Is your 1982 penny worth $20,000? Probably not, here's why - USA Today
The article debunks the viral online claim that a rare 1982 penny is worth thousands, explaining that only two such coins (1982-D Small Date bronze cent) have ever been found. It warns against online hustlers and false hope for amateur collectors.
Why it matters
It educates the public about a common online scam or misinformation, protecting amateur collectors from being fleeced and setting realistic expectations for rare coin finds.
Hear this story Could there be a penny in your pocket worth thousands of dollars? It's highly unlikely.
Still, online influencers on Facebook , TikTok and YouTube continue to plug the storyline that a particular rare 1982 penny can be found in pocket change. These posts generate clicks, but they can also create false hope among amateur collectors and those looking to score a rare find.
Additionally, there's a slew of hustlers online looking to fleece the unwary. The rare coin in question, and that social media is abuzz about, is the holy grail of pennies: the 1982-D Small Date cent. The copper coin from the Denver mint, previously valued at between $18,000 and $25,000, is valuable because very few (we don't know how many) were minted.
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