1982 D Mint Lincoln Cent Small Date

Because they are common 1982-D LARGE date cents. Weight (therefore composition) is only part of the equation.

This might be confusing, but there are EIGHT different 1982 cents. Four of them are ZINC (82-P Large date, 82-D Large date, 82-P Small date & 82-D Small date), and four of them are COPPER (82-P Large date, 82-D Large date, 82-P Small date & 82-D Small date). Seven of these are fairly common, it's only the 82-D Copper that is the super rare coin.

I used the "P" above to denote the Philadelphia mint, but we all know in 1982 the Philly mintmark is not used.

I hope me listing all 8 varieties helps! It does get confusing!

2.5 cents are zinc cents.
3.11 cents are copper cents

Note there is no small date copper cent from Denver?