Questions On 1982 Lincoln Penny

Is any of this rare? Why does the small date 1982 weigh 3.0 ? And also is the small date zincs worth anything?

The first two coins are of the 95% copper variety.

They look different because the 1982-D is a Large Date and the 1982 (P) is a Small Date. This is a die variety question and the date size and shape is not the only thing that changed. Lincoln's bust also became smaller with the Small Date, so you see a greater separation between the bust and the outer lettering, including WE and the Y in LIBERTY. That makes the overall appearance seem smaller.

The second two coins are both zinc Small Dates, and that's why they weigh less.

None of them are worth more than a cent, unfortunately.

I hope that makes cents.

Thanks for the tips in telling them apart. I think I see a difference in how the 8 looks to me but that hasn't been working too well so I'll try your suggestions.

to the CCF!

I enjoy doing the "ping" test where you drop the coin on a hard surface to determine if it's zinc or copper.

I do have to say, though, that listening to the dull, lifeless "blap" of the zinc coin landing is a reminder of how cheap our coinage has become. It sounds like a plastic fake coin you'd get in a box of Cracker Jacks.

Nick!