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1982 Bronze Small Date

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 10,712,525,000 Combined mintage for all 1982 Philadelphia varieties (Bronze + Zinc)
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-693

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About this coinHistory

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.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
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)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
10,712,525,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1982 Philadelphia varieties (Bronze + Zinc)).
What is a 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.