- Post published:January 29, 2021
- Post category:Articles
Seven of the eight different 1982 Lincoln Cents in uncirculated condition. This set is worth $10.00
Due to rising production costs the United States Mint experimented with several variations in the metal composition and design of the 1982 Lincoln cent. The copper coins weigh 3.1 grams, while the zinc coins weigh 2.5 grams. Also since zinc is harder than copper, the zinc coins have lettering that is smaller and of lower relief. This so that the coins would strike up properly. There are nominally seven different official varieties of this transitional Lincoln Memorial cent.
The coins above have collector value only in grades of Mint State 67 and higher.
The 1982-D small date copper variety is the one that is worth all the money.
Only couple of this unofficially issued transitional cent variety have been found. Estimated values for even a circulated coin are in excess of $15,000.
Four Easy Steps to tell the variety of your 1982 Lincoln cent and find out if you have the rare 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Memorial Cent.
1) Check for the Mint Mark. Denver struck cents display a “D” below the date. No Mint Mark means the coin was struck in Philadelphia
2) Check the numeral 8 in the date. On the Large Date Variety the numeral eight will have equal sized upper and lower loops in the eight. The Small Date Variety will have a smaller upper loop than the bottom.
3) Check the numeral 2 in the date. On the Large Date Variety the numeral two should have a straight diagonal two. The Small Date Variety will have a crooked diagonal two.
4) Check the weight. The copper varieties weigh 3.1 grams. While the zinc varieties weigh 2.5 grams.
For those of you still reading, there are three further varieties. However they do not have much collector value even in high grade.
1982-D Double Die – Lincoln has an extra ear lobe.
1982 Double Die Obverse – has some mild obverse doubling.
1982 Double Die Reverse Zinc Small Date – has some mild reverse doubling.
If this was not enough information or you are still confused about your 1982 Lincoln Cent checkout this video.
Tags: 1982 coin error, 1982 Coin variety, 1982 error coin, 1982 Lincoln cent, 1982 lincoln penny, 1982 penny
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I'm an avid numismatist and coin enthusiast with a deep understanding of coin varieties and errors. Over the years, I have actively engaged in coin collecting, attending conventions, and closely following developments in the numismatic community. My expertise extends to the specifics of different coin series, including the 1982 Lincoln Cents.
The article you mentioned, published on January 29, 2021, provides valuable insights into the various varieties of the 1982 Lincoln Cent. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Background on 1982 Lincoln Cents:
- The United States Mint experimented with metal composition and design in 1982 due to rising production costs.
- Two main variations exist: copper coins weighing 3.1 grams and zinc coins weighing 2.5 grams.
- Zinc coins have smaller and lower relief lettering because zinc is harder than copper.
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Transitional Lincoln Memorial Cent Varieties:
- There are nominally seven official varieties of the transitional Lincoln Memorial cent in 1982.
- Collector value is emphasized for coins in Mint State 67 and higher grades.
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The Rarity of 1982-D Small Date Copper Variety:
- The 1982-D small date copper variety is highlighted as exceptionally valuable.
- Few unofficially issued transitional cent varieties have been found.
- Estimated values for even circulated coins exceed $15,000.
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Identification of the 1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Memorial Cent:
- Four steps are provided to identify the variety:
- Check for the Mint Mark (D for Denver, no Mint Mark for Philadelphia).
- Examine the numeral 8 in the date for equal or unequal loops.
- Evaluate the numeral 2 for a straight or crooked diagonal.
- Check the weight (3.1 grams for copper, 2.5 grams for zinc).
- Four steps are provided to identify the variety:
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Additional Varieties and Their Collector Value:
- Three more varieties are mentioned with less collector value:
- 1982-D Double Die – Lincoln has an extra ear lobe.
- 1982 Double Die Obverse – mild obverse doubling.
- 1982 Double Die Reverse Zinc Small Date – mild reverse doubling.
- Three more varieties are mentioned with less collector value:
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Video Resource:
- A video resource is suggested for those seeking more information or clarification on their 1982 Lincoln Cent.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for collectors to identify and understand the value of different 1982 Lincoln Cent varieties, emphasizing the rarity and significance of the 1982-D small date copper variety.
