1982 Penny Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1982 penny operates as a financial lottery ticket hiding in plain sight—a manufacturing mishap that transformed worthless zinc into auction gold.

When leftover copper blanks accidentally entered production lines meant for the new zinc composition, they created 1982-D small date specimens now selling for $18,800 at major auctions. Most 1982 pennies remain trapped at their table values: bronze varieties around $2.05 in AU grade, zinc pieces at $0.82-$2.87, yet every handful of pocket change potentially conceals a retirement-funding error.

With only two copper specimens discovered among billions minted, the odds favor dedicated searchers. A simple weight test—3.11 grams for copper versus 2.5 grams for zinc—can reveal what mint inspectors missed, turning routine pocket change into potential windfalls.

 

1982 Penny Value By Variety

Looking at the chart below, 1982 penny values reveal a spectrum that reflects both composition changes and rarity factors. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1982 Penny Worth Money

You might assume the most valuable 1982 pennies follow the usual collecting logic—but the Top 10 rankings reveal a very different pattern.

The $15,600 1982 Zinc Small Date RD 69 specimen dominates the field, worth more than double the second-place $7,050 1982-S DCAM 60. This zinc-over-bronze hierarchy defies expectations—modern zinc compositions achieving higher premiums than traditional copper varieties.

Bronze specimens cluster in the $1,000-$5,000 range. Grade sensitivity proves extreme: a single point difference between MS67 and MS68 bronze small dates creates a $1,410 value gap. Denver mint varieties enter the elite tier only once, with the 1982-D RD 68 at $1,093, while Philadelphia specimens dominate seven of ten positions.

The proof category shows interesting grade inversions—PR60 DCAM specimens ($7,050) significantly outperform PR70 DCAM examples ($2,115), suggesting collector preference for specific contrast characteristics over technical perfection. Color designations matter: RD specimens claim nine positions while a single RB entry at $1,110 demonstrates the premium commanded by original luster preservation.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of The 1982 Penny

In the years before 1982, most people loved copper pennies because they could maintain their beauty and quality for a long time. But something happened in 1982 that forever changed the US coinage.

It all started in 1973 when copper prices rose so high that the metal in each Lincoln cent was worth more than one cent. While melting coins remained illegal, the ongoing cost problem forced the U.S. Mint to experiment with alternatives to the traditional 95% copper and 5% zinc composition.

One alternative that showed so much promise is aluminum. As a fact, the mint struck about 1.5 million aluminum Lincoln cents, all dated 1974. They minted these units anticipating that Congress will approve them. Unfortunately, their plan never went through and most aluminum coins got destroyed.

But in 1979, one pound of copper surpassed the one-dollar limit, forcing congress to act. Finally, in 1981, the mint changed the cent’s composition from 95% copper to just 0.04% copper bonded to a 99.2% zinc core.

On January 7, 1982, the production of the copper-plated zinc pennies began in West Point Mint before the Philadelphia center took over. Coins from the West Point mint bear no mint mark, therefore they are indistinguishable from those produced in Philadelphia.

The Denver mint continued to produce bronze Lincoln pennies until the transition day: October 21, 1982. About 6 billion pieces got produced in this minting facility. As for the San Francisco minting center, it struck over 1.5 million regular strike units (they bear no mint marks) and more than 3 million proof 1982 pennies.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 1982 Penny Rare?

You can use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly check your coin’s rarity score and current market value.

 

Key Features of The 1982 Penny

The 1982 Lincoln penny represents a pivotal moment in American coinage history, marked by the mid-year transition from copper to zinc composition that created multiple varieties within a single year—a unique occurrence that makes identification essential for collectors.

The Obverse Of The 1982 Penny

The obverse of the 1982 penny maintains the classic Lincoln portrait created by Victor David Brenner in 1909. Lincoln’s profile remains unchanged from earlier Memorial cents, with the familiar “IN GOD WE TRUST” motto arched above his head and “LIBERTY” positioned to the left of the portrait.

