It could really pay off to crack your piggy bank and look for a rare and valuable 1982 penny that is worth anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. The Date The Penny Was Made - This should be the very first thing to look for when it comes to this penny, the date. The 1982 Penny Mint Mark - Located directly below the year 1982, you want to find the letter "D". 1982 Penny Weight - This is also very important to be certain one hundred percent. 1982 Small Date Penny - Okay, if you've made it through the first 3 indicators, it all comes down to this.