Greysheet Catalog Details (GSID: 71080)

In 1982, the mints made the transition from bronze planchets to copper-plated zinc. There are seven variants of cents from that year, involving composition date sizes. The Denver mint Small Date is not one of those variants; however, it was suspected that such a piece might exist. This piece was discovered on November 23, 2016 as Paul Malone combed through a 5,000-piece bag of cents from a local bank. Rather than rely on visual inspection, he weighed each cent on a homemade scale and then examined the heavy (bronze) pieces.

The so-called Small Date variant was created to facilitate the striking of the new copper-plated zinc planchets. It is most easily identified, not by the size of the date, but rather by the modified letters in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Also, the digit 2 in the date is noticeably farther from the rim than the same digit on the Large Date variant. In the three years that have elapsed since its discovery, only one other piece has been certified (7/19). That coin was also certified as AU58 by NGC, leading us to wonder if it is indeed a second coin or a resubmission of this piece. The insert classifies this cent as an error. It is termed that way because it was apparently struck from a leftover bronze planchet from the prior year, a situation analogous to the famous 1943 bronze cents. The surfaces are bright overall with light brown patina that is accented by an outline of red around the devices. A few small to medium-sized marks make for easy pedigree identification.

(Heritage Auctions)
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln framed by IN GOD WE TRUST on the top periphery. The word LIBERTY to the left of the portait and the date postioned on the right side.
Reverse: Lincoln memorial building centered with words ONE CENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on top and bottom periphery. E PLURIBUS UNUM centered above the top of the memorial.

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