Most 1982 pennies are relatively common and don’t carry much collector value. In circulated condition, these coins are worth only their face value or slightly more. However, in uncirculated condition they can be worth quite a bit more – anywhere from $2 to $5 depending on the grade, mint mark and if they’re small date or large date.
Many people enjoy collecting old pennies. For some, it is a fun hobby that brings back fond memories of childhood. Others view it as a way to invest in a piece of history. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that collecting old pennies can be both enjoyable and profitable.
Do you have any old pennies lying around? If so, you may be wondering how much they are worth. In this blog post, we will take a look at the value of a 1982 penny. Keep reading to learn more!
1982 Penny Identification Guide
1982 was the year that the penny’s composition transitioned from copper to copper-plated zinc. Therefore some 1982 pennies will be copper and some will be copper-plated zinc. The easiest way to tell what type of penny you have is to weigh it. Zinc pennies weigh 2.5 grams and copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
Another way to tell the difference is to perform a “drop test.” Simply drop the coins on a hard surface. Zinc pennies have sort of a flat “clunk,” whereas copper pennies have a higher-pitched, more melodious “ring” sound.
On the obverse side of the coin, you’ll see a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left side, and above his portrait is the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Below his chin you can find a date “1982”. On the reverse side of the coin, you’ll see the Lincoln Memorial. The words “ONE CENT,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed on the reverse of the coin.
If there is a mint mark, it will be located under the date. A 1982 penny minted in Philadelphia will have no mint mark. A 1982 penny minted in Denver will have a “D” mint mark. A 1982 penny minted in San Francisco will have an “S” mint mark.
1982 Penny Small Date vs Large Date
As all experienced coin collectors know, there can be a big difference in value between two coins that appear to be identical. Such is the case with the 1982 Penny, which comes in both small date and large date varieties. While the small date variety is relatively common and not worth much more than face value, the large date variety is quite rare and can fetch a sizable premium. So how can you tell the difference between the two?
The easiest way to tell a 1982 small date from a large date 1982 Penny is to check the alignment of the tops of each numeral in the date. On a large date penny, the tops of the “9” and “8” in the “1982” date will appear higher than the “1” and the “2”. On a small date penny, by contrast, the tops of all the numerals appear to be aligned. While this may seem like a small difference, it can make a big difference in value. So if you come across a 1982 Penny, take a close look at the date before you spend it!
How Rare is a 1982 Penny?
How rare is a 1982 penny? Well, it depends. If you’re talking about pennies minted in Philadelphia, then it’s not rare. In 1982, the Philadelphia mint produced 10,712,525,000 pennies. That’s a lot of pennies! However, if you’re talking about Denver or San Francisco minted pennies, then the answer is “slightly less common.” In 1982, the Denver mint produced 6,012,979,368 pennies and the San Francisco mint produced 3,857,479 proof pennies.
How Much Is a 1982 Penny Worth?
1982 pennies in circulation are mostly worth their face value or slightly more if they’re copper-colored. They can only sell at premium in uncirculated condition.
Copper Penny
The copper pennies without a mint mark and with a small date are worth around $2 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The copper pennies without a mint mark and with a large date are worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
A 1982 copper penny is worth around $0.02 in terms of its copper content. However, if you have a 1982 penny that is in good condition, it could be worth much more than $0.02. For example, an uncirculated 1982 penny with no mint mark and the small date is worth around $2. An uncirculated 1982 penny with no mint mark and the large date is worth around $1.
The copper pennies with a “D” mint mark are worth around $1 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. Lastly, the proof copper pennies with an “S” mint mark are worth around $2.50 in PR 65 condition.
So, depending on the type of 1982 copper penny you have, it could be worth either $0.02 or $2,50!
Zinc Penny
The 1982 zinc penny with no mint mark and the small date is worth around $0.85 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1982 zinc penny with no mint mark and the large date is worth around $0.50 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
The 1982 D zinc penny with the small date is worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1982 D zinc penny with the large date is worth around $0.40 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
So, if you have 1982 zinc pennies be sure to check it carefully to see if it might be worth more than just one cent!
How Do I Know if My 1982 Penny Is Worth Anything?
Many people have a box of old coins that have been passed down from previous generations. While most of these coins are not worth much, there is always the hope that one might be a rare find. For those who are wondering if their 1982 penny is worth anything, there are a few things to consider.
Assess the Condition
If you have a 1982 penny and you’re wondering whether it’s worth anything, the first thing you need to do is assess the condition of the coin. A penny that has circulated ( been used in everyday transactions) will usually show some wear and tear, while an uncirculated penny will be in pristine condition. Uncirculated pennies from 1982 are typically worth more than circulated pennies, but there are other factors that can affect a coin’s value as well.
Get it Appraised
If you think you may have a valuable 1982 penny, the best way to know for sure is to get it appraised by a professional. A professional can give you an accurate estimate of its value, based on factors such as its condition, rarity, and market demand. They can also help you determine whether your coin is counterfeit or not. While there are many ways to find out an approximate value for your 1982 penny on your own, professional appraisers have the knowledge and experience to give you the most accurate estimate possible.
Compare to Recently Sold Coins
One way to determine the value of a coin is to compare it to recently sold coins of the same type. You can check online auction sites or coin dealers to see what similar coins have sold for recently. If your coin is in the same condition as those that have sold for high prices, then it’s likely that yours is also valuable.
Let’s take a look at some of the recently sold listings on eBay:
- A lot of 7 small and large date 1982 P and 1982 D coins in uncirculated grades sold for $5,50.
- An uncirculated 1982 S proof coin sold for $2,75.
- A similar proof coin graded pR 69 by PCGS sold for $5.
- A 1982 penny small date variety sold for $5.
So if you’re wondering whether your penny from 1982 is worth anything, the best thing to do is compare it to similar coins that have recently been sold.
Final Thoughts
While most 1982 pennies are quite common, there are a few factors that can make them worth more than their face value. For instance, uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 or higher can be worth $2 to $5 each. Additionally, 1982 pennies with the small date variety are generally more valuable than those with the large date. Finally, certain mint marks (such as the “S” mint mark on coins from the San Francisco Mint) can also add to a coin’s value.
Therefore, if you have a 1982 penny in excellent condition and with rarer features, it could be worth significantly more than its face value. Whether you’re looking to start a coin collection or simply want to know how much your 1982 penny is worth, we hope this article has been helpful.
