If your Lincoln Memorial penny has a date before 1982, it is made of 95% copper. If the date is 1983 or later, it is made of 97.5% zinc and plated with a thin copper coating. For pennies dated 1982, when both copper and zinc cents were made, and best way to determine their composition is to weigh them.
How much is a 1983 Mint coin set worth?
USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1983-P Uncirculated Mint Set (Souvenir Set Variety) is Worth $137 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition.
Are pennies minted before 1982 made of the same metal as pennies after 1982?
So for the past 30 years, pennies have been made with an alloy comprised of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, but pennies minted before 1982 are 95% copper and 5% zinc. The price of copper has more than quadrupled over the past 10 years. So a penny produced before 1982 is worth 2.2 cents based on the metal it contains.
Are 1982 pennies valuable?
As most 1982 pennies are pretty common, they’re not worth much over face value — especially if they’re worn. In fact, circulated copper cents are worth a couple cents, while normal zinc 1982 Lincoln cents are worth only face value.
Are there any 1982 proof coins in the US Mint?
The US Mint still sold a relatively large number of sets. A contributing factor may have been the fact that uncircualted coin Mint Sets were not offered in 1982. The 1982 Proof coins are typically found with strong deep cameo devices. Notably, the Lincoln Cents contained in the Proof Sets were struck in the bronze composition.
