CHECK your change because if your penny has this small date error, it could be worth thousands.
In 1982, the U.S. Mint produced two major varieties of the 1982 Lincoln Memorial penny, the small date and the large date.
Additionally, the metal composition changed between the two coins from a more expensive penny made from 95 percent copper to a penny made from 97.5 percent zinc, which is much cheaper.
While each penny looks nearly identical, the only real difference is found in the weight of the coin and the size of the dates.
The tip comes from a TikToking coin collector Bowers coins (@thebowerscoinshow).
They posted a video detailing some important factors to look for when considering if you have one of the small dates.
“The large date has a straight line in the two but the small date has a slight in the two,” the collector said.
Another important factor is the weight of the penny, as this is how you will be able to tell its composition.
Zinc pennies weigh about 2.5 grams while copper pennies will weigh about 3.1 grams.
Bowers Coin revealed that one rare 1982 small date, copper penny sold for $18,000.
The Lincoln Memorial penny design was introduced in 1959 and minted in Philadelphia and Denver.
President Lincoln is featured on the obverse with the words LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date.
The design was first produced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.
The reverse showcases the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, replacing the Wheat Ears design.
Two designers created the coin: the obverse was designed by Victor D. Brenner while the reverse was created by Frank Gasparro.
DETERMINING COIN VALUES
Coin experts determine a coin’s value based on a variety of factors.
This includes mintage, errors, demand, age, design, certification, and condition.
More importantly, coins are graded on a rigid scale – which is what collectors will pay big bucks for.
There are five main components when it comes to a grading scale including strike, surface preservation, luster, coloration, and eye appeal.
Coins are assigned a whole number between 1 and 70, with the highest figure being close to perfect.
OTHER VALUABLE PENNIES
Some other pennies you’ll want to look out for include double die errors.
Arguably the most famous one of them all is known as the 1955 double die piece.
In average condition, the 1955 double die penny is worth $1,318, according to USA Coin Book.
The value could surpass $17,000 if in an MS 63 grade.
One buyer recently paid more than $2,000 for a circulated 1955 piece in a high grade.
Also, there’s the 1922 Lincoln penny without a mintmark, which can be worth thousands depending on the grade.
It is worth $946 in average condition and up to $30,724 if in an “Uncirculated (MS-63)” grade, according to USA Coin Book.
It is estimated that 25,000 no-mintmark pennies were produced with “perhaps” 10,000 pieces surviving, according to collector’s guide Lincoln Cents.
To see if your spare change is worth anything, you can check eBay by searching the full name, selecting the “sold” listing, and then toggling the search to “highest value.”
Your coin may have an ‘ultra cameo’ detail, making it worth $2,100.
Plus, another rare dime sold for $10,700 after being minted over a century ago.
