1982 was the transition year from copper to copper-plated zinc Lincoln cents. The U.S. Mint produced seven different 1982 cent varieties — three different mint mark / composition / date size combinations. Some are worth significantly more than others.
1982 large date copper, 1982 small date copper, 1982 large date zinc, 1982 small date zinc, 1982-D large date copper, 1982-D large date zinc, 1982-D small date zinc. Each is a distinct collectible.
Weigh the coin. Copper 1982 cents weigh 3.11 grams. Zinc cents weigh 2.5 grams. A digital jewelry scale gets you the answer in seconds. ErrorHunt also has a built-in weight verification tool.
Compare the 2 in 1982. The large date has a flat-bottom 2; the small date has a curved-bottom 2. Compare against reference photos for the cleanest call.
The 1982-D small date COPPER variety is the rarest and most valuable — only one confirmed example exists, and it sold for over $18,000. The 1982 small date copper (Philadelphia) is more common but still worth a few dollars.
Seven distinct varieties, combining copper vs zinc composition, large vs small date, and Philadelphia vs Denver mints.
The 1982-D small date COPPER. Only one authenticated example is confirmed. It sold for over $18,000.
Use a digital jewelry scale accurate to 0.01 grams. Copper weighs 3.11g, zinc weighs 2.5g.
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