity: Only two confirmed specimens

• How much is a 1982-D Small Date penny worth:

• $18,800 – Sold in August 2017, graded AU58 by NGC

• $10,800 – Second known specimen, also graded AU58

1982 Small Date Zinc (No Mintmark)

• Composition: 97.5% zinc (2.5g)

• Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)

• Date Style: Small 

• Rarity: Rare in high grades

• Small Date 1982 penny Zinc:

• $18,000 – Sold on eBay in April 2021, PCGS certified

1982-D Small Date Zinc 

• Composition: 97.5% zinc (2.5g)

• Mintmark: “D” (Denver)

• Date Style: Small 

• Rarity: Common, but high-grade specimens are valuable

• 1982 D Small Date Zinc penny value:

• $18,000 – PCGS certified, sold on eBay in April 2021

Note: All the prices, including the 1982 penny 3.1 grams value, are average and can differ from the current trends because of various factors. To understand whether your 1982 penny worth $35,000 today, we recommend you to contact auction houses or reliable grading offices. 

Related article: The Story Behind "In God We Trust" on U.S. Coins.

The Importance of Weight in Pennies: Copper vs. Zinc

The difference in weight is due to a major transition in coin composition made by the U.S. Mint that year. Here's a precise breakdown of why and how they differ:

1. Change in Metal Composition

Pre-1982

• Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc

• Weight: 3.11 grams

• Reason: Standard since 1962 (and similar since 1909)

Post-1982

• Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper (thin plating)

• Weight: 2.50 grams

• Reason: Rising metal prices made cents more expensive to produce than their face value

2. Economic Motivation

In the early 1980s, copper prices soared, and by 1981–1982, each one cost more than 1 cent to make.

The Mint needed a cheaper, lighter, and more sustainable alternative.

Zinc was chosen due to its abundance and lower cost, even though it is softer and less durable.

3. Transition Year: 1982

The Mint switched mid-year, which is why:

• Both materials exist for 1982

• Each was made with Small and Large dies

• There are eight distinct varieties

4. Practical Effect

• Copper cents feel slightly heavier and denser

• Zinc cents feel lighter and are prone to corrosion

Why Is a 1982 Penny Worth So Much?

Today, collectors would still like to find classics or even one from the 1982 D penny error list. As more discoveries are made and the numismatics continues to explore the variations of this coin, its legacy only grows.

In conclusion, if you have a coin and think that it’s the 1982 penny worth $35 000 but you’re not sure, try to check it out in the Coin ID Scanner app. It works as a coin identifier by picture that will answer all your questions, e.g., “how much is a 1982 D penny worth?” 

You even can find one in a 1982 penny error list with pictures in the app’s catalog for numismatists. No more questions—only convenience and simplicity.