When determining which old pennies are worth keeping, there are a few main criteria to consider. Firstly, coins minted before 1960 are generally much more valuable than those after 1960 as they tend to contain a higher percentage of copper, which contains a greater intrinsic value.
Therefore, any penny made before 1960 is worth keeping as they tend to be much more valuable than post-1960 pennies.
The condition of the penny is also important when it comes to determining the value. Pre-1960 pennies that are in good condition with only a few wear and tear points, such as light scratching or discoloration, are more valuable than heavily worn pennies with major damage to their surfaces.
Pennies with major damage, such as discolored, corroded, hunks, or bent coins, have a much lower value than those in good condition.
In addition, some particular pennies from certain years can be worth a great deal of money. For example, 1914-D pennies (made in the Denver Mint) are highly coveted, and only a few have been confirmed to exist, making them extremely valuable.
In addition, some rare errors can also add significant value to a coin. For example, a 1944 Lincoln penny made from a brass-steel alloy instead of its usual zinc-coated steel is known to be worth up to $10,000 or more.
To conclude, when deciding which old pennies are worth keeping, make sure to focus on pre-1960 pennies that are in good condition, as well as any special coins or errors that could add significant value.
Why is a 1982 penny worth $10000?
A 1982 penny is worth $10000 because it is an extremely rare type of penny known as a “double die penny”. These coins were created when an error occurred in the minting process at the United States Mint, which caused the die to strike twice onto a single coin.
This resulted in the picture on the coin being doubled in size and the words LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date appearing very bold. This type of penny was discovered by the American Numismatic Association and has since become a highly sought after collectible.
Even though only a few thousand of these coins are believed to exist, they have become some of the most sought after coins in the world. In fact, a 1982 double die penny with a grade of MS-65 was recently sold at an auction for over $10000!.
What makes a 1982 penny so valuable?
A 1982 penny can be incredibly valuable for a variety of reasons. Firstly, coins from 1982 are now almost 40 years old and are becoming increasingly rare. This means that they often fetch a high price from collectors, who are willing to pay a premium to add these coins to their collections.
Additionally, a 1982 penny can be even more valuable when it’s in excellent condition as this is particularly desired by coin collectors. Other factors that influence the value of a 1982 penny include its mint mark (which was used to identify the coin by where it was minted) and even its composition – if it contains a high-grade copper-nickel alloy this can increase its worth considerably.
Finally, 1982 pennies can also be highly sought after if they have an error or a misprint, as this makes them much more valuable and desirable to avid collectors. Therefore, 1982 pennies can be incredibly valuable as determining their worth is not as clear cut as with many other coins from different years.
Is there a rare 1982 penny?
Yes, there is a rare 1982 penny. The 1982 penny is one of the most difficult Lincoln Memorial cents to find in top condition due to the minting process and how many were issued. This penny is particularly sought-after by coin collectors.
1982 penny varieties include the Small Date and Large Date Copper cents, the Copper Zinc Small Date cent, and the zinc Small Date and Large Date cents. The rarest two cents of the bunch are the 1982-D Large Date Bronze and the 1982-D Small Date Zinc.
Both of these coins are worth thousands of dollars when in perfect Uncirculated condition.
How can you tell if you have a 1982 D small date penny?
The 1982 D small date penny can be identified by the size of the date and the shape of the letters in the word “Liberty” printed on the face of the coin. The small date has a slender and flat-bottomed 2, while the large date has a 2 that is wider and more full or rounded at the bottom.
The curve created by the lower portion of the 2 is longer in the small date. The “LIBERTY” lettering on the small date coin will have a taller and shapely “T” and a wider space between the “B” and “E.
” Furthermore, the small date 1982 D penny was printed using sharper impressions of the dies; therefore, the letters, facial features and overall design will appear to be more distinct on the small date coin compared to the large date variety.
As with all coins, having a certified grade from a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC is essential for assigning accurate grades along with dates and mint marks for U. S. coins.
How rare is a 1982 small date copper penny?
The 1982 small date copper penny is a very rare and valuable coin that collectors have been eagerly seeking out over the years. To understand how rare it is, it helps to look at the mintage of other 1982 Lincoln cents.
In total, there were 5 billion 1982 Lincoln cents produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, of which about 1. 4 billion were made at the Philadelphia Mint and slightly more than 3. 6 billion were made at the Denver Mint.
The vast majority of these — 4. 6 billion to be exact — were made with the Large Date design. The Small Date 1982 Lincoln cent was only produced at the Philadelphia Mint and had a total mintage of only 350 million coins; that’s a fraction of the 1.
4 billion coins that were produced there overall.
Given the total production figures of 1982 Lincoln cents, it’s clear that the Small Date variety of the penny is dramatically rarer than its Large Date counterpart. It’s further estimated that less than half of the mintage still exist in good condition, making the exact rarity of the 1982 Small Date copper penny even harder to determine.
So the 1982 Small Date copper penny is an incredibly rare, valuable, and sought-after coin.
How do I know if my 1982 penny is valuable?
Knowing if your 1982 penny is valuable will depend on a few factors. The first factor is the condition of the coin. If your penny is in good condition, it has the potential to be more valuable than a penny in poor condition.
The second factor is the type of 1982 penny. You can typically find two variations in your pocket change: the Lincoln Memorial cent and the zinc Lincoln cent. The zinc Lincoln cent is more valuable than the Lincoln Memorial cent.
Finally, the mint mark on your penny will also affect its value. If you have a 1982-D penny, these are worth more than ones lacking a mint mark. To further investigate your penny and determine its true value, it is best to consult a professional numismatist.
