The 1982 Penny: The Small Dates, Large Dates, and Beyond

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 date size on the coins themselves. 

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the 1982 penny so interesting for numismatists—or how it could be rare and valuable in your collection—we’re going to help you understand everything, e.g., how much is a 1960 d penny, what 1982 no mint mark is, or what is a copper penny date. 

A Year of Transition: From Copper to Zinc

The most significant change in 1982 was the U.S. Mint’s decision to shift the composition of the penny from copper to zinc due to the rising cost of copper. Before, copper penny 1982 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 weight of the penny to 2.5 grams.

This change created several varieties of pennies in 1982, e.g., those with different weights, compositions, and date sizes. The one thing is similar - a portrait of Lincoln 1982 (on a coin). 

Small Date vs. Large Date: Can You Spot the Difference?

One of the trickiest aspects of collecting 1982 pennies is identifying whether you have a small date or large date variety. These differences are subtle but can impact the coin's value.

• 1982 Large Date Penny: The numbers in the date appear larger and more pronounced. The "8" has a fuller appearance, and the "2" is more rounded.

• 1982 Small Date Penny: The numbers are slimmer, especially the "2," which has a less curved tail. The small date variety is rarer in both copper and zinc. That’s why the 19 82 Small Date Penny is more desirable among collectors, especially if it is a 1982 Small Date D Penny.

This distinction applies to pennies minted at both the Philadelphia Mint (e.g., 1982 US Penny no mint mark) and the Denver Mint (e.g., 1982 D penny 3 1 grams), where both small date and large date pennies were struck. The 1982 small date vs large date penny debate is important if you want to try to find the rarer and more valuable variations.

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

1982 D Penny Small Date vs Large Date—And What to Look For

The Philadelphia Mint produced many no-mint-mark pennies. But the Denver Mint (D) minted both large and small date varieties (e.g., 1982 D Copper Penny Large Date). Here's what makes these Denver-minted pennies so interesting:

• 1982 D Large Date 3 1 grams: This penny is made of copper and has the larger date style. It’s common but still sought after in pristine condition.

• 1982 D Penny Small Date 2 5 grams: This zinc penny is lighter and rarer, so a lot of collectors would like to have one of them, especially if they stumble across an error penny.

One of the most exciting discoveries in the numismatic world is the 1982 Penny Small Date D Copper. While most small date pennies were zinc, a few rare copper pennies with the small date were also minted. These rare coins weigh 3.1 grams and are considered very significant for collectors. 

As of now, only a handful of these copper coins have been confirmed. This led collectors to wonder how many 1982 D Small Date Copper Pennies have been found and are still out there. 

Error Coins and the Coveted Red Penny

Another area of such a popularity of 1982 pennies is error coins. Error pennies, like mis-struck coins or those with off-center designs, can be very expensive. The 1982 D Penny Error is one example of how an error coin can elevate a penny’s worth beyond its face value.

Additionally, the 1982 red penny—an uncirculated coin that has retained its original red luster—is highly valued by collectors. The 1982 penny large date in red, especially in pristine condition, can be worth significantly more than circulated examples.

How Much Are 1982 Pennies Worth?

The 1982 US penny value depends on several factors: its composition (copper vs. zinc), whether it has a small or large date, and its condition. Let’s break down the worth of key 19 82 penny varieties:

• 1982 Small Date Copper Penny Value: If in excellent condition, the 1982 small date copper penny can fetch a premium due to its rarity.

• 1982 Large Date Penny (Zinc or Copper): While these coins are more common, red or error versions can still command a higher price.

• 1982 D Small Date Bronze Penny Value: Bronze pennies from this year are rare and valuable, especially in mint condition.

• 1982 Transitional Penny: Pennies from these transitional dates (the first ever made), particularly the small date copper ones, are valuable due to their historical significance.

Note: All the prices, including the 1982 Small Date Penny 3 1 grams value, are average and can differ from the current worth trends because of various factors. To understand prices for today, we recommend you to contact auction houses or reliable grading offices. 

By the Way… How Does the 1982 Penny Compare to Earlier Coins?

Pennies from 1960 are also highly sought after, especially the 1960 D penny and the 1960 wheat penny, or one cent 1960 D. Much like the 1982 penny, the 1960 penny comes in both large date and small date varieties.

For example, a 1960 large and small date penny set provides a historical parallel to the small and large date variations found in 1982. Collectors can compare how these subtle differences can impact a coin’s value.

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

The Importance of Weight in Pennies: Copper vs. Zinc

One of the simplest ways to determine whether you have a copper or zinc penny from 1982 is by weighing it. Copper pennies will weigh 3.1 grams, while zinc pennies weigh 2.5 grams. If you want to know how much does a 1982 D penny weigh, remember that Denver minted both copper and zinc pennies, so a quick check with a scale will tell you which variety you have.

The 1982 D penny 3 1 grams value is generally higher due to the copper content, especially if the penny is in excellent condition. Similarly, the 1982 D small date penny 2.5 grams holds value for collectors who try to find zinc varieties from this transitional year.

The 1982 Penny and the Market Today

Today, collectors would still like to find 1982 pennies—whether it’s the elusive 1982 small date bronze penny, the 1982 zinc penny, or the rarer 1982 d penny error coins. As more discoveries are made and the numismatics continues to explore the variations of the 1982 US penny, its legacy only grows.

In conclusion, if you have a coin and think that it’s the 1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent 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., “Is a 1982 Penny Copper next to me?” You even can find out the 1982 Small Date Bronze Penny value thanks to the app. No more questions—only convenience and simplicity. 

Sources:

1. https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1982-penny-worth/

2. https://antiquesknowhow.com/1982-penny/