Lincoln Memorial Cent (Small Date)

United States · 1982

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1982
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)

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Identified May 20, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

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'.

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).

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).

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.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU). Shows light circulation wear and some plating bubbles/carbon spots on the reverse.

Mintage & rarity

Total 1982-D mintage: 6,012,979,368. Very common.

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.