This is a cool find, the 1982 copper penny is a very collectible coin. The value ranges pretty wildly, some as low as $5 and really rare ones in the thousands. After evaluating your coin, I'd place its value at roughly $30-60. However you could increase that or at least know for sure what you have by getting it graded.
be aware of the 1982-D SMALL DATE COPPER PENNY which is worth about $35000.
Certain versions of the 1982 penny are quite valuable due to their rarity and history. The most expensive of the group are the 1982-D small date copper pennies. Because the Mint created these in error during an alloy transition, they are quite rare. Only two are known to exist.
The 1982-P Small Date copper Lincoln cent is one of the most difficult memorial cents to find in high grade condition. They are scarce even in MS64 and MS65 grades. It is one of the most difficult varieties to find in high grade out of all seven different varieties of this date.
While there are several such rare coins, the 1982-83 pennies are particularly popular among buyers. TikTok creator and coin expert called Wheats to Shields (@wheatstoshields) recently went viral for sharing a coin that sold for over $20,000.
The coin that you described has a value of between $6.00 to $4,350. Of course the better the condition the better the price. Don't forget that there are fees associated with getting coins graded.
In mint state 64, a 1982-D small date zinc penny sells for approximately $12, depending on its condition. Contrary, a 1982-D large date zinc date penny in the same grade costs $7. In grade MS67, a large date cent can sell for upwards of $45, while a small date cent can fetch up to $48.
For the 1982-S, look for one that weighs 2.5 grams, as all currently known weigh 3.11 grams struck in the traditional solid copper alloy with a Large Date. Look for a 1983-S that weighs 3.11 grams in the sold copper alloy, as all should have been struck on the 2.5 gram copper-plated zinc planchets.
The 1959-D wheat penny is one of the most controversial mule coins ever. It's worth $50,000! Here's everything you could possibly want to know about the 1959-D penny error!
Before 1982, the U.S. Mint produced pennies with 95% copper and only 5% zinc. After 1982, the composition changed to 97.5% zinc and just 2.5% copper. This significant difference means that pre-1982 pennies have a much higher intrinsic metal value, making them worth more than their face value.
Do You Have A 1983-D Penny? If So, Then You Might Have The Rare 1983 Copper Penny Worth $15,000! There's a rare 1983 copper penny (a 1983-D penny) worth $15,000 -- you could find one in your pocket change! Here's what to look for + Other rare copper pennies.
In 1982, changes were made to the design and composition of the Lincoln Cent. The small date Lincoln Memorial cent is special because few of these were minted in copper. This Lincoln cent is considered transitional and is rare.
These 1982 are the correct weight. It is the coins pre-1982 that would still be the heavier 3.11 grams. So, 1981 and earlier are the ones that would be 3.11 grams while the 1982 (like yours) and newer are 2.5 grams.
1982 Small Date // No Mint Mark // 3.1g
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All three of these are worth roughly the same amount, about 1 cent unless they are in VERY high grade. Of the three the 1982 no mint mark is slightly scarcer than the other two. But the 1982 D 3.11 gm SMALL DATE is extremely rare. So far only two specimens have been found, and have sold at auction for close to $35,000.
What you have is a 1982 small date cent in the brass (95% copper, 5% zinc) alloy with an official weight of 3.11 grams that was discontinued in the latter part of that year and replaced with the current copper-plated zinc (official weight 2.5 grams) composition.
The 1981-D Memorial Lincoln Cent was produced in the billions making it a very common coin. Only in MS67 or higher are they scarce. Anything grading MS68 or higher is rare and should be sent in to get graded as it would be one of the nicest examples that exist.
“During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a few were mistakenly made of bronze, and these are extremely rare and valuable. Made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc alloy, it sold for $1.7 million in 2010 but is valued at $2.3 in mint uncirculated condition.”
This is a cool find, the 1982 copper penny is a very collectible coin. The value ranges pretty wildly, some as low as $5 and really rare ones in the thousands. After evaluating your coin, I'd place its value at roughly $30-60. However you could increase that or at least know for sure what you have by getting it graded.