I have a book of Lincoln Memorial Cents from 1959-1998, and there is the 1982 section that has 7 spots. Under them, there is Cop.Lg.Dt, Cop.SM.Dt., Zn.Lg.Dt., Zn.Sm.Dt., Cop.Lg.Dt., Zn.Lg.Dt. What do those mean? How am I to tell which one is which? Thanks in advance!!!! -Brennn10
the varieties are copper large date, copper small date, zinc large date, zinc small date- p & d of each except 1 copper small date ( I forget which and don't have my references in fornt of me). easy way to tell copper from zinc is to drop it on a table, copper will have a ring and zinc will sound flat. Hope this helps Ziggy
Try this link - http://www.lincolncentresource.com/smalldates/1982.html They have a complete description of what they are and how to tell them apart.
One way that I use to tell the difference between the large date and the small date on the 1960 is the zero. The small zero is only 2/3's the height of the 6 while on the large date, the zero is as tall as the 6.
Sometimes we all need the should-be obvious explained to us; just wait til you get older. That said, there's no harm in asking any honest question as that's how we learn. Welcome to the forum, young sir.
Your best bet is at the Lincoln Cent Resource link rlm's cents posted above; there you will find the pickups to determine the date size. Copper Cents are heavier than Zlincolns, weighing 3.11g to the Zinc Cent's 2.5g.
First, the best way for you to see the differences between the large and small date is simply going to be to google it and look at the photos. It's just much easier, and will be more helpful to you than trying to explain with words. As for "copper" vs. zinc, right now the weight is probably your best bet, but in time you'll pick up on appearance differences that, in most cases anyway, will allow you identify the different compositions (although weight is always preferable).
I believe he is asking a question which I've pondered many times about the coins that are understood to have been struck of "copper" and "zinc" in the 1982 date (i.e. are the majority of cents with a 1982 date, struck in "copper" or "zinc"?). I don't know, as I had lost interest in cents after 1981. Do you know the answer? I've shrugged my shoulders many times, as I was asked the same question. If you have Tinnitus or other hearing deficiencies, "drop them" isn't an adequate answer. Does anyone know the gram weight difference between the two alloys? I believe he may, as I, have been stymied by your answer, and the seeming confusion that followed. JMHO