The date “1982” appears on the right side, but here’s where collectors must pay close attention. Two distinct date varieties exist: Large Date and Small Date. The Small Date version features more compact, delicate numerals, particularly noticeable in the “2” which displays a curved hook at the bottom rather than the straighter diagonal line found on Large Date specimens.

Denver-minted coins display a small “D” mint mark below the date, while Philadelphia issues bear no mint mark at all.

The Reverse Of The 1982 Penny

The reverse showcases the Lincoln Memorial design introduced in 1959 by Frank Gasparro. The memorial building sits centrally, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curving along the top edge and “ONE CENT” positioned at the bottom.

The Latin motto “E. PLURIBUS. UNUM” appears above the memorial’s roof, maintaining the traditional reverse layout that collectors recognize from the Memorial cent series spanning 1959 to 2008.

Other Features Of The 1982 Penny

The most significant feature of 1982 pennies lies in their composition change. Early 1982 coins maintain the traditional 95% copper, 5% zinc formula weighing 3.11 grams. However, mid-year production shifted to 97.5% zinc with thin copper plating, reducing weight to 2.5 grams.

This weight difference provides the most reliable identification method—copper pennies produce a higher-pitched ring when dropped, while zinc versions create a duller “clunk” sound. The composition transition, combined with the date size variations, creates seven distinct 1982 penny varieties that collectors actively seek.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

1982 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The mintage figures reveal Philadelphia’s dominance in 1982 penny distribution, with over 10.7 billion coins bearing no mint mark compared to Denver’s 6.0 billion D-marked specimens. San Francisco’s contribution remains minimal at just about 3.3 million DCAM proof coins, reflecting their specialized collector-focused role during this transitional year.

Survival patterns tell a more nuanced story about long-term preservation trends. Both Philadelphia and Denver issues maintain identical 20% survival rates, suggesting similar circulation patterns and collector retention behaviors across these high-volume strikes.

However, San Francisco proofs demonstrate exceptional preservation with an impressive 80.75% survival rate—a testament to their premium positioning and careful handling by numismatic enthusiasts.

These preservation metrics highlight how mintage volume inversely correlates with survival percentages, creating rarity dynamics that extend far beyond initial strike quantities.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1982 Penny Value

Weight is the most critical factor—copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams while zinc versions weigh 2.5 grams. This transitional year produced both Large Date and Small Date varieties in two different compositions. The CoinValueChecker App instantly checks your coin’s rarity score and current market value. Most circulated pieces trade for face value to 25 cents.

 

1982 Penny Value Guides

The 1982 penny was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities, creating distinct varieties based on their mint marks. Philadelphia struck over 10.7 billion pennies bearing no mint mark, Denver produced approximately 6 billion coins marked with “D”, while San Francisco contributed over 3.8 million proof specimens with “S” mint marks.

This distribution reflects the standard role assignment: Philadelphia and Denver handling regular circulation strikes, while San Francisco focused on collector-grade proofs. Interestingly, some coins from West Point bear no mint mark, making them indistinguishable from Philadelphia issues, adding complexity to identification for collectors seeking complete sets.

Here are 1982 Penny types by mint mark.

No Mint Mark (Philadelphia):

• 1982 No Mint Mark
• 1982 Bronze Large Date
• 1982 Bronze Small Date
• 1982 Zinc Large Date
• 1982 Zinc Small Date

D Mint Mark (Denver):

• 1982-D
• 1982-D Bronze
• 1982-D Zinc Large Date
• 1982-D Zinc Small Date

S Mint Mark (San Francisco):

• 1982-S DCAM (Copper-plated Zinc)

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

1982 No Mint Mark Penny Value Guides

Philadelphia Mint’s 1982 pennies represent the most diverse group within the transitional year series, encompassing five distinct varieties that showcase both composition changes and design modifications.

