Do You Have One? 1982 D penny?

If you’ve got 1982 pennies, it might be worth examining them carefully—you could have a hidden treasure!

You see, one of those 1982 pennies could be a rare and valuable error coin known as the "1982 Small Date" variety. This particular error occurred when the U.S. Mint inadvertently used an older die reserved for 1981 coins, creating a smaller date on some 1982 pennies. Although these error coins aren't exceedingly rare, they can fetch a premium price among coin collectors.

To identify a 1982 Small Date penny, first locate the mint mark on the coin's obverse (front) side, just below the year. If your penny has no mint mark, it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which didn't use mint marks for pennies in 1982. In this case, you'll want to focus on the date's size rather than the mint mark.

Examine the "82" in the date. On most 1982 pennies, the "82" is larger and more closely spaced than the numbers on the other side of the coin. However, on a 1982 Small Date penny, the "82" is notably smaller and more spread apart. If you have a magnifying glass or a jeweler's loupe, use it to get a closer look at the date.

Keep in mind that not all 1982 Small Date pennies are worth a fortune. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the average Small Date penny in "extremely fine" condition (indicated by the abbreviation XF) is worth about $2.50. However, a Small Date penny in "gem uncirculated" condition (abbreviated MS65) can go for $20 or more. As with any coin collecting endeavor, the key is to get a good idea of the coin's condition and then consult reputable price guides or dealers for accurate valuations.

Beyond the thrill of potentially discovering a hidden treasure in your pocket change, collecting error coins offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the history, artistry, and technology of coin production. By examining your pennies (and other coins) carefully, you may find a new appreciation for the intricate details that go into each piece, and you might even begin a fascinating and rewarding hobby.