As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1982 Bronze Small Date
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 10,712,525,000 Combined mintage for all 1982 Philadelphia varieties (Bronze + Zinc) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | Victor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-693 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
Other recorded varieties for 1982:
- 1982 Bronze Large Date · Bronze Large Date
- 1982 Zinc Large Date · Zinc Large Date
- 1982 Zinc Small Date · Zinc Small Date
External references
The 1982 Bronze Small Date is the second of the two copper-composition Philadelphia varieties from the transition year. It is distinguished from the Large Date by its thinner, more compact numerals in the date "1982." The Small Date is generally considered the scarcer of the two bronze Philadelphia varieties, making it a more desirable find for variety collectors.
Both compositions circulated simultaneously in 1982, and the average person never noticed the difference. But collectors did. A simple test separates the two: dropping a copper cent on a hard surface produces a clear, ringing tone, while a zinc cent lands with a dull thud. The weight difference is also definitive: 3.1 grams for bronze, 2.5 grams for zinc. The 1982 Bronze Small Date is part of a seven-coin variety set that many collectors assemble to document the last great composition change in American cent production.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | — | — |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | — | — |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | — | — |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | — | — |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | — | — |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | — | — |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
How many 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
What is a 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Is the 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
Live listings from eBay. As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you click a link and make a purchase. See all on eBay →
It is important that you educate yourself on a coin before making a substantial purchase, as some coins on eBay could be counterfeit or misrepresented. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects the buyer in these cases.