1982 Penny Value
A worn 1982 penny sells for about 1–5¢.
Uncirculated ones bring 5–25¢, and a certified MS65 brings $6–15.
It's worth more than face value even when worn. Compare it with the table and check for the varieties below before selling.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-D | 6,012,979,368 | 1–5¢ | 5–25¢ | $6–15 |
| 1982 (no mint mark) | 10,712,525,000 | 1–5¢ | 5–25¢ | $6–15 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Both bronze (3.11 g) and copper-plated zinc (2.50 g) were made this year
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
Seven versions: copper or zinc, large or small date
Look for: Weigh it: about 3.1 grams is copper, about 2.5 grams is zinc. Then compare the date size.
Copper versions are worth their copper value. A 1982-D small date on a copper blank is not one of the seven regular versions; it is an error with only two known.
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1982-D | For circulation | 6,012,979,368 |
| 1982 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 10,712,525,000 |
| 1982-S | Proof (collector) | 3,857,479 |
Questions
Is a 1982 penny silver?
No. 1982 pennies were made in two metals: bronze (95% copper, 3.11 grams) and copper-plated zinc (2.50 grams). Weigh yours to tell them apart.
Which 1982 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1982-D is worth the most, about $6–15 in MS65.
Where is the mint mark on a 1982 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1982 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1982: 1982 quarter.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.