These no mint mark specimens include the standard 1982 designation alongside bronze large date, bronze small date, zinc large date, and zinc small date variations. Each variety carries unique collector appeal and market values ranging from modest premiums to substantial four-figure sums, depending on composition, date size, and preservation quality.

1982 No Mint Mark Penny Value

The 1982 no mint mark penny represents Philadelphia Mint production during America’s most dramatic compositional shift in modern coinage.

Unlike other years where Philadelphia pennies maintained consistent copper composition, 1982 Philadelphia pennies exist in both 95% copper (3.11 grams) and copper-plated zinc (2.5 grams) versions, creating a unique collecting puzzle that requires weighing to determine metal content.

Professional grading services recognize three color designations for these copper coins: Red (RD) for specimens retaining 95% of their original mint luster, Red-Brown (RB) for moderately toned examples, and Brown (BN) for naturally darkened pieces.

PCGS shows dramatic price variations between color grades— high-grade examples (MS68 RD) have values reaching $4,700, while RB and BN examples typically offer more accessible entry points for collectors.

These auction records paint a clear picture of escalating values across condition grades for this transitional series.

Current market activity reflects robust collector interest in these historically significant composition-change specimens.

1982 Bronze Large Date Penny Value

The 1982 Bronze Large Date penny represents the more common design variety among transitional bronze cents, featuring the original die configuration with bold, prominent date numerals that characterized early 1982 production.

This variety remains common up to MS66 condition, with anything higher becoming much more difficult to find. This copper-based specimen weighs the traditional 3.11 grams and maintains the 95% copper, 5% zinc composition that ended mid-year. Beyond the Red (RD) designation, collectors also pursue Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) color variants reflecting different preservation levels.

Recent auction records reveal significant value differences across color designations: RD specimens achieved $1,495 in MS67+ condition in 2018, and RB examples reached a modest $1,110 in MS64 in 2024. While the BN variant appears to have limited recent auction activity in records, suggesting minimal market presence.

The auction records demonstrate the dramatic price escalation pattern that defines high-grade transitional specimens.

The market activity tells collector demand for these historically significant pre-zinc composition pennies.

1982 Bronze Small Date Penny Value

The 1982 Bronze Small Date penny stands as the crown jewel of transitional Memorial cents, earning recognition as one of the most challenging varieties to locate in premium condition.

Some experts note this specimen represents “one of the most difficult memorial cents to find in high grade condition,” remaining scarce even in MS64 and MS65 grades, with MS66 and higher examples proving extremely difficult to locate.

This rarity stems from the modified dies used during the composition transition, creating compact, delicate date numerals that distinguish it from its Large Date counterpart. Like other bronze varieties, these pennies appear in Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) color designations alongside the premium Red (RD) classification.

The finest certified RD specimen achieved $9,988 in MS67+ condition at Heritage Auctions in 2014, while RB examples reached $240 in MS62 condition in 2024, and BN specimens commanded $46 in MS66 grade in 2019. The dramatic pricing differential underscores collector preference for pristine preservation quality in this challenging series.

These auction achievements establish the benchmark for transitional cent valuations across all condition grades.

Market activity over the past year has shown that collectors’ enthusiasm for these historically significant specimens has only grown.

1982 Zinc Large Date Penny Value

The 1982 Zinc Large Date penny marks the debut of America’s new penny composition, introducing the revolutionary 97.5% zinc core with 2.5% copper plating that reduced weight from 3.11 to 2.5 grams.

This variety maintains the original bold date design while embodying the cost-saving measures that forever changed penny production. Despite its modern composition, these specimens still display the traditional Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), and Brown (BN) color classifications based on surface preservation quality.

According to auction records, RD coins could reach at $2,401 in MS68 (2012), RB pieces was sold for $30 in MS64 (2021), and BN specimens realized $173 in MS63 at Bowers & Merena (2009).

