I am trying to fill up some coin folders for lincoln cents. I know the difference between P & D mints, but I need the following info or a source besides a high dollar book I have to buy since its just to correctly fill the spaces. The book shows for 1982 the following: 82 Cop. Lg Dt 82 Cop. Sm Dt 82 Zn Lg Dt 82 Zn Sm Dt 82DCop. Lg Dt 82D Zn Lg Dt 82D Zn Sm Dt I have a few 82's but do not know how to distinguish. Any help is appreciated!
The copper cents weigh 3.1 grams and the zinc cents weigh 2.5 grams. The easiest way that I have found to determine large or small date is in the 2. On the large date, the 2 comes in at an angle to the base, whereas on the small date, it curves down into the base. Once you notice the difference, you can see it from across the street. Same goes with the copper and zinc. Once you weigh enough of 'em, you can tell as soon as you pick one up. (small difference in sound when they drop on a table too) Hope this helps you.
I found the 82 cents as one of the easiest to distinguish so far, the small date is going to be normal date, so you can take a 2004 or some penny with some of the same digitis in it, and compare, the large date, I found, will be bolder as well than the small date
Here is Exerpts from The standard Guide to the Lincoln Cent - Dr. Sol Taylor..... Woops! file too large for the Forum.....Must Upload to The Clubs Website.. The link is: 1982 Lincoln Cent .pdf
The quickest and easiest way that I have used to teach new staff members and collectors is buying the set. These 7 piece sets can be purchased for around $5 They come in a celphane pack with each labeled. Once you see them side by side, the ability to pick each one out is made easier.
