Welcome to Coin Talk. (Again). Here's why: Only one 1982 Lincoln Cent is rare. It's the 1982 D Small date Copper Cent. So far, only two have been found.
I can't tell from you Pics which one's you have but I know some are Zinc ( 2.5g) AND copper (3.11g ) . Here's are good links on the 1982 Cent. United States 1982 Lincoln Cent (coinweek.com), 1982 P & D Large and Small Dates (lincolncentresource.com)
Yep. This is one area where I'm an expert. I have a box filled with 1982 pennies. There are seven varieties. I have every variety minus the 1982 D small date copper. I think my only luck with 1982 pennies is that I have some very nice high grade coins for that year, since I started searching for the known varieties that year. There are a lot of websites that shows the difference between the large and small "D" dates. Once you see the difference it's easy to look for, not so easy to find. I have hundreds of small date Denver minted pennies, but they all weigh 2.5 grams. I'm constantly seeing people advertise large date D pennies as the 1982 D small date and it's frustrating. If the small date doesn't have a "D" it's not the rare variety. Both the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced the large date copper pennies. They are normal. The Philadelphia mint made small date copper cents and it's normal to find copper ones. Denver minted small date coins that were supposed to be all zinc. But like Thomas said, two copper Denver minted pennies have been found. I've been searching for the Denver small date copper cent for years. As far as I can tell from the pictures, your pennies are some of the varieties. The "2" has a more rounded shape than the small date. USA coin book has a photo showing the difference. Look at the "2" in comparison. Google the site for images. The small date Denver minted penny must also weigh 3.1 grams for it to be the elusive penny. Both copper and zinc pennies were made that year. 1982 is probably one of the most diverse years for pennies, since it was a transitional year and there are so many varieties. The copper "D" small date penny is one I'd really like to find. With each box of pennies I search, that is one huge goal of mine.
Thanks for your information i have several 1982s myself and some are in good shape some not so good i cannot for the life of me figure out the small n large date n im not even sure wats dd. Looks like i guess its a learning process as it is with anything i hope you find ur coin ill jus tbe happy if i find one thats worthsome good $$
Hello I noticed you were inquiring about the 1982 D copper penny I have the 3.1 gram penny Edited- no solicitation on the public forums, please- send a private message.