Here are auction records about this type.

As can be seen from the market activity below, collector interest in this new coin is strong.

1982 Zinc Small Date Penny Value

Unlike its Large Date counterpart, the 1982 Zinc Small Date penny showcases the refined die modifications implemented during the composition transition, featuring compact, delicate numerals that create visual distinction within the new zinc-based series.

This variety represents the pinnacle of 1982 zinc penny collecting. It holds the highest mintage record for any U.S. coin as of 2010. The modified small date design required updated dies to properly strike the new lightweight zinc planchets.

Beyond the featured Red (RD) designation, there are also Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) color variants.

Here are auction records of 1982 Zinc small date penny.

If you’re interested in it’s market activity, hope the chart below can be helpful for you.

 

1982-D Penny Value Guides

Denver Mint’s contribution to the 1982 transitional series represents a more streamlined approach to the composition change, producing four distinct varieties that showcase both bronze and zinc compositions alongside date size variations. With over 6 billion coins struck, these D-marked specimens offer collectors accessible entry points into transitional penny collecting while containing several genuinely scarce varieties that command significant premiums in high-grade preservation.

1982-D Penny Value

The 1982-D penny represents Denver Mint’s contribution to one of the most significant transitional years in modern American coinage. Denver produced pennies in both compositions during 1982—95% copper (weighing 3.11 grams) and copper-plated zinc (2.5 grams)—making proper identification dependent on weighing rather than visual inspection alone.

The distinctive “D” mint mark positioned below the date clearly identifies Denver production, distinguishing these coins from their Philadelphia counterparts.

Professional grading services classify these pennies using standard color designations that significantly impact market value. Red-Brown (RB) specimens show natural toning patterns typical of copper coins with moderate environmental exposure, while Brown (BN) examples display the darker patina associated with extended circulation or storage conditions. Red (RD) pennies typically range from $4 to $870, with values increasing for well-preserved specimens.

Here are auction records.

The market activity underscores collector appreciation for Denver’s systematic approach to the national composition transition.

1982-D Bronze Penny Value

The 1982-D Bronze penny represents Denver Mint’s final copper production before the October 21, 1982 compositional transition.

Denver produced approximately 6 billion bronze pennies before switching to copper-plated zinc, with all featuring the large date design. These coins maintain the traditional 95% copper composition weighing 3.11 grams, distinguishing them from later zinc variants through both weight and metallic properties.

Unlike zinc cents that display uniform copper plating susceptible to bubbling, bronze specimens develop authentic patina reflecting their solid copper composition—Red (RD) examples show 95% or more of their original mint red color, Red-Brown (RB) display between 5% and 95% original red, while Brown (BN) variants exhibit complete natural oxidation.

From auction records, we can see how condition influences these bronze pennies’ auction performance across multiple grade levels.

Market activity indicates varying collector interest in these Denver transitional coins.

1982-D Zinc Large Date Penny Value

The 1982-D Zinc Large Date penny represents a wonderful metallurgical contradiction—despite containing only 2.5% copper plating over a zinc core, these coins paradoxically achieve higher auction prices than their bronze predecessors in top grades.

Auctions data reveals that one example sold for $1,880 at MS68 RD in 2016. Such phenomenon is driven by an unexpected preservation challenge: zinc’s softer composition creates surface imperfections during striking that make pristine examples extraordinarily difficult to find.

This composition-driven scarcity transforms a common transitional coin into a modern rarity, with fewer gem examples surviving than many traditional key dates. Color variations in Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) designations reflect different environmental exposures affecting the thin copper plating.

It is demonstrated that how modern composition changes can create unexpected premium opportunities from auction records.

From the table below, we can see the market activity of 1982-D Zinc Large Date Penny in the past year.

