Price Guide for 1982 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $2.48 – $2,567.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $763.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $15,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.25 – $3,528.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,205.55
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10,800.00Uncirculated: $20.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,300.00 – $7,050.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $2,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $2,030.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,401.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $1,880.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $610.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $400.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.99 – $2.26Uncirculated: $9.99 – $45.59
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $196.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $407.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.25 – $445.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $625.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $550.00Uncirculated: $69.00 – $2,185.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $683.87Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.00 – $485.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $12.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.51 – $75.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $106.00
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eBayCirculated: $36.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $75.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $45.00 – $204.00
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eBayUncirculated: $99.99 – $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $115.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $110.00
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eBayUncirculated: $56.02 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.80 – $25.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $183.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $39.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00
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eBayUncirculated: $30.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $173.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $870.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $9.99 – $99.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99 – $14.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $63.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $27.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $12.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $82.50
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eBayUncirculated: $8.75 – $26.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $75.00
Design and Specifications of the 1982 Cent
The 1982 Lincoln Cent marks a significant transition in U.S. coinage history. This year saw the change in composition from the traditional 95% copper alloy to a new copper-plated zinc composition. The switch was made mid-year due to rising copper prices, making the production of copper cents more expensive than their face value.
This transition resulted in seven different varieties of 1982 cents, making it a particularly interesting year for collectors. The change in composition was a cost-saving measure for the U.S. Mint and represents a major shift in American coinage.
| Weight | 3.11 grams (copper) or 2.5 grams (zinc) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco for proof coins) |
| Composition | Copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) and 95% copper, 5% zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1982 cents significantly impacts their value, especially for the copper varieties. Uncirculated examples with full original luster are highly sought after, particularly those grading MS65 or higher. For zinc cents, spotting and corrosion can be issues that affect value.
The strike quality is important, with well-struck coins commanding premiums. Coins with full steps on the Lincoln Memorial reverse are particularly desirable. For proof coins, deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 10,712,525,000 (combined zinc and copper)
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (MS65+) due to high mintage and circulation
Varieties Errors: Large Date Copper, Small Date Copper, Large Date Zinc, Small Date Zinc
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for copper varieties and high-grade examples
Mintage: 6,012,979,368 (combined zinc and copper)
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (MS65+) due to high mintage and circulation
Varieties Errors: Large Date Copper, Small Date Copper, Large Date Zinc
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for copper varieties and high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,857,479
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades (PR65+) due to careful handling
Varieties Errors: All proofs are copper composition
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for flawless deep cameo examples
Transitional errors from 1982 are highly prized. These include copper planchets struck with zinc dies or vice versa. The various date sizes (large and small) for both compositions add complexity and interest for collectors.
The copper varieties generally command higher premiums due to their intrinsic metal value and historical significance. Die varieties, such as doubled dies or repunched mint marks, can also add substantial value to 1982 cents.
For all varieties, toning can be a factor, with attractively toned copper cents often commanding premiums. The preservation of original surfaces, free from cleaning or other alterations, is crucial for maximizing value.
