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 vs. Philadelphia).
- Denver struck cents display a “D” below the date.
- No Mint Mark means the coin was struck in Philadelphia
2) Check the Date Style (Large Date vs. Small Date)
- Large Date: The top of the “2” has a straight, flat top. The numbers “8” and “2” are also thicker and fuller. On the Large Date Variety the numeral two should have a straight diagonal two.
- Small Date: The top of the “2” has a distinctive curve that swoops downwards. The numbers in the date appear much more delicate and spaced out. The Small Date Variety will have a crooked diagonal two.
3) Check the weight. You will need a gram scale that is accurate to at least one-tenth of a gram.
- Copper pennies weigh 3.1 grams.
- Zinc pennies 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.
Finding the Treasure: The 1982-D Small Date Copper Rarity
Now, put the pieces together. The holy grail of this series is the 1982-D Small Date made of COPPER.
This coin should not exist. The Denver mint was supposed to have switched to the new zinc planchets before the “Small Date” die was used. However, at least one old copper planchet was accidentally struck with the new 1982-D Small Date die, creating this legendary transitional error.
- Weight: 3.1 grams (Copper)
- Date Style: Small Date
- Mint Mark: “D”
If your penny matches all three of these criteria, you have found an extremely valuable coin.
Don’t Guess—Get an Expert Opinion
Identifying these subtle differences can be challenging, and the value of a genuine 1982-D Small Date Copper penny makes professional authentication essential. As Life Members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), our experts can verify your find.
Whether you think you have the rare variety or a whole collection of 1982 cents, we can help you understand what you have. We provide a free, no-obligation evaluation of your coins.
If this was not enough information or you are still confused about your 1982 Lincoln Cent checkout this video.