1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent Value Guide

The 1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent is a pivotal piece of numismatic history, marking the U.S. Mint's transition from solid copper to copper-plated zinc. While seven varieties exist from this year, the copper 'small date' is highly coveted for its rarity and historical significance as the last of its kind.

What affects the value of 1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent?

• Composition is the primary driver; only the 3.11-gram copper-alloy versions command the high $500 - $600 price point.
• The numerical grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC significantly impacts the final market value.
• Surface preservation, including the presence of original red luster versus brown oxidation, dictates collector demand.
• The clarity of the 'Small Date' features, specifically the lack of die doubling or wear on the digits, ensures maximum value.

How to Identify 1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent?

• Verify the date size by checking the '2' in 1982; the small date variety features a more delicate, curved tail compared to the thicker, straight-based large date.
• Perform a weight test to confirm the material; a copper-alloy small date should weigh approximately 3.11 grams, whereas the zinc version weighs only 2.5 grams.
• Examine the distance between the date and the rim; the small date is positioned slightly further away from the edge than the large date variety.
• Look for the 'D' mint mark or lack thereof, though the copper small date from the Philadelphia mint is the primary target for this specific value range.

History of 1982 Small Date Lincoln Cent

The 1982 Lincoln Cent is notable in US coinage history as the year the US Mint transitioned from predominantly copper pennies to copper-plated zinc pennies due to rising copper costs. This transition led to two distinct compositions and two date sizes ('small date' and 'large date') for both compositions, resulting in seven different varieties of the 1982 penny. The 1982 Small Date Copper Penny is a specific and rarer variant among these, making it a sought-after item for collectors.