One of the biggest giveaways with the 1960 small date and large date pennies is the tops of the numerals:
- If the tops of the “1,” “9,” and “0” are all on the same plane, you’ve got a 1960 small date penny.
- If the “9” pops up higher than the “1,” then you’ve got a 1960 large date penny.
How do I know what 1982 penny I have?
If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc and plated with a thin copper coating. For pennies dated 1982, when both copper and zinc cents were made, and best way to determine their composition is to weigh them.
What is a 1982 small date penny?
The 1982-P Small Date copper Lincoln cent is one of the most difficult memorial cents to find in high grade condition. They are scarce even in MS64 and MS65 grades. It is one of the most difficult varieties to find in high grade out of all seven different varieties of this date.
What’s the difference between small and large 1982 pennies?
First of all, 1982 cents can be Philadelphia mint (no mintmark) or Denver mint (D mintmark). Secondly, 1982 cents can be a large date or a small date. One of the best ways to distinguish is to look at the number “2” in the date. The large date “2” has a thick, fat base with no curve.
How can you tell if a 1982 cent is a large date?
Cents of 1982 are the only ones in question. First of all, 1982 cents can be Philadelphia mint (no mintmark) or Denver mint (D mintmark). Secondly, 1982 cents can be a large date or a small date. One of the best ways to distinguish is to look at the number “2” in the date. The large date “2” has a thick, fat base with no curve.
How big is a small date in 1982?
The small date “2” has a delicate base with a slow curve at it’s base. ones weigh 2.5 grams. For this you would need a scale to weigh the difference. Build your own Coin Scale – it’s easy!!! You can make your own scale that will differentiate between ZINC and COPPER 1982 cents.
How can you tell the difference between large and small date cents?
The large dates have a much fatter looking “8” in the date then the small date cents. The base of the “2” is also a fairly easy difference to see. Here is a comparison picture which illustrates the differences. Compare your cents to the pictures and to each other and you should be able to tell them apart.
