A 1982 penny weighing 3.11 grams is a copper cent minted in a transitional year when the U.S. Mint began changing the composition of the one-cent coin from predominantly copper to copper-plated zinc.
Understanding the 1982 Penny Composition
The year 1982 marked a significant shift in U.S. penny production. Prior to 1982, cents were primarily made of 95% copper, weighing approximately 3.11 grams. Beginning in late 1982, the composition changed to a copper-plated zinc core, which resulted in a lighter coin weighing about 2.5 grams.
Because of this transition, 1982 pennies can be found in two different compositions:
- Copper (3.11 grams): These coins were struck early in the year or from older planchets.
- Copper-Plated Zinc (2.5 grams): These coins were produced later in the year with the new composition.
Therefore, a 1982 penny weighing 3.11 grams indicates it is one of the copper versions of the cent.
Varieties of 3.11 Gram 1982 Pennies
The 1982 copper pennies (3.11 grams) were produced at multiple mints and with different date styles:
- 1982 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): These copper cents were struck without a mint mark (P). They exist in both "large date" and "small date" varieties.
- 1982-D (Denver Mint): These copper cents were struck with a "D" mint mark. These are typically found with the "large date" style.
All of these 3.11-gram copper varieties are considered common within the collecting community.
Value of a 1982 Penny (3.11 Grams)
For most collectors, 1982 copper pennies weighing 3.11 grams are not rare and typically hold a value very close to their face value.
Here's a breakdown of their approximate worth:
| Coin Type | Approximate Weight | Typical Value (Circulated Condition) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 No Mint Mark (Large Date) Copper | 3.11 grams | About 1 cent | This specific variety, in both large and small date versions, is common. The 'no mint mark' variety is considered slightly scarcer than the Denver-minted copper cents. |
| 1982 No Mint Mark (Small Date) Copper | 3.11 grams | About 1 cent | |
| 1982-D (Large Date) Copper | 3.11 grams | About 1 cent | The 1982-D copper cent with a large date is also common. |
| High Grade 1982 Copper Pennies | 3.11 grams | Potentially higher | If a 1982 3.11-gram penny is in exceptionally high, uncirculated condition, it might be worth more to a collector, but this is the exception rather than the rule for most coins found in circulation. Professional grading is often required for high-grade coins. |
In summary, a 1982 penny weighing 3.11 grams is a standard copper cent from that year, and unless it possesses an exceptionally high grade or a rare error (which is not indicated by its weight), its value remains around its face value.
