1982 D Small Date Penny
The 1982 Lincoln cent series has gotten complicated with all the variety combinations, composition changes, and identification debates flying around. As someone who has sorted through countless rolls of 1982 pennies, I learned everything there is to know about these transitional coins. Today, I will share it all with you.
Why 1982 Matters
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—the U.S. Mint made major changes in 1982. Rising copper prices forced a switch from 95% copper to 97.5% zinc with copper plating. Both compositions were minted throughout the year.
Seven Varieties
That’s what makes 1982 endearing to us variety collectors—seven distinct combinations exist:
- Date Style: Small date vs. large date (thinner, more compact numerals on small date)
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D)
- Composition: Copper (3.11g) or zinc (2.5g)
The D Small Date
The 1982-D Small Date is particularly interesting. Produced at Denver, it exists in both copper and zinc versions, making identification doubly challenging.
Testing Composition
Weigh the coin on a precise scale:
- Copper: approximately 3.11 grams
- Zinc: approximately 2.5 grams
This simple test separates the two types instantly.
Collector Interest
The transitional nature and variety count makes 1982 pennies appealing for set builders. Finding all seven varieties from circulation remains a popular challenge.
