The varieties consist of Large and Small date varities and within that are these same varieities struck on the copper cents from '81 and back and the new zinc cents minted from '82 on. I've read that they make a "different sound" if you drop them on wood or a countertop or something, but I wouldn't suggest "banging" coins on anything. The only way to tell the difference is to weigh them.
The easiest way to tell the difference is to drop them on a wooden table and listen to the noise. Ring = copper. Thud = zinc. And, no, it shouldn't hurt the cent.
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