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1982 small date penny weight 3.1 gram

Is this coin rare and valuable

Comments

  • I forgot pic

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 9, 2018 10:46AM

    This was the year the composition of the cent changed. The of weight of 3.1 grams indicates this cent was minted with predominately copper (95%) versus the change over to copper plating over a zinc (92%) core.

    Those green specs appear to be verdigris.

    So you have a bronze penny with verdigris.

    Low value over face.

    Interesting side note: Melt value for the copper is about $0.018 or almosts 2 cents.

    Many with much more experience will help you.

    Edited to fix typo.

  • I thought it should be made of manly zinc. Making this an error coin? Which would make it valuable

  • HemisphericalHemispherical Posts: 9,370 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 9, 2018 10:47AM

    In 1982, both compositions were minted at the Pilly mint.

    Copper at 3.1g
    Copper plating over zinc core at 2.5g

    Edited to fix typo.

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 8,967 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Since it is a well worn and no where near AU, you may consider experimenting with it. Soak it in mineral oil for a few days. Then take a frayed wooden toothpick and see if you can dislodge the green corrosion off. Pat it dry. Buy yourself a digital caliper and digital scale. If copper, should be a little thicker and 3.1g. Save it it a 2x2 as a variety. Peace Roy

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  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,654 ✭✭✭✭✭

    No "D" NO dice

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