They can accurately assess the condition, type and any other features that could affect the value.
What is the most valuable 1982 D penny?
The most valuable 1982 D penny is the 1982 D Small Date Lincoln Cent, which was struck improperly and exhibits a “pressed” appearance. It was first identified in 1997 and is extremely rare, with fewer than 50 of these known to exist.
With few recorded sales and a lack of reliable pricing information, it is difficult to accurately estimate the value of this coin. However, it has been previously reported that one example of this 1982 D Small Date Lincoln Cent sold for as high as $20,000.
Although it is extremely rare, it is still possible to find 1982 D pennies in circulation, so if you have one it is worth double checking to see if it is the valuable variant.
What is the weight error on a 1982 penny?
The weight error on a 1982 penny will depend on the variety of 1982 penny minted. For example, a 1982 no mintmark small date penny weighs 3. 11 grams, whereas a 1982-D small date penny weighs 3. 12 grams.
A 1982-D large date penny weighs 2. 50 grams, which is significantly less than a 1982-D small date penny. Most 1982 pennies minted in Philadelphia will have no mintmark and weigh 3. 11 grams. However, a 1982 penny from another mint will have a different weight and could potentially have a weight error.
It is important to note, however, that a penny’s weight can vary slightly due to normal wear and tear and this should not be considered a weight error.
What are the most sought after pennies?
The most sought after pennies are those that have been minted before 1970 and contain 95 percent copper content. The pre-1970 pennies are known as “wheat pennies” given the unique design of wheat stalks on the back.
These copper pennies are becoming increasingly rare as the U. S. government has not used copper for its cents since 1983. Certain errors, such as a large date variety for the 1909 penny and doubled dies, are also considered to be sought after.
Additionally, the 1943 steel penny is highly desired due to its impact on the American penny industry. Other rare pennies include 1947 Lincoln pennies produced with a D mint mark from the Denver Mint, 1944 pennies from the Philadelphia Mint that have an S mint mark and 1955 pennies from all three U.
S. Mints. Learn more about which pennies are in demand and how to determine if your penny is valuable.
What are the pennies to keep?
When deciding what pennies to keep, the most important thing to consider is the condition of the coin. Pennies that have been circulated and have no damage (including no scratches, dents, discoloration, or tarnishing) are worth more.
Pennies from before 1982 that have been circulated but still retain their original color and have a readable date can be worth more than newer pennies due to the higher copper content. If the date and inscriptions are no longer visible, then it is likely the penny has been over-circulated.
Pennies issued after 1982 are made out of zinc and copper plating, and their worth typically decreases as they become more worn. Generally, one should keep circulated pennies in good condition with readable dates and inscriptions, as they may have a higher value in the numismatic market.
Why are 1982 pennies special?
1982 pennies are special because they contain 95% copper and 5% zinc. These pennies were produced between 1959 and 1982, so they hold a special place in the hearts of coin collectors. They are not just valuable because of their composition, but also because they are becoming more rare.
After 1982, the United States switched to a new penny composition of 97. 5% zinc and 2. 5% copper. Because of their distinct composition, 1982 pennies are highly sought after by collectors and can even reach higher values than their face value.
Because of their copper content, copper penny enthusiasts also consider 1982 pennies special. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just getting started in this pastime, 1982 pennies are a special find.
What is special about the 1982 penny?
The 1982 penny is quite a rare find! It is the only Lincoln penny made with a brass composition that year because of rising copper prices. The U. S. Mint substituted the traditional copper plating with a brass alloy of copper and zinc, causing the penny to have a golden tint instead of its usual reddish hue.
This means that the 1982 penny is the only Lincoln penny from 1909 to 2019 to deviate from its standard colour. Making it a unique collectible for any penny enthusiast! The 1982 penny is also the last small-date penny produced for circulation.
The U. S. Mint changed the design of the penny in 1983, making the number ‘8’ on the reverse much larger and easier to read. Because of this, the 1982 penny is a highly sought-after coin, with values ranging from a few dollars to a couple hundred dollars, depending on its condition.
How can you tell if a penny is 1964 SMS?
The 1964 SMS penny or Special Mint Set is one of the most sought after coins by collectors. It was only issued by the United States Mint in limited quantities and is composed of a very unique composition.
It is composed of copper, nickel, and zinc of different proportions in each coin. It is not readily available to the public and most of the sets were sold directly to the US Mint.
To tell if a penny is an original 1964 SMS, the first thing to check is its composition. Since the US Mint changed the penny composition in 1965, if the penny is composed of three different metals it likely means it originated before 1965 and is an original 1964 SMS.
Secondly, look for mint marks on the coin to verify whether it is an original 1964 SMS. The original penny issued by the US Mint had a “D” mint mark but this changed in 1965 when the Philadelphia mint issued it with a “P” mint mark.
If a penny has a “P” mint mark rather than a “D” it is not an original 1964 SMS.
Finally, it’s a good idea to seek professional help if you suspect you may have an original 1964 SMS on hand. Certified coin dealers are knowledgeable in identifying coins and can give you an accurate assessment.
You can also check online sites, such as eBay, to compare the condition and mint mark of your coin against samples of original 1964 SMS.
How much is a 1964 penny worth with no mint mark?
A 1964 penny with no mint mark is generally worth around 15 cents in a well-circulated condition. In uncirculated condition and depending on preserves, the 1964 penny could be worth between 50 cents and $3.
If the coin is certified to be in Mint State 63 or higher, the 1964 penny is worth between $6 and $8. Additionally, if the penny is a Double Die Obverse variety, it could be worth hundreds of dollars.