Small and large dates.. over 10 billion of them were minted in 1982. 10,712,525,000 is the number. There were 7 different business strike varieties that can easily be found in circulation. None have any kind of premium unless they are in Mint State condition. There was also a Proof Copper S Mint produced for the San Francisco Mint Set.
There is one though that is not on the list.. 1982 D Copper Small Date. Only 2 have ever been discovered and attributed by a professional coin grader. People have been searching for a third example for over 20 years In my honest opinion another will never be found and it's a waste of time and effort to do so. There are Facebook pages dedicated to the 1982 Cent of people claiming to have found one or few of them but they have always been proven that they are not! Even on this forum there have been claims of a third example but have always been wrong.
So what you're saying is the 1982 D copper small date variety is about the only one that would be of value from circulation?
No about, it is. Last year I bought the complete seven coin set for $4.95 but the small date copper is worth a lot more with only 2 ever found in circulation. I doubt a third will be found.
“Value” is a relative term. There are many 1982 coins that exist in various conditions that have value to those who kept them. The pinnacle of the ‘82s is the copper Denver small date, which would be valuable in any condition. Over the years I have kept about 40 of the common 7 types that were produced. I do not hold my breath in anticipation of finding a 3rd copper. I do enjoy the fine copies I have that took a lot of work and time to assemble…imo…Spark
