1982 D Penny Value

1982 pennies have gotten complicated with all the variety combinations and composition changes that year. As someone who has sorted through thousands of these coins looking for the valuable ones, I learned everything there is to know about identifying which 1982 D pennies are worth keeping. Today, I will share it all with you.

Why 1982 Was Different

The Denver mint produced around 6 billion Lincoln pennies in 1982. What makes this year special is the mid-year composition change. The Mint switched from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper coating) to reduce production costs as copper prices rose.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Because the change happened mid-year, 1982 produced both copper and zinc pennies from both mints—creating multiple varieties that collectors still hunt for today.

Identifying Your 1982 D Penny

The “D” mintmark below the date indicates Denver production. Philadelphia-minted pennies lack a mintmark entirely. But mintmark alone doesn’t determine value—composition and date size matter more.

That’s what makes 1982 D pennies endearing to us coin hunters—there’s real money to be found if you know what to look for.

Copper vs. Zinc: The Weight Test

Copper 1982 D pennies weigh approximately 3.11 grams. Zinc versions weigh about 2.5 grams. A digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams will clearly distinguish between them. This simple test is essential for identifying potentially valuable coins.

What’s Your 1982 D Penny Worth?

A zinc 1982 D penny in circulated condition: face value. A copper 1982 D penny in average condition: a few cents above face value due to copper content. A copper 1982 D penny in mint state (uncirculated): $1 to $10 depending on grade.

The real prize is the 1982 D Small Date Copper penny—supposedly not produced at Denver, yet at least one exists. A confirmed example sold for $18,800 in 2017. If you find another, you’re holding something extraordinary.

Practical Tips

• Use a magnifying glass to examine mintmarks and date size carefully.
• Invest in a precision scale—it pays for itself quickly if you process many coins.
• Handle coins by their edges to avoid fingerprint damage.
• Store valuable finds in protective holders or capsules.

The 1982 D penny hunting hobby rewards patience and attention to detail. Most coins you check will be common zinc versions, but the occasional copper find makes the search worthwhile.