In the Lincoln cent series there are many popular errors and varieties. But one of the newest kids on the block is the 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln cent. It was produced during the busy transitional year of 1982, when seven different regular-issue circulating Lincoln cents were struck involving large dates and small dates on both the traditional 95% copper, 5% zinc planchets and the new copper-coated zinc cents.
The 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln penny was long theorized but was a coin whose existence was never numismatically confirmed until the first example appeared in 2016. The AU58 specimen sold for a stunning $18,800 at a 2017 Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction. A second example was found later and fetched $10,800 in the same condition. A subsequent appearance of the coin took $8,400. The bottom line? The 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln cent is a rare and valuable transitional error!
So, how do you find them? There are two key diagnostics: the size of the date and the coin’s weight. The 1982-D small date bronze weighs about 3.1 grams, versus only 2.5 grams for the far more common zinc issue. The small date can be distinguished by alignment of the tops of the date numerals along a single and solid (but invisible) plane, whereas the tops of the date numerals terminate at differing “heights.” Also, the “2” of the small date is curvier than that of the large date. These coins have been found in rolls and regular circulation, so you have as much a chance as anybody to find the next example!
Photo credit: Heritage Auctions, www.HA.com.
As a seasoned numismatist with a passion for uncovering the intricacies of coin varieties and errors, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the fascinating world of the 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln cent. My extensive knowledge in the field, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for numismatics, allows me to provide insights into this specific and relatively recent addition to the realm of coin collecting.
The 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln cent holds a unique place in numismatic history, emerging during the transitional year of 1982. This year marked a pivotal moment with the production of seven different regular-issue circulating Lincoln cents, featuring both large and small dates on traditional copper-zinc planchets and the new copper-coated zinc cents. The complexity of this transitional period adds layers of intrigue to the coin-collecting community.
The existence of the 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln penny was long theorized before being officially confirmed in 2016. The numismatic community experienced a notable revelation when the AU58 specimen fetched a remarkable $18,800 at a 2017 Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction. Subsequent examples surfaced, each commanding substantial prices—$10,800 and $8,400—underscoring the rarity and value of this transitional error.
To distinguish the 1982-D small date bronze from its more common counterparts, two key diagnostics come into play: the size of the date and the coin’s weight. The small date bronze weighs approximately 3.1 grams, a notable contrast to the 2.5 grams of the more prevalent zinc issue. Notably, the alignment of the tops of the date numerals is crucial in identification, with the small date exhibiting a consistent alignment along an invisible plane. Additionally, the curvature of the "2" in the small date differs from that of the large date.
These coins have been uncovered both in rolls and regular circulation, showcasing the element of accessibility for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The allure of stumbling upon the next example in everyday transactions or while searching through coin rolls adds an exciting dimension to the hunt for this rare and valuable transitional error.
In conclusion, the 1982-D small date bronze Lincoln cent stands as a testament to the intricate nuances within the world of coin collecting. With its unique characteristics and the thrill of discovery, this coin beckons collectors to delve into the rich history and evolving landscape of numismatics.
