Texas Searching for 1982 Penny Worth More Than $15,000

Is There a $19,000 Penny in Your Pocket? Here’s How to Find It

A rare 1982 penny is creating a buzz across Texas and the U.S., sending people scrambling to check their piggy banks and couch cushions.

Why the excitement?

This seemingly ordinary coin could fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $19,000—if you have the right one.

How To Identify Penny Worth $15,000

Coin collecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but for beginners, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you're drawn to history, artistry, or the thrill of finding something rare, there’s a place for everyone in the world of numismatics.

Some collectors treasure coins for their historical significance—imagine holding a piece of history from ancient Rome or the early days of the United States.

Others are captivated by stunning designs featuring animals, famous figures, or iconic landmarks. For many, the real thrill lies in discovering rare coins or those with unique minting errors, which can sometimes be worth a small fortune.

If you’re new to coin collecting, start small. Check your pocket change for coins with interesting designs or older dates—it’s an easy and cost-free way to begin.

As you grow more serious about your collection, consider investing in basic tools like a magnifying glass, gloves to handle coins safely, and an album to keep your treasures organized.

Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy this hobby. Coin collecting is all about curiosity, exploration, and discovering pieces of history right in your hands.

READ MORE: Dad Dumps 80,000 Pennies in Street for Final Child Support Payment [Video]

Four Key Identifiers Of Valuable 1982 Small Date Penny

Currently, there is one particular penny that has collectors all lathered up to get into their collections.

If you have one of these, it could be worth a pretty penny, very literally.

Below are the 4 things to look for to see if you have the right 1982 penny worth thousands of dollars.

1. The Date It Was Produced - The most important thing to look for first is the date on the penny. This particular penny must have been produced in 1982, no exceptions.

If your penny has 1982 on it, the next thing to look for is the mint mark.
2. 1982 Penny Mint Mark - Right below the 1982 you want to see the letter "D".

This mint mark indicates that the penny was minted in Denver, Colorado.

Alright, you have the 1982 and the letter "D" below it? Let's look at the next indicator...

3. 1982 Penny Weight - This is a very important indicator. The penny must weigh about 3.1 grams. According to different sources, this penny can also weigh in at 3.08 grams, 3.10 grams, and even as low as 2.98 grams. You're looking for a weight in this ballpark.

This has to do with the material the penny is made of.

You'll want to weigh it on a scale that's really sensitive like a Jewler's Scale that can detect these very small weight differences.

OK, if you have the first three, here's the last thing to look for, and it's a tricky one...

4.1982 Small Date Penny - You're going to want to break out a magnifying glass or the camera on your phone for this one.

From the-sun.com -

"The fourth factor that the currency expert noted was the sizing of its alphanumeric characters.

He said the penny must be a 'small date' coin rather than a 'large date' coin.

The former refers to the noticeably smaller letters and numbers on this coin compared to a standard version.

 
Miller pointed out that the small date penny's date and the words 'Liberty' and 'In God We Trust' were noticeably thinner."

So, crack open the piggy banks, dig through your change drawer, check the couch and maybe you'll get lucky enough to find one!

You can read more over the-sun.com.