So I've been saving tons of these lately since I didn't have a scale. I finally found a scale for real cheap and can now tell which ones are copper and zinc. I'm trying to fill some albums but I cannot see any difference between the large dates and the small dates. I have the red book but their picutures look identical to me. I have the same problem with other years, too but I'm mostly concerned with 1982 at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.
It isn't that hard to see with the naked eye if you look at them side by side. Here are a couple pics to help you: Large Date: Small Date: Side by side (Large/Small): I personally think it is easiest to see in the 8 and the 2. I hope that was somewhat helpful. :thumb:
I just look to see if it is close to the rim LARGE DATE almost touches the rim and the small is not near the rim
Why did you buy a scale for that job? The old popsicle stick on a pencil gimmick works just fine to separate otherwise identical appearing items with different weights.
I didn't buy a scale....the truth is my sister's boyfriend who lives with my mom and sister bought a digital scale to weigh certain...um...plants with. He let me use it. Thanks for all the help. I must be blind because it's still tough for me to see although I think I'm strarting to get it.
if you have a metal detector, that works good too. on mine at least for the copper cents it has a high tone and it shows 10 cents. on the zinc it has a medium tone and shows 1 cent. if you have a metal detector, this is the best way to do it.