1982-D Zinc Small Date Penny Value

The 1982-D Zinc Small Date penny features Denver’s modified die design with compact, delicate numerals—the “2” displays a distinctive curved tail while the “8” shows asymmetrical loops with a smaller top portion. These design modifications emerged from Denver’s need to accommodate the new zinc planchet striking requirements after October 21, 1982. The coin weighs 2.5 grams with copper-plated zinc composition, making weight verification crucial for proper identification.

According to statistics, MS67 examples are scarce, while MS68 specimens are very scarce with fewer than a few dozen known and none grading higher, demonstrating how zinc’s softer properties create preservation challenges that benefit Red specimens over their RB and BN counterparts.

Grade distribution patterns across auction houses reflect the technical challenges inherent in zinc composition striking.

The chart below shows the latest market activity over time.

 

1982-S DCAM Penny Value

The 1982-S DCAM penny emerged from San Francisco’s experimental proof production crisis—when zinc-core blanks caused copper plating to rupture under intense proof striking pressure, forcing emergency reversion to solid copper composition. This technical failure accidentally created the year’s most visually dramatic variety, featuring razor-sharp frosted portraits against glass-like mirror fields.

Authentication centers on the telltale 3.11-gram weight (heavier than all other 1982 varieties) and microscopic examination of frosting quality—genuine DCAM specimens show uniform granular texture while counterfeits display inconsistent or artificial enhancement patterns.

Despite a substantial 3.28 million mintage, achieving perfect PR70 DCAM designation remains challenging, with auction records reaching $7,050 for flawless examples, demonstrating how technical precision requirements create modern scarcity within abundant production runs.

Auction records show the price differences between grades.

The chart below captures market activity for these coins among institutions and collectors.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 1982 Penny Error List

The 1982 penny error market defies expectations—while collectors typically chase compositional rarities, legitimate minting errors prove far scarcer. Among documented mistakes, the 1982 Zinc Small Date Doubled Die Reverse (FS-1801) stands as the category’s crown jewel, with only three confirmed examples discovered since 2007, proving that even modern production errors can achieve extraordinary rarity levels that transform humble cents into significant collectibles.

1982 Zn SD DDR FS-1801 Errors

The 1982 Zn SD DDR FS-1801 originated from die stress during the zinc composition transition, when Denver’s modified small date dies experienced premature deterioration under the different striking pressures required for zinc planchets.

This true doubled die reverse error manifests as distinct secondary impressions across all reverse lettering elements—”UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE CENT,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”—creating crisp, raised duplicate images rather than the blurred effect typical of mechanical doubling.

The error exists in both Red (RD) and Red-Brown (RB) color designations, with RD specimens preserving superior detail clarity of the doubling characteristics.

Its rarity stems from the documented extreme rarity—three confirmed examples represent a survival rate of less than 0.00001% from Denver’s massive zinc production, positioning this error among modern numismatics’ most exclusive discoveries with potential for additional finds remaining in circulation.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where To Sell Your 1982 Penny?

Whether your 1982 penny turns out to be a small copper treasure or simply a piece of nostalgic pocket change, knowing where to find the right buyer transforms a simple coin into an opportunity—because sometimes, the real value isn’t just in what you sell, but in discovering what’s been hiding in plain sight all along.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1982 Penny Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1982 Penny

1. Is the 1982-D small date bronze penny a variety or error?

Most people might argue the 1982-D small date bronze penny is the eighth variation of the 1982 penny. However, grading experts consider it a mint error because it was stuck in a leftover planchet and accidentally entered circulation.

2. How can you identify the small and large date of 1982 pennies?

1982 small and large date Lincoln cents have a few differences. For example, all the numbers in the date (1982) align at the bottom in a large date subtype. But small date variety, the number seems misaligned, with the “8” looking a bit raised.

Another way to differentiate the two varieties is to look at the numeral “2”. In the small date penny, the number “2” curves all down before getting to the flat bottom. In the large date coin, the number “2” has no curves. It curves a little at the top and goes all the way down to the flat bottom.