Lincoln Memorial Cent (Small Date)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1982
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Composition: Likely Copper-Plated Zinc (Core: 99.2% Zinc, Coating: 0.8% Copper) due to bubbling, though some 1982-D were 95% copper.
Brief Description
A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.
Historical Significance
1982 was a transition year for the U.S. cent, switching from a 95% copper alloy to a copper-plated zinc composition. This year also features two distinct hub designs: 'Large Date' and 'Small Date'.
Estimated Value
Face value to $0.10 in circulated condition; $1-$3 in high uncirculated grades. (Note: Only the 1982-D Small Date in bronze/copper is a rare multi-thousand dollar error; common zinc versions are worth face value).
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; do not clean or polish as it removes the patina and destroys numismatic value. Store in a dry, PVC-free environment.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Total 1982-D mintage: 6,012,979,368. Very common.
Weight & Diameter
Zinc: 2.5g, Copper: 3.11g; Diameter: 19.05 mm
Edge
plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU). Shows light circulation wear and some plating bubbles/carbon spots on the reverse.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1982' with a small 'D' mint mark. This specific coin features the 'Small Date' variety, characterized by the top of the '8' being level with the '1' and '9'.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial building. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designer: Frank Gasparro (initials FG visible to the right of the steps).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Composition (Copper vs. Zinc), Date Hub (Small vs. Large), and Strike Quality. The presence of 'zinc rot' bubbles on the reverse suggests this is the common zinc variety.
Similar Coins
1982-D Large Date Cent (top of the 2 is straight vs. curved in small date), and 1982 Copper Plated Zinc vs Solid Bronze compositions.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight is the primary method to distinguish type. Zinc cents weigh 2.5g; copper cents weigh 3.11g. Authentic 1982-D Small Date Copper cents are extremely rare.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1982-D Small Date Bronze (Extremely Rare transitional error); Zinc versions are common.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:23:37.946154