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1982 Small Date Copper 3.08g

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Author Previous TopicReplies: 13 / Views: 893Next Topic  
Valued Member

United States
59 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  01:53 am Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add GTone to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
I found a 1982 Small Date Copper Penny and since 1982 was a transitional year, (going from copper to zinc) I decided to weigh it and saw it weighed 3.08. Meaning its composition is made of copper. I'm aware that everyone is after the 1982 "D"Copper Penny but I after looking at both the 2026 RedBook and the PCGS website, I saw that the 82 Small Date Copper from Philadelphia also has a little value. I'm also aware that the coin apps aren't reliable but I find it very strange that theres no mentioning of the 1982 Small Date from Philadelphia under errors, although it has several other errors listed?

1982-Small-Date-Copper-3.08g
Pillar of the Community
United States
1655 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  03:53 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add lcutler to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
The copper 1982 small date isn't an error, it's a variety. Both copper and copper plated zinc were struck, both varieties are normal.
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nickelsearcher's Avatar
United States
15384 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  05:53 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add nickelsearcher to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
Meaning its composition is made of copper.


Actually, it is composed of an alloy of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

No errors present that I can see. Your coin is a variety and normal for the year, mint and composition.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art
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Dearborn's Avatar
United States
94666 Posts
Valued Member
United States
59 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  08:07 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add GTone to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Well, according to the 2026 RedBook and PCGS website, it's the second most valuable of all the 1982 varieties,.right behind the 1982 D Copper.. I'm gonna keep mine safe for a decade or two and see what that value is then.

1982-Small-Date-Copper-3.08g
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Freespeech57's Avatar
United States
615 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  11:20 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Freespeech57 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
GTone, you are correct that the 1982 small date has some value and certified MS63 may retail for $2.60 or so (CPG: Consumer Price Guide) or $5.50 Red Book.

How would you grade your piece?

Grade and eye appeal are key factors as is buyer demand.
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Dearborn's Avatar
United States
94666 Posts
 Posted 12/17/2025  11:23 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Dearborn to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Can you post up better images of both sides of your coin?

The 1982-P small date copper cent can carry some high value, but only in very high uncirculated conditions (MS-65 or higher, with MS 67+ commanding very high values)
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jbuck's Avatar
United States
187541 Posts
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United States
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 Posted 12/17/2025  12:09 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add GTone to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Unfortunately, mine might make AU58 but it's not MS... I was just thinking that it's worthy of being put into a flip and kept safe for a decade or two. Then maybe it might be worth grading to sale...
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jbuck's Avatar
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 Posted 12/17/2025  12:11 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add jbuck to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
I was just thinking that it's worthy of being put into a flip and kept safe for a decade or two.
Definitely a keeper.
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Dearborn's Avatar
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 Posted 12/17/2025  5:33 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Dearborn to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
I was just thinking that it's worthy of being put into a flip and kept safe for a decade or two

it is worth placing into a 2x2 for sure.
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nickelsearcher's Avatar
United States
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 Posted 12/18/2025  08:42 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add nickelsearcher to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Definitely 2x2 worthy.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art
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United States
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 Posted 12/18/2025  11:27 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add GTone to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Alright, alright... I thought it's worthy because I see a lot of folks showing 1982 Large Dates and very few are actually Small Dates. Plus the RedBook was a good sign too. Thank you to everyone for chiming in and for the confirmation! Much appreciated..
Valued Member
United States
59 Posts
 Posted 12/18/2025  7:11 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add GTone to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Here are the best pictures I can get of my 82 Small Date. What do you guys think? High AU or Low MS? Sorry for such a newbie question but I'm just trying to learn. The Sheldon's Grading System...thanks again everyone for sharing your knowledge!


1982-Small-Date-Copper-3.08g

1982-Small-Date-Copper-3.08g
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