How to Find a 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Cent (No Mint Mark)

The 1982 bronze small date Lincoln cent, struck at Philadelphia with no mint mark, combines the older 95%-copper alloy with the newer “Small Date” numeral style—the middle stage of the two changes the Mint made to the cent during 1982.

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What makes the 1982 bronze small date cent important to collectors?

During 1982, rising copper prices pushed the Mint to switch the cent’s composition from 95% copper (about 3.11 grams) to copper-plated zinc (about 2.5 grams)—a changeover documented by PCGS CoinFacts and the U.S. Mint’s own published coin specifications. Separately, the Mint changed its date-punch design that year from “Large Date” to “Small Date” numerals. Because the two changes ran on independent schedules, Philadelphia struck cents in all four combinations of date style and composition before the year was out; Denver, by contrast, moved straight from bronze large date to zinc without an intentional bronze small date run.

The bronze small date from Philadelphia sits in the middle of that transition—after the date punch changed, but before the metal did. Per PCGS CoinFacts, Mint reports for the year cover total cent production without breaking it out by date style or composition, so there’s no official mintage specific to this combination, but it is not considered scarce.

How to identify a 1982 bronze small date cent

Confirm no mint mark

No letter beneath the date means Philadelphia. A “D” would mean Denver.

Identify the Small Date

The “2” curves up at the bottom into what collectors call a “swan’s neck,” rather than sitting on a straight baseline. The “8” has a noticeably smaller top loop than bottom loop, giving it a “snowman” silhouette. Compare against certified reference photos rather than relying on a single feature. This date-punch difference is a recognized attribution point used by both PCGS and NGC, not a product of wear or a weak strike.

Confirm the bronze composition

Weigh the coin on a scale accurate to 0.01 gram. Per PCGS CoinFacts and the U.S. Mint’s published specifications, bronze cents (95% copper, 5% zinc and tin) weigh approximately 3.11 grams; copper-plated zinc cents (97.5% zinc core with thin copper plating) weigh approximately 2.5 grams. Both share the same 19.05mm diameter and plain edge. Weight is the only reliable way to separate the two compositions—color and shine are not.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

Certification matters most for high-grade, strong Red examples where a real premium is being asked. Verify any certification number directly with the grading service.

Understanding grades and color designations

• BN — Brown, RB — Red-Brown, RD — Red describe how much original mint color remains, separate from the numerical grade. Full Red mint-state coins bring the strongest premiums.

Problem coins

Copper cents are prone to cleaning, recoloring, spotting, and corrosion. A details-graded example is a lower-cost way to own the variety, but understand the stated problem before buying.

Suggested search terms and filters

Try “1982 bronze small date cent,” “1982 copper small date penny,” “1982 small date 3.11 gram cent,” or “1982 1C bronze small date.” Narrow by grade or color designation (BN, RB, RD).

Availability and pricing notes

This variety turns up regularly in dealer inventory. Compare listings by grade, color, and surface quality—asking prices vary and don’t necessarily reflect completed sales.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin using “1982 bronze small date cent.”
2. Compare available listings by grade, color designation, and price.
3. Save it to your wishlist if nothing fits right now.
4. Get notified when new matching inventory appears.
5. Verify weight and date style before buying, especially for higher-grade claims.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1982 bronze small date cent rare?

No. It’s one of the more available 1982 varieties, distinct from the extremely rare 1982-D Small Date struck by mistake on a bronze planchet at Denver.

How do I tell it from the large date version?

Look at the “2” and “8.” The small date’s “2” has a curved “swan’s neck” base and the “8” has a smaller top loop; the large date’s “2” has a straight base and a more symmetrical “8.”

How do I tell it from the zinc version?

Weigh it—bronze weighs about 3.11 grams, zinc about 2.5 grams, using a scale accurate to 0.01 gram.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1982 bronze small date cent” to your wishlist, and you’ll be notified when matching dealer inventory appears.

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