Is the 1983 mostly copper cent a wife's tail or wise tail what ever you say? Or should I really be weighing them with my 82's I set aside? THANKS JON
Saw this recently. "While you’re at it check all 1983 cents for weight. If you find one that weighs 3.1 grams, it is most probably struck on a planchet intended for the early part of 1982 before the Mint changed over from solid copper alloy planchets to copper- plated zinc cents that weigh 2.5 grams. These have been found on cents from both mints with one from Philadelphia fetching over $23,000 in a Heritage sale. Copper planchets are are also known on 1989-D and 1990-D cents." Old errors lurk in your cent change
83 copper cents are a fact and not an old wive's tale. Perhaps think of it this way... if you're already going through the hassle of weighing your 82 cents, why not take a chance and weigh (those not obviously zinc) 83s as well? Unlike separating copper cents that'll never be worth the effort invested, at least there's a chance (albeit very slim) you'll find something of value.
Since this article was published, can you imagine the number of mint sets and rolls that are now being broken down, yikes!
