Lincoln Memorial Cent (1982-D Large Date Small Motto)
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), though 1982-D also comes in 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. penny. Materials switched from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc to save costs. Additionally, the master hubs were changed, resulting in 'Large Date' and 'Small Date' varieties for both compositions.
Estimated Value
$0.01-$0.05 circulated; $1-$10 in uncirculated (MS) condition. The specific specimen shown has plating blisters and wear.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning, as the acidic environment or abrasives can strip the thin copper plating, exposing the zinc core which will corrode (rot) quickly.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common. There were over 6 billion pennies struck at Denver in 1982. This specific variety is a common transition issue.
Weight & Diameter
19.05 mm diameter. Weight is either 3.11g (Copper) or 2.5g (Zinc). This specimen appears to be Zinc due to plating blisters.
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (Circulated). Visible surface bubbling (zinc rot/plating blisters) and minor contact marks.
Obverse (Front)
Profile of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Inscriptions: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1982' with a 'D' mint mark. This is the 'Large Date' variety.
Reverse (Back)
The Lincoln Memorial. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'ONE CENT'. Designer Frank Gasparro's initials are visible to the right of the memorial base.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Composition (Copper vs Zinc), Date Size (Large vs Small), and Condition. The 1982-D Small Date Copper is the famous 'rare' variant; this coin is the common Large Date variety.
Similar Coins
1982 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and 1982-D Small Date. Distinguishable by the shape of the '8' and the alignment of the numbers in the date.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authenticity issues are rare for this common date, but the '1982-D Small Date Copper' is often faked by altering zinc coins. Use a precise scale: 3.1g is copper, 2.5g is zinc.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1982-D Small Date Copper (very rare/valuable), and various Doubled Die Obverses from the same year.
Created At: 2026-05-20T10:25:30.846759