Is a 1982 Penny Worth Anything?
If you’ve got a 1982 penny in your hand and you’re wondering if it’s worth more than one cent, you’re not alone. These coins pop up on eBay, YouTube, and TikTok all the time, usually with big claims about rarity or hidden value.
Let’s break down what’s real, what’s not, and how to actually tell if your 1982 cent is worth anything.
Why 1982 Matters (Sort Of)
In 1982, the U.S. Mint made a major change. Because of rising copper prices, they switched from 95% copper cents to copper-plated zinc cents. That means two types of metal compositions were used in the same year, and both kinds look almost identical.
There are also seven different varieties of 1982 Lincoln cents:
No Proof Sets in 1982
The Mint skipped proof sets in 1982 and 1983 due to budget issues. Collectors were mad. It wasn’t personal, just tight resources and tough decisions. Still a weird gap in the timeline.
- Large Date, Copper
- Large Date, Zinc
- Small Date, Copper
- Small Date, Zinc
- Large Date, Copper (D mintmark)
- Large Date, Zinc (D mintmark)
- Small Date, Zinc (D mintmark only)
So yes, 1982 is a bit messy. But most of these coins are still worth one cent unless they’re in high mint state grades.
How to Tell if Yours is Copper or Zinc
Weigh it.
- Copper cents weigh about 3.11 grams
- Zinc cents weigh about 2.5 grams
You’ll need a digital scale that reads to the hundredth of a gram. Anything between 2.9 and 3.2 grams is probably copper. Anything between 2.4 and 2.6 is likely zinc.
The metal type alone doesn’t make it valuable, but it helps you figure out which version you have.
What About Small Date vs Large Date?
The difference is subtle, especially if you don’t handle a lot of coins. On a small date, the “8” and “2” tend to sit higher than the “1” and “9.” The “2” also has a softer curve.
Small Date 1982 cents are slightly less common, and the 1982-D Small Date made of copper was once considered a mystery. In fact, a few examples were found that turned out to be authentic—these are extremely rare and valuable.
But unless your 1982-D Small Date weighs 3.11 grams and has been authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC, it’s probably just a normal zinc penny.
So, Is It Worth Anything?
Here’s the reality check:
- If it’s circulated and beat up, it’s worth face value
- If it’s copper, it’s a little more interesting. These are technically worth around three cents in melt value, but only if you’re hoarding them for bulk scrap. As single coins, they’re still treated like face value unless they’re in mint state.
- If it’s an uncirculated small date in high grade, it might be worth a few bucks
- If it’s a 1982-D Small Date that weighs 3.11 grams, it’s worth getting certified/graded
- Otherwise, it’s just a fun sorting exercise
Bottom Line
The 1982 penny is one of those coins that sounds more exciting than it usually is. It teaches you a lot about U.S. coinage changes, and it’s a great coin to learn weighing and variety spotting with, but don’t expect to retire on it.
Check the date. Weigh the coin. And if you think you’ve found something special, do the homework before listing it for $5,000 on eBay.