The cent’s composition was changed in 1982 because the value of the copper in the coin started to rise above one cent. Some 1982 pennies used the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition.
What is the error on a 1982 penny?
The most valuable 1982 penny is a transitional error caused by the move from 95% copper to 99.2% zinc composition. It’s the 1982-D “small date” Lincoln Memorial cent made from copper. There wasn’t supposed to be any “small date” bronze Lincoln cents struck in Denver in 1982.
How did the composition of pennies change in 1982?
The alloy remained 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc until 1982, when the composition was changed to 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper (copper-plated zinc). Cents of both compositions appeared in that year.
Why are there so many 1982 pennies?
The most valuable 1982 penny is a transitional error caused by the move from 95% copper to 99.2% zinc composition. It’s the 1982-D “small date” Lincoln Memorial cent made from copper. … Leftover copper planchets struck with the new “Small Date” dies meant for zinc coins caused this error coin rarity.
Why did they change pennies?
The cent’s composition was changed in 1982 because the value of the copper in the coin started to rise above one cent. Some 1982 pennies used the 97.5% zinc composition, while others used the 95% copper composition.
How do I know if my 1982 penny is worth money?
The 1982 obverse doubled die copper large date penny is also valuable, but it’s worth considerably less than the small date zinc double die. A piece of the other 1982 penny varieties in uncirculated grade is worth $2 to $4. You may also read,
What are the 7 different 1982 pennies?
- 1982 brass large date.
- 1982 brass small date.
- 1982 zinc large date.
- 1982 zinc small date.
- 1982-D brass large date.
- 1982-D zinc large date.
- 1982-D zinc small date.
Check the answer of
What is the rarest 1982 penny?
The most valuable 1982 penny is a transitional error caused by the move from 95% copper to 99.2% zinc composition. It’s the 1982-D “small date” Lincoln Memorial cent made from copper.
How much is a 1982 d penny worth?
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1982 D Lincoln Penny value at an average of 1 cent, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $6. Read:
How much money is a 1982 penny worth?
The 1982 copper penny with no mint mark and the small date is worth around $0.50 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1982 D copper penny is worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
What year is the oldest penny?
1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Penny (1 Cent). This is the oldest Lincoln Cent in the world. It is also called a wheat penny because the obverse side has wheat stalks.
What is the rarest penny?
The 1943 copper-alloy cent is one of the most enigmatic coins in American numismatics — and reportedly the most valuable Lincoln penny of all.
Why are pennies not made of pure zinc?
In 1943, copper was needed for war materials, so pennies were made out of zinc-coated steel. Because the color was silvery, it was easy to mistake a penny for a dime.
How can you tell if you have a 1982 D small date penny?
You’ve got to check the alignment of the tops of each numeral in the date to see if you’ve got a small date or large date penny: On a 1982-D Large Date penny, the tops of the “9” and “8” in the “1982” date will appear higher than the “1” and the “2”
Are pre 1982 pennies worth saving?
You should keep all pre-1982 pennies. If you can distinguish between 1982 brass and zinc pennies, keep the brass ones. All wheat pennies are worth keeping. Keep all pennies (even recent ones) that appear to have something “off” about them — they may be error or die variety coins.
